Derry Halloween has become a staple event in the calendar of locals and visitors and this year it's back with an even bigger programme of events.
The Halloween parade traditionally involves hundreds of local performers, drawn from schools, clubs and groups right across the City and District, helping it to retain the community spirit that has always been at the heart of Derry's world-class festivities.
This year, the Awakening of the Walled City will once again extend across the River Foyle in an extended four night programme, including the return of the popular Halloween Carnival.
Read more: Derry city centre Post Office set to reopen
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, joined some sinister characters from the underworld for the official launch when it was revealed that the huge on street carnival celebration would be making its comeback after a two year break due to the pandemic.
Making the announcement today, Mayor Duffy said: "When I heard that the parade would be back this year I was absolutely delighted. Last year organisers took the difficult decision to change the format of the event and extend the usual festivities across a wider area to allow for social distancing.
"The new approach worked really well and will be incorporated once again this year, with the addition of the traditional Carnival parade which really brings the streets to life and attracts tens of thousands of people to the City.
"I know the many groups who take part annually will be thrilled to don their costumes once again and take an active part in the event, which offers a platform for so many local performers. Preparations will be getting underway soon for what will be a fabulous night."
This year the extended programme will take place over four nights, with the Awakening the Walled City event animating the City Centre and St Columb's Park for three nights, October 28, 29 and 30, followed by the official Halloween night celebrations on October 31.
Today an open call has been made by North West Carnival to groups across the City and District who wish to participate in this year's parade.
NWCI Project Manager Jim Collins, said: "This is our first Halloween parade since Covid restrictions were introduced and everyone is really excited to be taking to the streets again. For anyone wishing to get involved they can message Jim via our Facebook page or emailing nwcarnival@gmail.com.
"There's something really special about Derry Halloween and it's very much down to local people who go all out to make it their own. We're always inundated with groups keen to take part and I want to open up that invitation today to all local schools, sports clubs, community and arts groups who want to showcase their talents. Let's make this the best Carnival Parade yet!"
The Carnival Parade will bring the festival to a thrilling close on Monday night as some of the City's finest performers bring the story of the 9 th Wave to life, reawakening the river Gods for a fearsome display of magic and mayhem led by some of our most spooky spirits of the deep.
As the final touches to the programme are put in place, Festival and Events Manager with Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said: "The return of the Halloween Carnival Parade is hugely important to us as it has always been the element of the programme that gets everyone involved. It's the highlight of our celebration and it really captures the imagination of both the performers and spectators. This year really will be special and we cannot wait to take to the streets of Derry once again."
READ NEXT:
- Derry restaurant owner warns of extreme worry as energy bill nears £100,000 a year
- Parties, public disturbances and damage to properties is giving Derry estate 'bad name'
- Dad hails 'huge' benefits rugby training has for autistic children
- Owner faces over £5,000 bill to give Springer 'more time' after being diagnosed with cancer
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
