Happy Halloween from the Housewife

There is still something pagan and intriguing about Halloween, even with all the plastic rubbish and foiled sweets we see everywhere. The very idea of ‘Holyween’ as suggested by the Church makes me want to laugh – why would we not want to celebrate the unusual, the unholy or the undead now and again? The Church adopted the traditional festival of Samhain and turned it into All Hallows Eve many moons ago, so hands off our modern Halloween I say!

I love the fact so many are prepared to don a witches hat, watch a horror film or go trick or treating when they would ordinarily be tucked up at home just because there is the slightest hint that the veil between us and the Otherworld might really be lifted, just for one night. I’ve always celebrated Halloween, my meanest friends would say it’s a lifelong hangover from being a goth in my teens, but I like to think that in a hugely sanitised world obsessed with being correct and health & safety there is still something a bit naughty about the 31st October. Pubs, shops and schools are decorated in pretend cobwebs and even the most corporate organisation sees fit to send out for eyeball cakes or a mug of witch's brew. And why not?

This week we visited the nearby Tulley’s Farm to view their annual Halloween Festival, this is a fun day out for families with some themed attractions and a few mild shocks, set against the backdrop of pumpkin displays worthy of a harvest festival. In the evening the friendly element of the mazes, hay-rides and gloomy barns changes into ShocktoberFest – an altogether more spooky affair just for adults. Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed but you will be scared, you might also be chased by a scarecrow through a corn field… Friday night we’re going to the Spooky Spectacular at the Brunswick Pub in Hove, I have an all in one skeleton suit that I shall be getting out of the cupboard and I can’t wait to see what everyone else is wearing. Fancy dress is a great leveller, you can talk to anyone wrapped in bandages.

This weekend I can’t wait for the Beach of the Dead Zombie walk – I loved last years. 100’s of dedicated Zombiphiles march, or droop in a deadlike manner, from Brighton Station down to the beach. From the safety of a pub on the Queens Road we saw them surround cars and buses, giving everyone a fright. But it was incredibly good-natured, plenty of kids and dogs – even babies – were dressed up, and all dressed up brilliantly. There were some fantastically original costumes, I even saw a Zombiefied Doctor Who (Tom Baker era).

Getting children involved in Halloween is a great idea. My boy loves his pumpkin and he had a fantastic time at Beach of the Dead last year, there is no harm in trying to demystify what might actually be scary out there in the real world. Whatever you’re doing in this spooky season, have a great time, have a shocking time, be a bit naughty and remember as quoted from the great film of the same name: “It's Halloween, everyone's entitled to one good scare.”

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here