ACROSS the country spooky festivities are being cancelled but what are the rules on trick or treating?

Halloween is just a few days away, but its arrival is bittersweet as the pandemic drags on.

The new coronavirus rules and laws can be complicated to understand so we have compiled all the latest advice, guidance and local alternatives  for Halloween 2020 below:

Can I go trick or treating?

On Monday (October 26) the government said trick or treating would be permitted in Tier 1 and Tier 2 regions provided that coronavirus laws are followed.

This means Basingstoke residents ARE allowed to trick or treat providing you follow the rule of six and practice social distancing.

You should not leaving the house for any Halloween activity if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of Covid- 19.

What has Hampshire County Council said?

Hampshire’s Covid alert level is currently at Medium which means local coronavirus infection rates are on the rise and the council have advised against trick or treating this year.

Simon Bryant, Hampshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “There are of still ways for people to have fun this Halloween, but it’s important we all follow the guidance for doing so safely - to limit the spread of Covid-19 and help protect our families and loved ones.”

“Anyone wishing to meet others should follow the Rule of Six, which allows groups of up to six people only to get together both indoors and outdoors. By following this crucial Government guidance, we have the best chance of limiting the further spread of the virus and keeping ourselves and each other safe.”

The council are urging people to try alternative Halloween activities at home instead of trick or treating this year.

What alternative Halloween activities are Hampshire County Council suggesting?

  • Costume dress up with prizes for the scariest or funniest outfit
  • Have a spooky indoor picnic and test your culinary skills
  • Decorate the house with fake cobwebs balloons and glow-in-the-dark skeletons
  • Get creative with Halloween’s most traditional activity and carve pumpkins
  • Spot the pumpkin: take a walk around your neighbourhood and see who has a pumpkin in their window
  • Treasure hunt: hide Halloween treats for the members of your household to find
  • Enjoy a Halloween movie night: there’s never a shortage of spooky movies on our TVs at this time of the year that are suitable for all ages.

What local Halloween activities can I get involved in?

Halloween Trail

A mum from Tadley has set up a huge Halloween fundraising trail for the children in the area, in an attempt to make up for cancelled celebrations throughout the year.

The Halloween trail, involves more than 100 homes and participants can expect to spot a whole array of different spooky displays, from pumpkins in windows to full-house dress ups, spiders and cobwebs, a smoke machine, and even one home projecting Halloween scenes.

Maps can be purchased for £2 from the Gourmet Queens Café in Baughurst, or a digital version is available by emailing bobie@thriveology.co.uk. All of the proceeds raised will go straight to the Intensive Care Unit at Basingstoke hospital.

The trail is running from Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, November 1.

The Whitchurch Halloween Spooktacular

Whitchurch residents have been preparing Halloween spectacular where families can walk around and see magnificent pumpkin displays.

Whitchurch will be glowing on Halloween as tons of residents get involved in a spooky pumpkin display.

Maps and activity sheets will be handed out in the town Square area from 3:30 PM on Saturday.

Scary movies

Basingstoke Vue in Festival Place is showing these classic Halloween horror films:

  • Hocus Pocus
  • The Shining
  • The Nightmare on Elm Street

What have the public said?

We asked local residents whether or not trick or treating should be banned this year here’s what they had to say.

Aimée Cordery dsaid: “It's a shame but plenty of fun thing to do with children at home. Will be doing a Halloween hunt in our garden best to keep them safe.”

Sam Mullins agreed with Aimée adding: “So many activities you can do at home with your children. You can even make a Halloween style banquet/dinner with scary treats for after. Put some Halloween music on and play dancing games with them. Much better that walking around the streets in the cold with them.”

Jade Smith was unhappy with the prospect of trick or treating being cancelled this year she wrote: “Noooo. If it can be done in a Covid friendly manner what’s the problem, we’ve all missed enough fun this year.”

Trisha Ann believe that trick or treating can be done in a safe way and that the “6 rule will leave kids and families lonely this Christmas, don't take this away from the kids as well.”