DERRY’S reputation as the greatest Hallowe’en destination in the world is set to be cemented this year as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, this week launched an exciting programme of ghoulish events and frightful fun to mark the 2017 festivities.Taking the theme of ‘Under the Samhain Moon’ this year’s festival offers a four day party like no other with familiar favourites and a host of new additions included in the action packed list of performers, entertainment and activities planned.
The festival’s theme will be celebrated in a number of events including the Museum of the Moon at the Guildhall and a Space Explorations Dome in Waterloo Place where the Haunted Harvest Market will take place along with Guildhall Square.
The programme also sees the return of crowd favourites Awakening The Walls and the Spark drummers who proved such a hit last year.
The celebrations will climax with the ever popular Carnival Parade and Fireworks Finale on River Foyle on Hallowe’en night.
Speaking at this week’s launch, Mayor McHugh encouraged local people and visitors alike to come along and sample the unique local Hallowe’en experience.
“I am delighted to officially launch the 2017 programme for Hallowe’en in Derry which has a vast variety of events to enjoy,” he said.
“The festival plays a key role in entertaining local people and attracting thousands of visitors to our City and District by offering a Hallowe’en experience that is second to none.
“I would like to congratulate the team at Council and their community partners who have worked so hard in co-ordinating this programme and I look forward to another celebration to remember next month.”
Some of the highlights of this year’s programme include the ‘Samhain Sessions’ series at the Guildhall with live performances from David Kitt, Our Krypton Son, Ports and Joshua Burnside and Invasion ‘Hero & Legends’ at the Foyle Arena which will see Superhero’s, Stormtroopers, Dalek’s and Transformers descend on the city with life-sized props and sets.
On Halloween day The Jack O’Lantern Pumpkin Fest in Waterloo Place will host kids’ activities, pumpkin carving demonstrations and competitions with entertainment from the Armagh Rhymers.
The Craft Village will host its usual wide range of activities including Kids Planet Crafting and Spooky Chocolate Workshops, face painting and live music from Thumpin Jellyfish and Basork, while the Tower Museum will dare the public to enter their Tower of Terror experience.
Across the Peace Bridge in Ebrington Square the Monster Hallowe’en Funfair will also make a welcome return while Hallowe’en themed events will take place all around the city including Frightful Family Fun at Creggan Country Park, City Cemetery Tours, the Sbooky Hallowe’en Festival at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Little Horrors at the Guildhall and a Legenderry Game of Thrones Tour.
For those brave enough to face their fears, there are Haunted House activities at the Play House and Longtower Youth Club.
For more information and the full programme of events for this year’s Hallowe’en go to – www.derryhalloween.com.
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