Hallowe’en back in community for 2020

Hallowe’en is to go back to its community roots in Derry & Strabane this year with a strong focus on localised entertainment as well as digital events.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Sep 2020, 11:06 BST
2019: The Johnstone family pictured at the Halloween parade and festivities in the city centre. DER4419GS - 0612019: The Johnstone family pictured at the Halloween parade and festivities in the city centre. DER4419GS - 061
2019: The Johnstone family pictured at the Halloween parade and festivities in the city centre. DER4419GS - 061

It was confirmed this week that the annual parade and fireworks display over the Foyle will not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Awakening of the Walls and the Legenderry Food Village are also off.

However, Aeidin McCarter, Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, said there will be several simultaneous fireworks displays at undisclosed locations across the region so that as many people as possible can see them from their own homes and areas.

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The Council is also working with others to develop a creative programme to include The Hallowe’en Dressing Scheme , which will see large scale themed inflatables across Derry city centre. In Strabane and across the District, plans are in place to further develop the Hay Bale Sculpture Trail, while officers are working with the five Neighbourhood Renewal Areas through the North West Carnival Initiative, to support a range of community outreach programmes such as the All Hallow First Light Community Lantern Installation, Costume and Prop Support for community activity and a care home/residential centre window display.

2019: The Campbells at last year's Halloween celebrations in the city centre. DER4419GS - 0652019: The Campbells at last year's Halloween celebrations in the city centre. DER4419GS - 065
2019: The Campbells at last year's Halloween celebrations in the city centre. DER4419GS - 065

Other events will include a Wheelie Banshee Bike Ride, a First Light service with music and choirs on November 1 and a Hallowe’en-themed Animation programme to assist businesses and encourage customers to visit the town and city centres.

Digital content online will include Little Horror and Samhain Sessions.

Chairperson of the Business and Culture Committee, Rory Farrell said Hallowe’en was hugely important for the city in terms of its cultural identity but also from an economic and business point of view.

Related topics:DerryStrabaneCouncilFoyle