10 things to do during Derry’s 40th anniversary Heart of Samhain Hallowe’en celebrations

The city set to underline its status as the Heart of Samhain over four days at the end of October.

An exciting programme of events has been put in place with Derry to be transformed into a playground of myth, magic, and mischief.

With seven weeks to go the ‘Journal’ has looked at some of the top attractions.

Awakening the Walled City Trail

The Derry Walls will be transformed for the Awakening the Walled City Trail. Highlights include a Though the Veil acrobatic display in the Diamond.

Sliantha the Samhain Serpent, a Disco of the Undead and Witchy Wonderland and Echoes of the Great Queen, meanwhile, will bring colour to various locations on or along the City Walls.

Walter’s Wake, a New Orleans-style jazz funeral, named for the skeletal Walter de Burgo who adorns the old city arms, will enliven Bishop Street. A harvest market in Pump Street will be haunted by ‘wailing nuns’ and there will be folklore, storytelling, music and theatre in the Craft Village. The New Gate Arts Centre will be transformed into a Ghostbusters-style supernatural response station.

Samhain Stage

For five days and nights Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place will come alive with all manner of creepy ghosts and ghouls feasting on the sights, sounds and tastes of Hallowe’en. There will be live music at the Samhain music stage and great food and drinks at LegenScary Bites.

Cathedral Quarter Stage

Haunting harvest harmonies will echo through the beautiful Cathedral Quarter. With its old churches and historic buildings nestled along the Derry Walls, settings don’t get more atmospheric than this.

Little Horrors

There will be loads on for your little monsters as family fun takes centre stage this year. Children will be invited to unleash their creativity with arts and crafts, transform into their favourite Hallowe’en characters, and to be mesmerised by spooky kids’ shows. There will be enchanting storytelling that sparks the imagination and tickles your funny bone.

Carnival Parade

To feel the true spirit of the city, the Carnival Parade is the beating heart of the festival, taking place at 7pm on Hallowe’en night itself. While the parade is grassroots, it’s big, bold and very ambitious: imagine 40,000 people, all cheering along in fancy dress as a huge procession of innovative floats, talented performers and crazy costumes winds its way through our city.

Fireworks Finale

See the River Foyle and the city’s landmarks lit up in technicolour at Derry Hallowe’en’s epic fireworks finale. Feel the magic in the air as these beauties erupt – from sparkling showers to massive showstoppers! A spectacular end to an unforgettable four days. It takes place from 8.15pm on Hallowe’en night.

Hallowe’en Pop Quiz

On Thursday, October 22, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin will be hosting Tráth na gCeist na Samhna in Great James Street from 9pm.

The fun, free, and bilingual pop quiz will feature great prizes on the night and a late-night bar opening. The bar will be open from 8.30pm. Special spot prize for the best fancy dress. Everyone over 18 is welcome to attend this event. There is no need to reserve a space.

Hallowe’en Tea Dance

The Mayor's Tea Dance programme will continue with a Hallowe’en-themed Tea Dance in the Guildhall on Monday, October 26.

Hallowe’en Film Series

The Nerve Centre will be screening some of the greatest Hallowe’en movies of all time between October 28 and October 30.

Family favourites such as The Goonies, Gremlins, Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bridge, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and Labyrinth all feature.

Horror classics The Wicker Man, The Exorcist and The Shining will also be screened during the run.

Strabane Hallowe’en

The spirit of Halloween isn’t just in Derry—Strabane is conjuring up its own hauntingly good celebrations! With a thrilling mix of street performances, eerie entertainment, and supernatural spectacles, the town will be transformed into a spooktacular Hallowe’en hub.

Expect live music, costumed performers, light installations, and immersive experiences that will bring the ancient traditions of Samhain to life. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a chilling night of Halloween thrills, Strabane is set to deliver a festival atmosphere like no other. Join the fun and experience Hallowe’en like never before!