This year’s Halloween celebrations in Derry promises a bigger programme of spooktacular family friendly events.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the City of Bones Street Carnival Parade and fireworks on Halloween night.
However, the fun begins today when the terrifying Chateau le Fear opens its dusty doors at Ebrington Square.
The eerie House of Horrors holds all sorts of secrets and over-12s are invited to walk the haunted hallways and meet its ghoulish guests.
Early shows take place between 1.00pm – 3.00pm will appeal to younger Hallowe’en fans.
Meanwhile, the Freaky Fun Fair will chill and thrill in equal measure at Ebrington from October 22 – November 2, with some funfair favourites including of course its own terrifying ghost train.
The City’s Walls will provide the atmospheric backdrop for a sensational three day spectacle from 30 October as they are transformed into the mysterious dream world setting for Awakening the Walls, Citadel of Dreams.
Landscape theatre company LUXe will summon the spirits with their magical blend of fire performance, shadowplay, sculpture and circus antics.
Karan Leonard, Festival and Events manager with Derry City Council, Karan Leonard said this year’s carnival programme had a “distinctly family flavour” and some new and exciting features which would appeal to people of all ages.
She added: “Ebrington Square is going to play a big part in this year’s programme and I can’t wait to visit the Chateau le Fear which I’ve heard is spine chillingly scary, and of course the Freaky Funfair.
“There will be plenty to do for younger children with story-telling, ghost tours, nature shows, and craft activities, offering lots to fill the long hours of the mid-term break with fun. And of course we have our magical festival showcase event on Hallowe’en night with the City of Bones Street Carnival Parade and fireworks. It’s such a fantastic and vibrant time to visit Derry.”
As well as all the new attractions some annual festival favourites will make a return to the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival. St Columb’s Hall will once again open its doors this year for a series of spooky shows taking place from Thursday October 30 – Saturday November 1.
The Playhouse will host an evening of gruesome tales courtesy of the Brothers Grimm, with a night of tricks and treats for children of all ages, taking place each evening at 8pm from October 29 – October 31.
There will be plenty of wicked wildlife on show at Riverwatch Visitor Centre in Prehen, as well as bat watching at Creggan Country Park.
Take the family on a cultural journey on October 26, and experience the Diwali Festival of Light at the Millennium Forum, with stage shows and Bollywood style fun, from fashion to traditional Diwali food.
Add to this ghost tours, Hallowe’en Balls, a special Hallowe’en Horror film week at the Nerve Centre, the Killer Books Festival at the Verbal Arts Centre, Jackula japes at the Waterside Theatre, and many more events taking place at venues across the city – you’ll need to leave plenty of time for your visit.
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