The UK is split down the middle over Halloween, with half claiming they have never celebrated it, according to a survey by Bury St Edmunds pubs and brewing firm Greene King.

East Anglian Daily Times: Criminal damage was caused to a property in Framlingham on the night of HalloweenCriminal damage was caused to a property in Framlingham on the night of Halloween (Image: Archant)

Its latest Leisure Spend Tracker found that 52% of people have never got involved in the day and will not this year, and a further 14% claim to have celebrated the event in the past, but are making no plans to do so this time round.

The study reveals that just a third of British adults will participate in celebrations this year, despite it falling on a Saturday.

Those expecting to get into the spirit of the event say customary celebrations of “trick or treating”, apple bobbing and playing pranks will take a back-seat as they opt to carve pumpkins and create Halloween-themed treats.

The Leisure Spend Tracker also suggests that this is a day for families, with more than half of those living with children expecting to celebrate Halloween. But only three in 10 of those expect to go trick-or-treating with the preferred option to stay at home.

Those living in households without children say the pub will be the first choice leisure venue for Halloween, more popular than nightclubs, the cinema and restaurants combined.

Fiona Gunn, Greene King’s marketing director, said: “Halloween is typically loved across the pond, and while we know it’s a celebration that is growing in popularity in Britain, the latest Leisure Spend Tracker has revealed 52% of Brits find it a real horror, saying they have never celebrated it. It seems when it comes to Halloween, you either love it or you hate it.

Halloween was widely celebrated at home, and supermarkets have capitalised on this opportunity in recent years, selling costumes, toys and decorations,” she said.

“We know from the report that one in eight people who celebrate Halloween plan to do so at the pub, so we think it’s a great opportunity for the licensed trade to take advantage of this growing occasion and treat their customers to a thriller night.”

The Greene King Leisure Spend Tracker aims to provide greater insights into consumer discretionary spending. Data has been collected every month since August 2013.