It’s time to start buffing those broomsticks and clearing out the cobwebs as the countdown to this year’s Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival begins with the official launch of the city’s biggest and most colourful celebration yet, the carnival parade.
Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly with North Carnival Initiative artists from left) Abby Oliveira, Martin McClelland, Amanda Hudson and Brenda Graham the launch of the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival Parade.
Hundreds of local children are currently taking part in workshops across the city creating weird and wonderful costumes and props to light up the night for a fangtastic feast of festival fun at the Curious Carnival of Lost Souls Parade on Hallowe’en night.
Parade workshops are now in full swing, and according to Amanda-Jane Prow from the North West Carnival Initiative, even the parents are getting into the Halloween spirit.
“We are so excited about this year’s carnival parade,” she said. “With the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, we have been able to engage artistic director Kevin O’Neill to support the delivery of a highly themed carnival pageant which will see a very curious circus rolling into town.
“We have been working with over 600 participants drawn from local arts, drama and community groups from right across the city as well as professional carnival artists and organisations. Audiences should expect to see all sorts of curious sights and sounds, acrobats and dancing troupes, strange creatures and mysterious contraptions, and music that send tingles up your spine.”
Over the next few weeks the workshops can anticipate a hive of activity across schools and community centres as children get creative making lanterns, costumes and props.
The Festival runs from 26 October – 3 November 2013 with the carnival parade taking place at 7.00pm on 31 October followed by a spectacular fireworks display along the River Foyle.
Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival is organised by Derry City Council and supported by Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Good Relations Programme, Ilex and Big Lottery Fund.
Tags: