Halloween is just over a week away, the shops are filled with huge bags of sweets, pumpkins and cheap broomsticks, fake blood and witches' hats, and my cupboards are starting to strain under the weight of fun-size chocolates, which strangely enough have already been sampled... whoops!

And less than a week after the spookiest night of the year, we have what could be the loudest, as the fifth of November rolls around and the hats, gloves and scarves come out in readiness for a night in front of a large fire, 'oohing' and 'aahing' as multi-coloured rockets explode above our heads.

Now you may be very organised; you may have already planned the party, sent out the invitations and written the shopping list to include 'cobwebs', 'food colouring', 'sparklers', 'hot dogs and rolls', depending on which event you're planning on celebrating (and if you're doing both, I am more than a little envious!) However, for the majority of us 'normal' people, who can barely plan the next few hours, let alone two separate parties, you may be interested to know that there are plenty of Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night events taking place in and around Brentwood in 2012.

Here's a round up of our favourites:

Halloween in Brentwood 2012 On October 27th 2012, from 7pm until 10pm, Warley Park Golf Club is putting on a Halloween Spooktacular. Back by popular demand, The Fawlty Towers Troupe will be providing a fantastic mix of comedy and horror, complemented by a three course meal for just £25 per person.

Between Saturday 27th October and Sunday 4th November 2012, Old MacDonald's Farm on Weald Road, South Weald, Brentwood is putting on a range of Halloween Half Term fun, courtesy of Artbound's Mary Martin. 

Activities include the opportunity to meet Scooby Doo on Sunday 27th October, plus pumpkin carving, story-telling (spooky of course!) and a Ghost Hunt. Please visit the Old MacDonald's Farm website for more information and to book tickets.

For the older kids and Halloween loving adults amongst you, make sure you come along to Weald Country Park's Fright Night on Saturday October 27th. Strictly for 7's and over, scare yourself silly on a night walk through the park, in South Weald, Brentwood, with no torches and no dogs (sorry Scooby – you'll have to stay at home this time). 

Booking is essential; please call 01277 261 343.

Bonfire Night in Brentwood 2012 The White Horse on Coxtie Green, Brentwood has organised a Bonfire Night party on November 2nd 2012, starting at 7pm and finishing at 11pm.

Just 4 miles from Brentwood, on Friday November 9th 2012, Harold Wood Primary School is holding a Firework Display, with food and refreshments available. With all proceeds going towards the school's charity, gates open at 6:30pm and the firework display will be taking place between 7:30pm-8pm. Entry is via wristbands, which cost £6 per adult and £4 per child aged between 4-16.

Don't forget – if you are planning a public party or event in the local area to celebrate Halloween or Bonfire Night, let us know! It's completely free to list your event on thebestof Brentwood.