Traffic and travel: What you need to know ahead of Hallowe'en 2018

A number of restrictions and diversions will be in place to facilitate the fantastic programme of events which begin this weekend, as revellers take to the streets on the Halloween trail.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor, John Boyle, urged people to plan ahead in order to ensure the very best hassle free Halloween experience.

He said: “This year we are once again expecting tens of thousands to attend events throughout the nine-day programme. There will be a lot of people moving between venues and we want to ensure that this happens as smoothly as possible and that the visitor experience is an exceptional one throughout our flagship event.

“It’s been fantastic to see the amount of local businesses and community groups who have jumped on the bandwagon this year and embraced the Halloween theme.

"So much work has gone into this year’s programme and the planning of all the events. I want to encourage people to follow the signage and directions of stewards when out and about, but most importantly plan your travel in advance.

“I can’t wait to see the city transformed into Scary Derry over the coming days and I want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween.”

One of the main festival highlights is the captivating Awakening the Walls, an illuminated trail weaving through some of the most historic areas of the city from the city’s 400-year-old ramparts, to the streets of Derry’s quaint Cathedral Quarter.

The event kicks off this weekend on Sunday evening, October 28, running until Tuesday October 30.

To facilitate the extension of this year’s route a number of temporary restrictions will be in place in the following streets: Magazine Street, Butcher Street, Bishop Street Within, Society Street, London Street, Pump Street, Artillery Street on October 28-30, between the hours of 5pm and 10pm.

Regular users of Bishop Street Carpark should note that a partial carpark closure will be in place, however during the Awakening the Walls, from 5.30pm to 9pm, exiting the carpark will be restricted and controlled by a dedicated steward. Exiting will be via the top end of the carpark.

Society Street Carpark will only be available for accessible parking during Awakening the Walls, from October 28-30. Users must be in place by 5.30pm and cannot leave until 9pm or when it is suitable to do so.

The Festival showcase is without doubt the traditional Carnival Parade which takes place onWednesday 31st October, departing Queen’s Quay at 7pm, concluding with the finale fireworks at 8.20pm.

The route this year leaves Queen’s Quay Car Park, travelling up Boating Club Lane turning onto Strand Road. The parade turns at Harbour House Roundabout, travelling to Water Street, along the Foyle Embankment and returning to Queen’s Quay Car Park. There will be vantage points for viewing all along the parade route.

To facilitate the parade a number of traffic restrictions will be in place, and motorists are advised to expect some delays and diversions in the interests of safety.

Lane closures will be introduced along the Strand Road and Foyle Embankment in advance of the parade. The Strand Road lane closure, on the city bound approach to Water Street, will be operational from 6.30pm until approximately 8.45pm

Strand Road, Harbour Square, Queen’s Quay, Whittaker Street and the Foyle Embankment, between Water Street and the City Hotel, will be closed to traffic for varying lengths of time during the evening events, between 6.30pm and 8.45pm. Alternative diversion routes will be available during these times.

Please note that all times are approximate and that road closures and diversions will be kept to the minimum length necessary to ensure safety.

Please also note that the Peace Bridge will be closed from 7.15pm until 8.45pm.

Parking will be available at a number of sites throughout the city namely, Cityside car parks: Foyleside Shopping Centre Car Park East, Foyleside West and Quayside Shopping Centre, Foyle Road, Magee Campus (Lawrence Hill), Strand Road, Victoria Market, Society Street, Bishop Street, Carlisle road and William Street.

Waterside car parks: Alfred Street, Bond’s Hill, Distillery Brae, Simpsons Brae, Spencer Road Car Park and Waterside Health Centre and Oakgrove School.

Motorists are advised that there are likely to be delays when exiting some car parks during the parade and after the fireworks display.

Drivers are reminded that normal on street parking restrictions will be in place and that they should avoid parking anywhere they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access. In addition to this the car parks at Queen’s Quay will be closed on Wednesday, October 31 and Foyle Street Car Park closed over October 27-31. Strand Road car park will be an accessible car park only on the 31st October.

No parking will be permitted along Baronet Street, Fletcher Avenue, Water Street and on the left hand side of St Columb’s Road.

Vehicles stopping to drop off passengers are advised to park in a safe location and to avoid the immediate vicinity of Queen’s Quay, Foyle Embankment and the Limavady Road / St Columb’s Road Junction in order to minimise traffic congestion.

For more information on all the Halloween events go to derryhalloween.com