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Annual Halloween trail returns to Hanham High Street

Meg Buchanan four fake gravestones made from cardboard and painted grey with fake moss and 'RIP' written on themMeg Buchanan
The community gets involved by crafting creative and spooky decorations to put on display

A popular annual Halloween trail has returned to a street in Bristol.

People are being invited to put on their best costumes and follow a trail of spooky decorations along Hanham High Street.

This year's shop window displays include a ghost train, haunted mansion, a witch and a graveyard.

Nicola Bartlett, owner of Eclectic Gift Shop, launched the trail in 2018 after being inspired by a scarecrow trail at the local Christ Church Primary School.

Nicola Bartlett Nicola Bartlett outside her Eclectic Gift Shop holding an orange banner which advertises the Halloween trail.Nicola Bartlett
Nicola Bartlett launched the trail on Hanham High Street in 2018

"I just saw how much joy it brought to all the families taking part and I thought 'I could do that'.

"That year I launched the Halloween trail and it was a huge hit. I was overwhelmed by the response," said Ms Bartlett.

Since then it has grown, with almost 1,000 children and their families taking part each year, with a certificate and small prize given to those who complete the trail map.

Nicola Bartlett A purple haunted mansion made from an old doll house. There are green and black spiders glued all over itNicola Bartlett
People often donate items for displays, like this old dollhouse which has been repurposed into a haunted mansion

Emma Holmes, a resident in Hanham, said: "The community spirit in Hanham is a huge reason why I feel settled in the area.

"I've always liked to support community events but more so since Covid, I've felt more grateful for the opportunities around us.

"Both my daughters loved helping out, and love popping out to see the cauldron they made hanging in the window."

The front of a hairdressers on Hanham high street. There are autumnal leaf decorations and varieties of pumpkins in the window.
Many stores and shopfronts along Hanham High Street take part in the autumnal festivities
Nicola Bartlett An image of the storefront of Eclectic gift shop. there are small pumpkins, posters and figurines in the window.Nicola Bartlett
Nicola Bartlett awards certificates and small prizes to children who complete the trail

The trail aims to supports businesses by increasing footfall along the High Street.

There are 15 Halloween displays to find in total and it is running until 31 October.

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