Huge crowds turned out this week for the Awakening of the Walls in Derry
This year’s Derry Halloween theme is The Other World Awakens.
And from Monday to Wednesday, Awakening the Walls took place, attracting big crowds which reflected the drawing back of the veil between this world and the other.
The hugely successful free trail was back with a bang for the three evenings before Samhain, which featured a captivating combination of fantasy and folklore.
Other highlight’s of this year’s Derry Halloween – voted Best International Experience at the NI Tourism Awards – include a Carnival Parade and fireworks finale, Little Horrors family fun, and the first ever LegenDerry Halloween food event.
One of the most popular street performers to grace the streets of Derry’s world famous Halloween celebrations has made a welcome return to the event this year.
Saurus are giant street walkabout dinosaur creatures who thrilled the crowds during the 2015 and 2016 celebrations with their distinctive animal sounds and explosive fire performances.
They have been in Guildhall Square from October 26th and 27th and also took part in the Awakening the Walls trail.
Dinosaur Saurus back by popular demand
After the carnival parade, there will be a huge fireworks display will take place on the River Foyle.
The man responsible for lighting up the sky at Europe’s biggest Halloween party has now put the finishing touches to Derry’s massive display.
Donal Neill is the Irish franchisee of Pain Fireworks – the longest established and largest fireworks provider in the UK and has won the tender to provide the fireworks on the River Foyle for Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Halloween celebrations for the last four years.
here will be restrictions in place to allow for the carnival parade and fireworks display.
There will be single lane closures in place from approximately 6 – 8:45pm for the parade along the Strand Road, from Baronet Street to Queen’s Quay Roundabout, and on Foyle Embankment.
The road will also be closed from 6 – 8:45pm on Queen’s Quay Roundabout to Harbour Square Roundabout, along with a section of the Strand Road from Lawrence Hill to Water Street. Diversion routes will be available during this time.
The Peace Bridge will be closed between 7.15pm – 8.45pm.
Public car parks at Queen’s Quay, Victoria Market and Foyle Street will be closed on Thursday 31st October. Strand Road car park will be an accessible car park only.
It’s important to note that all times are approximate and that road closures/diversions will be kept to the minimum length necessary to ensure safety.
There will be event parking available in the following city side car parks: Foyleside Shopping Centre Car Park East, Foyleside West and Quayside Shopping Centre, Foyle Road, Magee Campus (Lawrence Hill), Strand Road, Victoria Market, Society Street, Bishop Street, Carlisle Road and William Street.
The fireworks display over the River Foyle last year
No parking will be permitted along Baronet Street and Fletcher Avenue.
On Hallowe’en night, vehicles stopping to drop off passengers are advised to park in a safe location and to avoid the immediate vicinity of Queen’s Quay, the Limavady Road/St Columb’s Road junction in order to minimise traffic congestion.
During Awakening the Walls, dedicated drop off zones will be located on Whittaker Street from 5pm – 8:30pm.
Awakening the Walls will take place from 6 – 8.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Carnival Parade departs Queen’s Quay at 7.15 pm and concluding with the finale fireworks at 8.15 pm.
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