Halloween, like many other seasonal dates in the calendar, is being impacted by the ongoing pandemic and the guidance and restrictions in place to keep people safe.

Traditional Halloween activities such as trick or treating, parties and other gatherings should not go ahead, as they risk spreading the virus further. Current restrictions on households not being able to mix in any indoor setting or private garden means that parties are not permitted unless only with members of your household and/or support bubble. Trick or treating is also strongly advised against due to the risk of transmitting the virus when knocking on doors and sharing bags and bowls of sweets, for example.

Instead, the council is encouraging residents to enjoy Halloween in other ways – so that families can have a spooky, creative and, importantly, safe time.

This Halloween, families could:

• Take part in the Big Neighbourhood Pumpkin Trail – which encourages households to decorate pumpkins and windows, with families being able to walk around their communities ‘pumpkin spotting’
• Organise a Halloween treasure hunt within your own household – print off some pictures of pumpkins, witches and ghosts and hide them around your house or garden, along with some Halloween treats
• Host a spooky film night within your household – make a ‘Halloween at home cinema’, put on your best fancy dress and settle down to watch something spooky. Some family-friendly films include Hotel Transylvania, The Addams Family, Hocus Pocus and The Witches
• Organise a virtual costume party with your friends – make a competition for the ‘best dressed’ person and video call your friends and family for a night of laughter and games
• Eat, drink and be scary! – Why not put on a feast Dracula would be proud of? Kids will love bloodied finger hot dogs, Halloween toffee apples and satsuma pumpkins!