People in Lancashire are being asked to celebrate Hallowe’en differently this year.

Traditional trick or treating, where you knock on someone else’s door isn’t allowed, as people from different households must not socialise and mix together.

So here are some alternative ways to mark Hallowe’en:

  • Be creative: Create a pumpkin trail where you live by putting one in your window so everyone can join in, without knocking on doors.
  • Be active: Get dressed up and take a walk around your neighbourhood to see homes decorated for Hallowe’en.
  • Be virtual: Consider an online party with decorations, fancy dress and themed food. Play games, bake Hallowe’en-themed treats or tell spooky stories.
  • Be social: Take pictures of your spooky costumes and activities to share on social media
  • Be colourful: Dress up the outside of your house with Hallowe’en decorations for you and your neighbours to enjoy.
  • Be treat-wise: Buy your own treats to give to your children, so they don’t miss out.
  • Be bright: If you carve a pumpkin, use a battery-powered light inside it to reduce the risk of fire.

The Lancashire Resilience Forum (LRF) which is overseeing and co-ordinating the county’s multi-agency response to the pandemic, wants people to think about how they can stay safe this Hallowe’en.

Angie Ridgwell, chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, said: “Hallowe’en is hugely popular with children and families, and something we know that many people are looking forward to.

“People will need to find alternative celebrations to traditional Trick or Treating. We want people to have a wonderful time and there are many ways to celebrate safely.

“In Lancashire, people must not socialise in their home, yard or garden with anyone they don’t live with, or who is not in their support bubble. Also the rule of 6 applies in outside public spaces such as parks, public gardens and sports courts. Please remember that school bubbles only apply while in school.

“We know how disappointing this will be for some people, but it’s important to help keep us all safe as we are seeing  the coronavirus spread much more rapidly than before, with the resultant increase in hospital admissions and deaths in Lancashire.

“There are still lots of interesting ways that people can enjoy Hallowe’en and have a great time.”

Lancashire Police will be out and about in the run-up to Hallowe’en and on the night itself, making sure that people are safe and helping them to stick to the rules.

Terry Woods, Deputy Chief Constable for Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Our overall approach will be unchanged to other years. If we come across people behaving anti-socially, then we will deal with them firmly. Hallowe’en is a time for people to enjoy themselves, but people still need to be sensible.

“Lancashire Police will continue to take a common sense and proportionate approach to the enforcement of COVID rules. This includes speaking to people initially to help and inform them, and only enforcing the rules where we are faced with unacceptable behaviour, or we have exhausted all other options.

“We know that most people from our communities will do the right thing at this critical time for the county, with high numbers of cases. People must follow the rules to keep their families, friends and neighbours safe.”

About Lancashire Resilience Forum

Lancashire Resilience Forum has the primary responsibility for bringing agencies including the police, fire, local authorities and health, together to respond effectively to any emergency, including something like a flu pandemic. Organisations under the LRF umbrella have a specific focus on those people in our communities who are vulnerable, whether by reason of their age, health or any other issue.  Follow @LancsResilience on Twitter for updates.

For enquiries about Lancashire Resilience Forum, please email lancsresiliencemedia@lancashire.pnn.police.uk