Europe’s biggest Hallowe’en festival getting ready for next year

Elaine Griffin, Derry City Council’s Hallowe’en programme organiser said: “Since the Hallowe’en weekend, we have enjoyed a spectacular fashion with the Shapeshifters Catwalk in the Craft Village, where the world-renowned designer Wayne Hemmingway was simply blown away by the creativity of the participants.

“The Dragon Safari was also a huge hit of this year’s programme and the entertainment in St Columb’s Hall also drew massive crowds.

“The storytelling in the Workhouse museum, music in Waterloo place and the presence of the Guildhall Square’s Continental Market all added to a fantastic Hallowe’en experience.

“Plans have already begun for the 2013 celebrations which will give us the chance to showcase this Derry unique event to a worldwide audience.”

Mayor Kevin Campbell said: “The North West Carnival Initiative in association with Derry City Council have worked tremendously hard over the last number of months.

“Last night’s Carnival brought together seasoned Carnival participants together with local community and arts groups to bring a wonderful procession of luminous pageantry and live music through the city centre.

“Organisers and the inter-agency teams must be congratulated on pulling together a wonderfully inclusive programme where people were able to explore the city and its beautiful landscape and architecture whilst enjoying a fun and varied range of events.”

Images from the festival will soon be available on the official Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival on www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thebanksofthefoylehalloweencarnival