ZOMBIES will be taking over Poole town centre for the first time as a new festival comes to the area. A parade of the undead creatures will make its way along the High Street and towards the quay as part of Poole Zombie Fest. The event, which takes place on October 27, has been organised by Poole Business Improvement District (BID) and Zombie Escapes HQ. The free, family-friendly day of activities will kick off in Falkland Square in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

All visitors will be encouraged to wear zombie fancy dress and visit the special effects team and the face painting stand, where experts will be on hand throughout the day to add the finishing touches to costumes ahead of the parade.

The free-to-enter parade will begin at Falkland Square at approximately 4pm and will end at the quay at 4.45pm. Prizes will be awarded for the ‘worst dressed’ zombies.

A pop-up, zombie-themed escape room will also be built in the centre of the Square and will immerse participants into the world of the undead and provide a frightfully good time to all those who dare to enter.

Other family-friendly activities will include a zombie photo area, which will provide photo mementos from the event, and fair rides for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Craft and food stands will be positioned along the High Street and throughout Falkland Square, serving treats throughout the day.

Justin Hundley-Appleton, BID manager, said: “We’re really excited about the Poole Zombie Fest coming to town. It’s a great opportunity for our local businesses to pool together and show visitors what we have to offer. "There will be all sorts of deals and discounts for those in fancy dress on the day as well as seeing what the different traders have to offer.

“I’m really looking forward to judging the ‘worst dressed’ zombie costume competition and seeing how creative everyone gets with their costumes - it’ll be a great day out for all the family.”

For the latest updates visit www.poolebid.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter using #PooleZombieFest.