RECORD numbers of shoppers are due to hit the Hereford shops this weekend in search of outfits and treats for Halloween in what has been named ‘Spooky Saturday’.

A survey carried out by Old Market Hereford has revealed that 35 per cent of those asked will be celebrating in fancy dress this year, while one in five plan to carve a pumpkin.

None of the 2,000 people questioned said they would be happy wearing the same costume as last year leading to a surge in sales expected.

Alan Anderson, Centre Manager at Old Market Hereford said: “Halloween has really exploded in popularity over the last few years with people buying increasingly elaborate costumes and decorations.

“We’re expecting a record number of shoppers over Halloween weekend as people stock up on last-minute sweet treats for party guests and trick-or-treaters.”

In the survey, almost a third of people said that Facebook was their biggest inspiration for Halloween costumes and decorations, with spooky films influencing 14 per cent.

As excitement builds for the upcoming Harry Potter film launch ‘Fantastic Beast and Where to find them’ next month, witches and wizards are the most popular costume choice with 38 per cent of those surveyed dressing themselves or their families up with wands and broomsticks.

Old Market Hereford is running a Halloween Facebook competition to win £200 worth of vouchers at a retailer or restaurant of the winner’s choosing.

To enter, shoppers should simply submit a ‘spooky selfie’ of themselves looking their scariest using #spookyselfie and tagging @Old Market Hereford in the post.