Derry artists FUSE arts is getting ready to bring haunting historic tales to Derry Halloween's 40th anniversary.

FUSE arts is among a number of local creative organisations playing a central role in this year's festival programme, delivering an original outdoor performance experience as part of the Awakening the Walled City Trail which runs from October 28 – 30, and contributing to the internationally acclaimed Halloween Carnival Parade on October 31.

Organisers said that FUSE performers are summoning The Blue Guardian, an eerie and atmospheric performance inspired by local folklore and history. Set in the mysterious surroundings of Mute Meadows at Ebrington, the story follows the ghostly Blue Guardian, who each year escapes from the old Glendermott Road Workhouse in search of the lost children once in her care.

Delivered by the FUSE arts Youth Dance Troupe, the performance aims to combine contemporary dance, movement and visual storytelling to create an immersive experience that promises to captivate audiences over the Halloween period.

This year, Derry City and Strabane District Council said it has made its largest investment to date in local creative participation, providing opportunities for performers and community organisations to showcase their talents on a major stage.

FUSE arts is one of three local organisations collaborating with Council to help deliver key elements of this year's parade, alongside Newgate Arts Centre and Greater Shantallow Community Arts.

For FUSE arts, the event offers young performers the chance to be part of a large-scale professional production while developing creative skills and experience in front of tens of thousands of visitors.

Looking ahead to the event, Zoe McSparron from FUSE arts said they were really looking forward to bringing the story to life. “As a multi-disciplinary community arts organisation, providing opportunities for local people to be involved in large-scale cultural events like Derry Halloween is extremely important to us,” she explained. “Derry is a city bursting with creative people, ideas and energy, and it is exactly that spirit that makes Derry Halloween what it is.

Derry Halloween is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism N. Ireland and The Executive Office. Find out more about the full programme of events at derryhalloween.com