Clydebank's Halloween house takes break for family milestones

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

Oli Keenan's famous Halloween displays on Dalton Avenue in Clydebank are not happening this year due to family birthdays.

Oli Keenan has become known for transforming his mother's house on Dalton Avenue into an elaborate Halloween display that draws thousands of visitors each October. The displays, which have featured themes including Pennywise, The Shining, Beetlejuice and The Wizard of Oz, have made Keenan widely recognised as Scotland's 'King of Halloween' since the first event in 2018.

This year the event is not going ahead due to several milestone birthdays within the family around Halloween. Keenan explained that his mother, who plays a key role in creating the displays alongside his father, brother and husband, is celebrating her 50th birthday. "After talking it through we decided it was probably best to take a pause this year rather than spend the day after her 50th birthday turning the house upside down," he said.

Keenan acknowledged feeling like he was "letting people down" but praised the community's response. "The community has been incredibly understanding, which has been lovely." He stressed that the event is not a one-person operation: "She puts in so much work at Halloween, as do my husband, dad and brother." The family funds the displays entirely from their own pocket and charges nothing, as a way of giving back to Clydebank. He confirmed the event will return in full force next year.

How it is being reported

• Clydebank 'King of Halloween' taking a break from haunted house that draws hundreds every yearOli Keenan has become known for turning his home into every horror fan's dream – but it's bad news for this year.Glasgow Live · 13 Oct, 13:14
• Clydebank's Halloween king reveals why famous spooky spectacle won't return this yearThe creator of Clydebank's famous Halloween house has revealed why the annual spectacle is taking a break this year and what keeps thousands of visitors returning every October.Glasgow Times · 12 Oct, 15:32

In this story: Oli Keenan · Clydebank · Dalton Avenue

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