Halloween events in Sheffield 2020: spooky activities near me - and trick or treating rules explained

It goes without saying that Halloween celebrations are going to be anything but normal this year.

Sheffield is currently under the government’s Tier 3 restrictions, which ban household mixing indoors or outdoors in hospitality settings and private gardens. Pubs and bars not serving meals are currently closed.

This means the usual fancy dress parties are off the cards - but where does that leave trick or treating and other local Halloween activities?

What are the rules around trick or treating?

Whether trick or treating can take place this year depends on what tier your area is in.

Downing Street has suggested trick or treating can go ahead as long as local restrictions are adhered to.

Unfortunately, as Tier 3 rules mean households can’t mix both indoors and in private outdoor spaces, it seems trick or treating is off the cards in Sheffield.

Giving out sweets and treats can also pose a risk of transmission, since Covid-19 can be spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said people will have to use their common sense.

He said: "The rules are those which apply to household mixing in general and what that means in practice is if you are in a very high alert level (Tier 3) then you cannot mix with other households indoors or in private outdoor spaces.

"If you're in a high Covid alert level (Tier 2) then the rule of six applies in private gardens and outdoor spaces but households must not mix indoors.

"And in terms of the medium alert level (Tier 1), you can meet indoors and outdoors in groups of no more than six people."

What Halloween events are still happening in Sheffield?

Lovers of all things spooky can rejoice as there are a couple of Covid-safe activities planned in the area which will entertain all ages.

Drive-in horror film screening

What’s better than watching a scary movie on Halloween? Seeing one on a giant screen at a drive-in cinema, of course.

Daisy Dukes Halloween cinema is rolling into Sheffield’s FlyDSA Arena from 30 October to 1 November to offer horror lovers the chance to watch classic Halloween films from the safety of the car.

But, there’s a scary twist - top scare actors will be making their way round vehicles during the films to heighten the fright-factor.

Choose from films like The Blair Witch Project, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Exorcist. There’s also the option of family-friendly films for younger children.

The cinema will be running from around noon to 9:30pm each day, depending on which screening you book, and tickets start at £30 per car.

Monster hunt trail

If you scare easily and fancy seeing in Halloween with an event that’s more cute than creepy, take the kids along to the monster hunt trail at the Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre in North Anston.

As well as exploring the centre’s exotic animal residents, from meerkats to snakes, there’s some spooky fun to be had.

Don your scariest fancy dress get up and set off down the eerie woodland walk to the witches’ cabin, where you will be met with a few spooky surprises, including the “skeleton selfie seat”.

There’s a sweet reward for those brave enough to make it to the end in one piece. What’s more, the event is absolutely free once you’ve paid admission into the centre.

It’s £13.75 for adults and £12.50 for children and the monster trail runs up to and including Halloween day.