Derry is all set to party as it never has before with up to 30,000 revellers expected to attend the biggest ever Halloween celebrations staged in the city.
All set to party……
Ghost, ghouls, witches, fairies, vampires and characters of all ages will begin converging in the city centre this afternoon for a programme packed with entertainment aimed at making the event a family day and night out that will live in the memory for many years to come.
Hotels have reported capacity bookings while the city’s pubs, clubs and restaurants are geared up for Europe’s biggest Halloween party.
Highlights will be the Curious Carnival of the Lost Souls parade, fireworks display and live music featuring Derry’s own Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jordan O’Keefe.
The parade will leave the car park at Derry City Council offices on Strand Road at 7.00pm and travel along the Strand Road, turn left towards the City Hotel, around Harbour Square Roundabout and return to the Council car park along Queen’s Quay at approximately 7.45pm and will be followed by the fireworks display on the River Foyle at 8.00pm.
Weatherwise, it is advisable to wrap up well and take an umbrella as the heavy rain showers currently falling on the city are expected to continue throughout the evening.
A number of road closures and diversions will be in place during the evening.
On Strand Road, a lane in front of the Council offices will close from 6.00pm and reopen at 8.45pm and on the Foyle Embankment, on the city bound approach to Water Street, a lane will be closed from 6.50pm until approximately 8.30pm.
For varying lengths of time during the evening events (from 7.00pm-8.30pm) the following roads will be closed to traffic and alternative diversions will be in place at Strand Road, Harbour Square, Queens Quay, Whittaker Street and Foyle Embankment (between Water St and City Hotel).
St Columb’s Road will be closed to traffic from 3:00pm, except to drivers who have been issued with passes.
Recommended viewing areas for the fireworks on the city side are the Queen’s Quay and Foyle Embankment while in the Waterside, the top of Browning Drive and Ebrington parade ground are the best locations.
Viewing from the Peace Bridge will be permitted for a limited number of people, determined by safety calculations.
Where possible, the public are strongly advised to use the public transport system or to consider walking to the event.
In order to avoid traffic congestion the drop off point has been identified as the entrance to Custom House Street.
Mayor of Derry Cllr Martin Reilly has urged those attending the celebrations to do so responsibly to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival for everyone.
Mayor Reilly said there was a responsibility on everyone to heed the “Carnival Care” message.
He said: “With each event hosted in the city as it is vital to offer a safe and secure environment for locals and visitors, we all have a part to play in ensuring that this is the case at this year’s Halloween celebrations.
“Stewards will be in place to ensure that designed Alcohol Free areas are controlled and I would ask that people to observe the instructions of event marshalls and event organizers at all times.
“The ‘Carnival Care’ campaign is in place to support all agencies involved in the Hallowe’en carnival and to encourage the public to act responsibly. I would ask that parents of all children who are under the age of 18 must take responsibility for the whereabouts and actions of their children.”
Tags:
