English woman describes first Hallowe'en in Derry

Sharon Meakin pictured as Cruella de Vil for Hallowe'en in Derry on Monday.

Sharon Meakin's parents were both from Derry but moved to England many years ago. This year was the first time Sharon celebrated Hallowe'en in the city - here's how she got on.

This is my first visit to Derry for the Hallowe’en festivities. What an amazing time I am having so far.

My mother and father were from opposite sides of the water and when they married they left this beautiful city to start a new life in England where I was born and now live.

Over the last few years and since the loss of my parents I felt compelled to reconnect with my roots and I have watched the city transform into the city of peace that it is today, so for me any event that brings the people from both sides together is a wonderful thing.

As a city you certainly do Hallowe’en in style, how wonderful it was to see families out together and meeting up with friends last night whilst I was out in the city, the shear joy on the children’s faces told its own story of happiness and the laughter and love in the city rang out in abundance.

The warm welcome and hospitality we received whilst out and about around the city carried on to a great night in the many bars we visited.

In my opinion the Derry is definitely the place to be for Hallowe’en and the parade and fireworks on Monday night were both spectacular and amazing. Well done Derry city, I take my hat off to you and may you continue to prosper.

Sharon is from Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England.