Your ultimate guide to Derry Halloween event times, parking, traffic and more
The core events of Europe's largest Halloween carnival are set to get underway in Derry on Monday with events throughout the week building towards the city's biggest party night of the year on Thursday.
With several road closures and parking arrangements in place to facilitate the festivities, we've got everything you need to know to plan ahead - including event times, public transport and more.
Since it began in the 1980s with a small group of friends showing off their costume creations, the festival has grown and grown from its grassroots origins and now attracts around 100,000 visitors to the historic walled city.
What's on
Awakening the Walled City trail, Monday to Wednesday, 6-9pm
Transforming the city centre with installations, on-street performances and more, the Awakening the Walled City Trail returns this year with a magical journey through the city. Performances and installations can be found on the walls, and through the cobbled streets of the city centre. There's a special 'spirits of Derry's past' display at the Diamond, and a 'mythical escape' display at the courthouse on Bishop Street. A Witchy Woodland display will take place at the Double Bastion on the Walls, a Zombie Circus and a Flying Time Travellers display at the Cathedral Quarter. Wailing Nuns will be found at Pump Street, while over at Ebrington in the Waterside the Luxe Elemental Garden returns again this year. Suitable for all ages, and free.
Heart of Samhain - music and harvest market, Monday to Thursday, noon to 9pm
A stage will be set up at Guildhall Square with spooky performances from local artists running from noon until 9pm each day, from Monday through Thursday. The Haunted Harvest Market will be nearby. The Iron Throne from Game of Thrones will also be found at Guildhall Square. Derry City and Strabane council say a quiet space will be available in the Guildhall each day from 12noon – 9pm (10pm 31 st ), and parents and carers can also pick up ID Me safety wrist bands at the Guildhall information point. For anyone with accessibility requirements, a full guide to available support is available here - https://derryhalloween.com/about/accessibility/
Main Parade on Halloween Night - Carnival of the Dead, 7pm
Around 650 performers are expected to take part in the Carnival of the Dead, which will weave its magic through the streets of Derry’s city centre from 7pm on Halloween night, October 31 st .
The participants are drawn from all corners of the community – schools, sports clubs, arts groups and local organisations – brought together by the North West Carnival Initiative (NWCI) who are tasked with delivering this mammoth showcase by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The NWCI team are currently out and about helping groups create the spooky costumes and props that really bring the creepy characters of Samhain folklore to life.
The parade will weave its way through the City Centre beginning at the Queen's Quay carpark beside the Council offices, heading up Strand Rd, past the City Hotel then along Queens Quay before returning to the starting point.
It sets off at 7pm and culminates with a fireworks display over the Foyle.
Fireworks
The fireworks display is scheduled for 8.15pm.
Road Closures
Bank Place, Union Hall Street, Magazine Street, Magazine Street Upper, Butcher Street, Shipquay Street, Ferryquay Street, Bishop Street within, Palace Street, Pump Street, The Diamond, London Street, Artillery Street, Fountain Street. No City Centre on-Street parking with exception of Shipquay Street until 11am.
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane council said: "Please note that public realm works are currently underway around the front of the Guildhall, pedestrians are asked to please follow the signage in this area."
Car Park Closures 28th October – 1st November
Bishop Street Car Park will close to general parking to accommodate motorhome parking
Ebrington Car Park
Monday October 28th, Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th
Society Street Car Park
Victoria Market Car Park (limited accessible only Car parking)
Thursday October 31st
Queens Quay and Strand Road Car Park will be closed on the 31st October.
Strand Road Car Park will offer accessible parking only
Victoria Market Car Park – limited accessible parking only
Car Parking availability
Drivers are reminded that normal on street parking restrictions will be in place and people should avoid parking anywhere they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access.
Parking is available at a number of locations throughout the City:
Cityside carparks - Foyleside Shopping Centre Car Park East, Foyleside West and Quayside Shopping Centre, Foyle Road, Magee Campus (Lawrence Hill), Carlisle Road and William Street.
Waterside carparks - Foyle Arena, Spencer Road, Oakgrove School, Duke Street and Former Waterside Health Centre Car Parks.
From October 28-30 the Council Car Park on Strand Road will be open to the public.
Fort George Car Park will be open to the public on October 31st only for event car parking.
Victoria Market will be an accessible car park only from 28th – 31st October and will operate on a first come, first served basis.
Strand Road car park will be an accessible car park only on the 31st October also operating on a first come, first served basis.
Public Transport
On Halloween night (Thursday 31st October), Translink will be running a number of additional Foyle Metro, Ulsterbus and Goldliner services from Foyle Street Bus Station:
21:00 – additional 1a service to Culmore
21:10 – additional 3n service covering Kilfennan, Currynierin and Drumahoe
21:10 – additional 98 service to Strabane via Newbuildings
22:00 – additional 212 service to Castledawson
The public are also advised to note some service adjustments:
4c – 20:25 from Foyle Street and 20:45 from Currynierin not running due to road closures for the fireworks display. Passengers can instead avail of the 3n service from Foyle Street at 21:10.
6a – 20:20 to Newbuildings and 20:35 return not running due to road closures for the fireworks display. Passengers can avail of the 98 service to Newbuildings at 21:10.
8b – 20:50 from Foyle Street to Creggan moved to 21:00, with return moving from 21:05 to 21:15.
10a – 20:40 Ballymagroarty service moved to 21:00, with return moved from 21:00 to 21:20
11a – 20:40 to Woodbrook moved to 21:00
At the North West Transport Hub, additional capacity has been added to the 21:38 train departure to Belfast Grand Central Station, followed by an additional rail service at 22:38 to Coleraine Station.
A special coach service will also operate from Belfast Grand Central Station on Halloween at 3pm, making its return journey from Foyle Street Bus Centre at 9pm. Tickets for this service are available to book online by visiting: translink.co.uk/events.
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