THERE will be plenty of al fresco fun this Hallowe’en in Derry and Strabane as the events spill out onto the streets with music, animation and entertainment taking place in open spaces across the district.
A packed programme of family friendly activities has been planned including workshops, tours, storytelling, shows and music, with plenty to suit all ages.
Festivals and Events Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Karan Leonard, said the outdoor events would add to the carnival feel of the celebrations and make them more accessible to all.
“The programme is extremely busy this year and we’ve brought some of the shows to an outdoor arena at sites across the city.
“For example we’re using the Guildhall and Guildhall Square for some of our family friendly events, and we are also using the Bone Shakers Bandstand as a platform for live music and entertainment from Thursday until Saturday.
“I’m delighted to see the return of the Awakening of the Walls which was so popular last year and a great way to enjoy the city’s most famous landmark.
“And the Craft Village will also be transformed for the occasion at the Rio Bravo Fiesta, one of the new features of the programme.
“We hope that people will really enjoy the buzz on the streets and join in the fun leading up to our Rise of the River Gods Carnival Parade and Fireworks finale.”
The famous city walls become a stage on Thursday and Friday for a whole host of weird and wonderful creations who will emerge from the darkness for the Awakening of the Walls.
This stunning display of fire, magic and mystery will take visitors on a journey to another realm where they can experience the power of the River Gods.
The Guildhall Square will be buzzing with activity from Thursday October 29, with plenty of entertainment on the Bone Shakers Bandstand, with fiendish face painting, screaming selfies and plenty of spooky characters to keep visitors on their toes.
The Riversaurus river monsters will be prowling around their new territory, while the Armagh Rhymers regale the crowds with tales of the terrifying River Gods.
Join in the celebration of Dia de los Muertos – the day of the dead – as the Rio Bravo Festival rolls into the Craft Village, bringing a distinctly Mexican flavour to the carnival this year, with live music, skull decorating, mask making, story-telling and pumpkin carving.
And of course it’s all action at Ebrington Square with plenty of thrills and spills at the Monster Hallowe’en Funfair, and Chateau le Fear’s new Trail of Terror.
On Hallowe’en night revelers will be entertained from 6pm – 9.30pm at the Live Music Stage in Victoria Market where Radio Ulster’s Lynette Faye will be broadcasting live, featuring music from Balkan Alien Sound, Thumping Jellyfish and more acts to be confirmed.
For more information on all the events taking place in Derry and Strabane this year go towww.derrystrabane.com/halloween For information on all the best accommodation deals on offer throughout the festival go to www.visitderry.com
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