Halloween gains momentum as UK marketing theme

Boo! From tourism to sports to adult events, Halloween is gaining momentum as a seasonal marketing theme. At least one estimate puts Halloween as the UK's third-largest high street sales season.

Here are only a few of the many Halloween-themed promotions for charities, historic places and cities around and beyond the UK:

• The Stroke Association is holding a series of fundraising fun runs with a Halloween theme in Liverpool, London and Belfast (see above).
• Derry's Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival includes dozens of events in the weeks leading up to a big spooky night celebration.
• Dover Castle is promoting its haunted castle event for Halloween Week.
• The Real Mary King's Close in Edinburgh promotes its haunted legends for Halloween visitors.