Press Release

Enjoy Hallowe'en Safely ~ Enjoy Hallowe'en Sensibly

27th October 2005

www.derrycity.gov.uk/care

Event organisers have re-stated their call for the public to support their Carnival Care Campaign aimed at ensuring Hallowe’en is enjoyed both Safely and Sensibly.

Members of the Event Planning Contingency Group at the launch of the Carnival Care initiative including Shaun Austin, Alex Penney, Joanna Walker, Adrian McAuley, Alan Cahill, Charlie Morrison, Warren Kerr and Nuala McGee.

The Carnival Care campaign was launched earlier this week to support the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival and is designed to help the public manage risks at this time of the year. The public events planning contingency team is responsible for putting in place the on-street arrangements to ensure the City can facilitate the number of local people and visitors who converge on the City Centre to enjoy the celebrations on October 31st.

Cllr Pat Ramsey, Chairman of the Development Committee stated that public support for safety was essential to delivering a successful Carnival.

“Investment in Hallowe’en from organisations throughout the city increases the attractiveness of the event and makes sure it appeals to all ages. To ensure the experience in the city centre is positive requires a safety programme supported by all emergency agencies. This is in place and we hope the public will support our call to enjoy Hallowe’en sensibly and safely”.

Nuala McGee, Festival Organiser with Derry City Council said the Carnival Care Campaign is in place to encourage a safe and sensible approach to the celebrations.

“Through the carnival care campaign we are highlighting the measures that are in place to deliver a safe carnival and ask everyone to play their part in the care and safety of themselves and others at the celebrations. The campaign also highlights the risks associated with underage and binge drinking and it provides timely advice for parents/guardians with families or who are permitting their teenagers to go into the city centre unaccompanied. Our carnival services are available from 4pm - 12 midnight on the 31st October and include increased on-site emergency support from voluntary and statutory agencies, enhanced zone boundaries, lighting, facilities and stewarding in the city centre.”

The Carnival Care Campaign also offers tips on traffic arrangements, homeward bound information, plus some useful safety advice in relation to fireworks and costumes. At a glance it includes:

Ø On-site services on October 31st from 4pm to 12 midnight,
Ø Extended Alcohol free city centre,
Ø Extended family and teenage zone within this area,
Ø Requests to vintners and off-licences asking them to enforce regulations and request ID’s,
Ø City centre off-licences have been asked to close at 5:00pm on the 31st,
Ø Requests to taxi companies not to deliver alcohol to homes or permit passengers to carry drink into the city centre,
Ø Schools have also been asked to raise awareness of the Carnival Care Website and information,
Ø Time check for parents who are permitting teenagers to attend the event unaccompanied,
Ø Improved event information on access and events for everyone,
Ø Risks associated with underage or binge drinking,
Ø General safety tips for families with regard to fireworks and costumes,
Ø A dedicated website www.derrycity.gov.uk/care
Ø Promotional leaflet which includes event information and highlights the risk of underage and binge drinking,
Ø Newspaper, radio and TV advertisements - enjoy hallowe’en safely ~ enjoy hallowe’en sensibly,
Ø Public information distributed in city centre and neighbourhood shopping centres.

Alan Cahill from the Ambulance Service stressed the importance of safety and sensible behaviour which is the responsibility of everyone who attends the celebrations.

“Each year Carnival attracts thousands of locals and visitors to the city and through the planning team we aim to ensure the city centre has the capacity to entertain everyone in a safe environment. We would call on parents/guardians, young adults and families to think about a range of factors that will ensure they enjoy Hallowe’en safely and sensibly”.

The Carnival Care programme is supported by the Public Events Planning Contingency Group, Derry City Council and Destination North West.

For further information on Carnival Care view www.derrycity.gov.uk/care.

Ends

Notes to Editor

Arrangements for Hallowe’en 2005 include delivery of a programme of free outdoor entertainment within an extended alcohol free city centre which has three quite separate zones: the ever popular Guildhall Square Family area, Waterloo Place/Strand Road Carnival Bands, Street Theatre and Concessions and the newly introduced Teenage Spooks stage area at Victoria Market Car Park all within the alcohol free zone. The alcohol free area is also extended to include streets leading to the city centre zone and the main viewing area for the fireworks from Harbour Square to Water Street.

Celebratory occasions throughout the year can bring the risk of binge and underage drinking. The support and co-operation of organisations, agencies, parents and young adults is needed to reduce the risk at this time and to support this family event.

With all the measures in place the public events planning contingency team asks for the public to support the extended family friendly ~ non alcohol zone in the city centre and follow the information on timings, travel and festival tips that are available in a specific Carnival Care leaflet and through the website www.derrycity.gov.uk/care.

ENDS

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