More than a third of people in England believe in ghosts, according to the first National Folklore Survey in over 60 years. The research, led by academics from Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Hertfordshire, and Chapman University in the US, found that belief in the paranormal varies significantly by age and region.
The survey of 1,730 people over 16 found that 36% believe ghosts or spirits of the deceased exist, while 39% believe in life after death and 27% think it is possible to communicate with the dead. Younger people, particularly those aged 25-34, are most likely to believe in the paranormal, which also includes magical beings, possession, spells, psychics, angels and demons.
Dr Sophie Parkes-Nield, one of the researchers, noted that folklore has found a new audience on social media platforms like TikTok, where communities such as PaganTok and WitchTok are thriving. “Young people are really embracing folklore and making it their own,” she said. The survey also found that 16% of respondents reported having a supernatural experience, but nearly one in five had never discussed it with anyone.
Regional differences emerged, with people in London more likely to use Ouija boards or hold seances, while those in the East Midlands were the least likely to believe in the supernatural or participate in Halloween activities. Dr David Clarke described the East Midlands as a “folklore-free zone”.
The research also revealed that more people celebrate Bonfire Night (52%) than Halloween (46%). However, Halloween participation has grown post-Covid, particularly among families. Dr Diane Rodgers said there was “an explosion of re-engaging with Halloween” as a community activity.
