Derry Halloween's special 40th edition 'a huge success'
Tens of thousands of people took a little bit of magic away with them after helping to ensure this year’s special 40th edition of Derry Halloween was a spectacular success.
The weather held for most of the festival, helping to ensure a huge turnout which has now cemented the city’s reputation as the the staging post for biggest and best Halloween festival in Europe.
Over the past 40 years the festival has grown from a small community celebration into one of Ireland's premier tourism and cultural events, attracting visitors from across the globe.
The milestone anniversary programme delivered five days of world-class entertainment and unforgettable performances, with highlights including the return of the Awakening the Walled City Trail, the annual Carnival Parade, live music, street theatre, family activities and the fireworks finale.
Throughout the celebrations, local artists, performers, community groups and creative organisations showcased the very best of the North West's talent, helping to create a magical atmosphere across the city and providing visitors with an authentic Halloween experience in the birthplace of the ancient Celtic festival.
The 40th anniversary year also celebrated the festival's remarkable legacy with the unveiling of a special commissioned commemorative mural featuring Walter deBurgh, the iconic skeleton from the city's coat of arms, marking the evolution of Derry Halloween from its beginnings in 1986 to the internationally recognised event it is today.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said: "As we bring the curtain down on this very special 40th anniversary celebration, I want to thank everyone who played a part in making Derry Halloween such an outstanding success.
"From our performers and community groups to our event staff, partners, sponsors, businesses, volunteers and visitors, this festival is built on the passion, creativity and commitment of so many people.
"Over the past four decades, Derry Halloween has grown into a globally recognised event that showcases everything that is special about our city and district. This year's celebrations honoured that remarkable journey while looking confidently towards the future. It was wonderful to see our streets filled with visitors from near and far, enjoying our culture, heritage and hospitality.”
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said: "Celebrating 40 years of Derry Halloween has been an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in delivering the festival.
" The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the return of the Awakening the Walled City Trail and an extended programme this year.
"Derry Halloween's success is rooted in partnership, and I want to acknowledge all the efforts of our artists, local community groups, tourism partners and Council staff, who worked tirelessly to deliver an event worthy of this significant milestone.
"As we celebrate everything that has been achieved over the last four decades, we are also looking ahead with excitement to the next chapter of Derry Halloween's story."
Following the finale celebrations police in Derry & Strabane posted: “What a spectacular end to the 40th Halloween Festival. The crowds were amazing and we spoke with so many people over the last few days, all enjoying the very many events and attractions.”