This year’s Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival programme includes a special event which combines the celebration of Halloween with marking the 400th anniversary of the city’s historic walls.
A number of city artists have been working with the City Walls Heritage Project to pay homage to both, and creating the Awakening of the City Walls, a host of illuminations, sculptures and props to create trial of surprises, frights and delights on the run up to Halloween night.
Built from 1613-18, the Derry walls have the most complete circuit in Ireland and among the finest in Europe. Now these historic walls will become more atmospheric than ever, with art work commissioned to illuminate their rich architecture and the magnificent historic buildings that line them.
Sharon Meenan, Carnival Development Officer, Derry City Council said the North West Carnival Initiative were delighted to be working with the Holywell Trust through their City Walls Heritage Project in offering a unique family event.
“Halloween is always a time to experiment, and with a series of sculptures, installations, lights and characters, our walls are set to experience a form of awakening for the two evenings prior to Halloween night.”
As dusk falls and by the light of the moon on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29 and 30 October, the scene will be set to tell a story of once upon a time, and stone by stone unravel the centuries of history.
The Awakening will take place on the Derry City Walls and Guildhall Square from 6pm-9pm. Admission is free.
For more information about Awakening of the Walls and the full week-long Hallowe’en Festival programme you can download the information online at www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween or view the interactive programme via the Halloween Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/thebanksofthefoylehalloweencarnival and clicking on the Halloween Programme button.
Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival is organized by Derry City Council and supported by the following organizations; Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Good Relations Programme, Ilex and Big Lottery Fund.