Revellers at last night’s Halloween celebrations in Derry have been praised for their behaviour after it was confirmed the biggest ever crowd attended the annual event.
Dressed for the occasion. Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography.
Around 30,000 people – some from as far away as Australia – packed the city centre for Europe’s biggest Halloween party and both the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said they were delighted the evening passed off without major incident or injury.
It is estimated up to 40,000 people have attended the week-long Halloween celebrations in the city.
The PSNI confirmed 17 arrests were made, the majority for disorder offences.
A police spokesperson said: “It is great to see so many people coming together and enjoying this spectacular event in a safe and peaceful manner. ”
John McPolland, of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, said they were “delighted” there were no major injuries despite the large numbers of the streets.
He confirmed ambulance crews attended 13 “calls,” four of which were taken to Altnagelvin Hospital.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were called to 124 incidents across the North throughout the night, the lowest number at Halloween is records began.
The night’s festivities got under way with a colourful Curious Carnival of the Lost Soulds parade in which 600 groups took part.
Tens of thousands then gathered along both sides of the banks of the River Foyle for a spectaular fireworks display.
Live open air entertainment was headlined by Derry’s own Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jordan O’Keefe.
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