Press Release

City gets ready for Hallowe’en

27th October 2004

Event organisers of the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival say that public interest in the 2004 event is greater than ever before.

Reputed to be the City’s single biggest visitor attraction the Carnival has received huge interest this year with the ‘unique hits’ to the dedicated Hallowe’en website www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween up 50% on previous years.

The number of telephone enquiries are also at an all time high and requests for information have been received all around the world including India, Malaysia, South Korea, America, Africa and New Zealand!!

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau have also noted an increase in the number of calls received regarding the award-winning event, and accommodation is currently filled to 80% capacity.

Looking the forward to the weekend, Mayor Councillor Gearóid Ó hÉara said,

“The Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival is a hugely important festival for the City providing an unrivalled Hallowe’en event with something for everyone to enjoy. Hallowe’en is all about taking part and is an opportunity to see the City as its best”.

A host of events have been programmed as part of the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival in the build-up to the free massive outdoor Hallowe’en spectacle on Sunday. Highlights include Ghostbustours around some of the City’s spookiest venues, Storytelling at the Workhouse Museum, Bram Stokers Dracula at the Playhouse and the Guildhall Country Food Fair, which will take place in Guildhall Square on Saturday afternoon.

Hallowe’en Carnival Sunday

The Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival kicks off with a number of day-time events including Storytelling at the Tourist Information Centre and the Hallowe’en Pumpkin Bash, not to mention the Crazy Costume Day competition which this year is sponsored by the Irish Star, promising a crazier and wackier competition than ever before.

Recognising the work involved in bringing the event together, the Chair of Recreation and Leisure committee, Councillor Sean Carr said,

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated team of staff who have worked tirelessly in delivering the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival and I look forward to another hugely successful event.”

From 2.00pm Guildhall Square will be transformed into the City’s carnival centre with free face painting, balloon modelling, walkabout characters and carnival bands performing throughout the day in this alcohol free Family Fun Zone. Event partners BBC Radio Foyle will also be broadcasting from Guildhall Square featuring a blend of music, special guests, competitions including the crazy costume final and the introduction to the fireworks spectacle. The fantastic Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club will swing Guildhall Square into the night, ending over seven hours of non-stop outdoor entertainment.

Announced recently top Radio One DJ, Dave Pearce will be the special guest at the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival Student Stage on Hallowe’en Night kicking off the Victoria Market Car Park party at 5.30pm. This glass free zone, which this is being supported by Lucozade Energy, will also feature a fantastic live band line up featuring Paul Casey, Les Majesty, Fighting with Wire and The Plea together with the Q102.9FM Roadshow. The party will include lots of great prizes for the best costume and thousands of bottles of Lucozade Energy to help keep the carnival spirit going for all those participating.

New to the Carnival this year is the introduction of Students Parade, which is sponsored by Lucozade Energy and organised by Derry City Council in association with the University of Ulster’s Magee Campus Students Union. This spectacle of energy and colour will leave the UU’s Magee Campus at 4.30pm joining the celebrations in Victoria Market Car Park.

As the day turns to night the spectacular River Foyle Fireworks display will provide the highlight of the evening, however the fun will continue as many of the hotels and venues around the city host a variety of Hallowe’en parties.

Details were also announced earlier this week with regards to the Council’s Carnival Care campaign, which has been organised in association with health promotion agencies and community support groups together with the range of groups who are involved in delivery of the event on 31st October. Aimed at promoting responsible behaviour and a safe environment at this years event the Campaign Flyer outlines the opening and finishing time for the carnival, details of the Carnival Shuttle bus services and taxi services, alcohol free zone, stewarding and general safety arrangements at the event. The flyer is supported by a dedicated website www.derrycity.gov.uk/care.

Banks of the Foyle Hallowe'en Carnival programmes are currently available by telephoning (028) 7137 6545, emailing: halloween@derrycity.gov.uk or clicking on www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween.

The Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival is organised by Derry City Council in association with the Department for Social Development and sponsored by the Northern Ireland Events Company, Lucozade Energy and Star Newspaper.

ENDS

Further press information can be obtained by contacting the City Marketing Department at Derry City Council Telephone: 028 7137 6504. Carnival Information Telephone: 028 7137 6545

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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