Halloween is big business in the UK and a new trade association for the Halloween events and scare attractions sector is being launched today.

Research by Mintel shows the British public was forecast to spend £419 million on Halloween in 2021, up 5% from £400 million the previous year. Whilst the British public like spending on Halloween costumes, food and decorations, a growing number particularly amongst the millennials are visiting Halloween scare events.

Doug Douglas runs the award-winning Fear at Avon Valley event at his family farm attraction near Bath and is Chairman of the newly formed Halloween & Scare Attraction Association (HSAA).

Says Doug Douglas, “Halloween events and scare attractions first started cropping up in the UK about 20 years ago. The sector has really grown in popularity over recent years and now most theme parks run themed nights and a growing number of other attractions and event organisers are staging Halloween events. We estimate there are now over 50 Halloween Scare attractions aimed at adults, with many more family pumpkin patch style events. Some of the bigger events can attract thousands of visitors a night and we estimate that over half a million visits are made to UK scare attractions each October.

“Some of the UK’s leading independent Halloween and scare attraction operators have come together to launch the Halloween & Scare Attraction Association. Our objectives are to promote high standards of professionalism and best practice in the sector with a focus on safety, operational standards and customer service excellence.”

Halloween and Scare Attraction operators and industry suppliers interested in joining the Halloween & Scare Attraction Association can find out more via their website.