The witching hour is almost upon us, with Halloween less than a week away. Don't miss What's On's comprehensive five page round-up of the best spooky family activities taking place around the county this half term.

Fans of Britain's Got Talent won't want to miss our exclusive interview with judge Amanda Holden, ahead of her visit to Kent this week.

Animal magic will be on offer at Glow, Bluewater this weekend. The exhibition space is holding its first Pet Expo, with weird and wonderful creatures on show, from micro pigs to pygmy hedgehogs, and even a talented raccoon.

The annual Canterbury Festival kicked off last weekend, offering a fortnight of diverse entertainment. We preview some of the best events on offer in this week’s programme.

Just across the Channel you’ll discover real French treasures minutes from the ferry ports, in the Opal Coast region. And there’s no better time to visit, as the Opal Coast Girls Week starts this weekend. What’s On offers a guide to some of the attractions on offer. Best of all, every reader can sail to France for £3 with P&O Ferries.

Enjoy some family time in the fresh air this half term with Kent’s Coastal Week. More than 40 events are taking place around our coastline, from guided local history walks on Sheppey, to cartoon workshops in Whitstable and underwater-themed arts and crafts activities in New Romney.

And we have a bumper bundle of prizes to be won, including:

- Five family tickets to Jack and the Beanstalk at Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre

- Five family tickets to Ripley's Believe It or Not! in London

- Two pairs of top-price tickets to see West End show Eric and Little Ern

- Five pairs of tickets to the British Military Tournament at Earls Court

- 10 Toby's Travelling Circus children's DVDs