All over the county, people are getting ready for the season of witches, ghosts, and monsters, and this only means three words for local businesses; preparation, punctuality….and pumpkins.
With only a week to go until the Halloween half term, family run businesses across Lincolnshire are preparing for the season ahead, and are looking forward to the vital boost that Halloween provides.
According to the 2025 spending report produced by Finder, the UK is predicted to spend around £779 million on Halloween this year, with much of this going towards local events organised by family-run companies; In Lincolnshire, this is proving to be more than true.
At The Pink Pig Farm in Scunthorpe, farmers have swapped out crops for cauldrons, as the preparation for their annual pumpkin festival becomes well underway. Sally Jackson, the farm’s director, is excited for the upcoming event and all that it provides.
‘We started doing pumpkins about 10 years ago, and it’s now part of a whole experience – it’s a really joyful way of getting people to come and visit’.
Sally knows how important it is that they take full advantage of the approaching spooky season.
‘Every holiday is an important part of our calendar, because during the term time it’s quieter, so October is a really important one for us, and really helps.’
She continues, ‘Numbers have definitely increased over the years – we have to do a lot of social media marketing, and if we can get it right, then that really helps drive more people to the farm.’
Latest figures from Lincolnshire’s County Council further reveal that the visitor economy for the county has surpassed £3bn, with 32 million visitors staying for a combined 46 million days. Much of this money spent translates into profit from the Halloween season. A business that proves this gain is Cleethorpes Light Railway.
Transforming into a witchy wonderland, the railway will be hosting events that they hope will attract a variety of visitors. Their family-friendly pumpkin trail, and the Hallowscream Express are expected to boost essential profits and popularity for a family business that has been running for over seven decades.
‘At Halloween, we see more visitors travelling from outside the area, which is brilliant for local tourism’, says the railways Commercial Manager, Jordan Blake.
‘These events give families new reasons to return, create community spirit, and help sustain the long-standing railway year-round.’
Marketing Executive from Lincoln Big, an organisation aiming to put Lincolnshire on the map, Courtney Harrison, emphasises the importance of the October month for the county’s visitor growth. ‘The link between Halloween and increased visitor numbers during the October half-term has become clearer. Many businesses report new customers who may not have visited before — drawn in by the month — who then explore the county and spend locally.’
As the harrowing half-term soon approaches, local businesses, like The Pink Pig Farm, are ready for the busy week ahead. As they wrap up the final touches to their ghostly festivities, Halloween is proving to be more than just a holiday for the county.
