Supermarket shelves are buckling under pumpkins and Google histories are clogged with fancy dress inspiration searches. There can only be one reason: Halloween, the spooky celebration observed every year on October 31, is here.

Most commonly known as Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of All Hallows' Evening), the spooky festival, which takes place today, is also referred to as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve. It is the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day, – also known as All Saints' Day.

In recent years there have been complaints about the 'Americanised' event dominating British streets as October comes to an end, with some questioning why we even celebrate Halloween in the UK - however the tradition originally began on this side of the pond. But how did it evolve into the costume competition it is today?

Why do we celebrate Halloween and when did it start in the UK?

The Americanised Halloween that we experience today actually originated in the Celtic fringes of Britain, and was adapted over the decades by Christian traditions, immigrants' conventions and an insatiable desire for sweets.

The origin of the festival is disputed, and there are both pagan and Christian practices that have evolved into what Halloween is like today.