As the city’s world renound Halloween celebrations begin in earnest this Monday October 28th, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has appealed to the public to make safe choices to ensure a safe and happy celebration for everyone.
The Awakening the Walled City Trail in the city centre will run nightly from 6pm to 9pm from Monday October 28th to Wednesday October 30th
It is set to draw crowds of up to 25,000 people each night before the climactic carnival parade and fireworks on Thursday 31st October which traditionally attracts over 30,000 people.
Other attractions include ghastly ghost tours, creepy arts and crafts, spooky story-telling and horrific haunted houses.
With such large crowds expected, Mayor Barr appealed to everyone to follow the Carnival Care guidance and plan ahead to ensure they get to and from the event safely.
“All the necessary preparations have been made for record crowds over the coming days but we still need the cooperation of the public to ensure that this is an enjoyable festive experience for everyone,” she said.
“To cope with the huge influx of people expected in and around our city centre, a number of measures have been introduced to manage the numbers.
“I would ask people to access the trail maps and to follow all signage.
“For those travelling to and from the event by car, please familiarise yourself with the traffic and travel advice and consider public transport or active travel to help reduce congestion in and around our city centre.
“Also please co-operate fully with stewards and the PSNI who will be there to ensure your safety.
“We all have a responsibility to safeguard those around us and to make sure our behaviour doesn’t put others at risk.”
Parents are being advised to be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping an eye on children and young people throughout the festival.
Festival and Events Manager at Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, issued some further advice to those attending.
“With such large crowds expected it is a good idea to plan ahead and arrange meeting points if you are out in a group,” she stressed. “Please ensure teenagers have transport home if out with friends, and that mobile phones are charged.
“Translink will have additional services operating over the weekend and especially on Halloween night to help reduce traffic and parking in the city centre and ensure people get home safely.
“We can’t wait to have everyone with us, so access all the information on the event website and plan an unforgettable Derry Halloween.”
Derry Halloween is funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and The Executive Office, with support from Ulster University and Air Coach.
Follow all the latest news at derryhalloween.com which includes traffic and travel, carnival care and accessibility advice.
