Press Release

Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival a Spooktacular Success

Monday, 01 November 2004

Last night saw the weeklong Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival celebrations draw to a close in a spooktacular fashion as over 30,000 costumed revellers took to the streets to participate in the City’s single biggest tourist attraction.

The City Centre was awash from early on with witches, ghosts and little devils as partygoers took advantage of the good weather to avail of the range of carnival entertainment that was on offer throughout the day.

Speaking today the Chairman of Recreation and Leisure Committee Cllr Sean Carr paid tribute to the tens of thousands of people who participated in this years celebrations contributing to feel good and fun atmosphere in the City at the weekend.

“This is the largest outdoor event in the city's calendar and I would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the celebrations last night. In particular I was delighted to see the large numbers of families and visitors who took part in the Hallowe’en festivities. Pubs, clubs and restaurants benefited greatly from influx of visitors to the City with hotels, hostels and B&B’s also filled to near capacity.

"The event ensured that everyone was catered for with the designated Family Fun alcohol free area and the glass free Student’s Zone. Reports from the various agencies involved in policing and monitoring the event have been extremely positive indicating a relatively trouble free night for such a large-scale event. As with all our events we will continue to work with everyone involved to encourage responsible and positive behaviour to an event that has gained the reputation of providing entertainment for everyone".

Festivals Organiser for Derry City Council, Nuala McGee, said she was delighted with the feel good factor that the event generated over the weekend, paying tribute to those working on the ground in ensuring a safe and fun environment for everyone.

“I would like to thank the venues throughout the City who programmed a wide variety of Hallowe’en events over the week, contributing to the build up to the annual Hallowe’en spectacle.

To deliver a successful carnival we need the support of so many agencies who bring their expertise and support to the event. It's a tribute to everyone involved that revellers were able to enjoy a safe environment, as in addition to the carnival zones, stewarding and support was provided in adjacent areas to accommodate the large crowds enjoying the carnival.

It is within all our interests that we provide the correct balance between the variety of audiences attending the event by monitoring controlled areas for both families and students throughout the day. This is a city event in which everyone plays their part and I acknowledge the support and assistance of all agencies and revellers who contributed to making Hallowe'en the largest and most successful outdoor carnival in Ireland".

The Festival's Organiser also thanked all sponsors and support team involved including sponsors, the Department for Social Development, Lucozade Energy, The Irish Star, the Northern Ireland Events Company, our event partners BBC Radio Foyle and Q102.9FM, who’s continued support is invaluable, and in particular those who helped with the Carnival Care campaign.

The official website www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween will be updated over the next couple of days to include highlights some of the best images of this years event, with an additional opportunity to give your feedback on this years celebrations.

ENDS

For more information please contact the City Marketing department
on (028) 7137 6504

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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