Press Release

Mardi Gras Hallowe’en Mayhem

27th October 2005

The streets of the City will welcome the first Hallowe’en Carnival parade through the City Centre as part of this year’s Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival celebrations.

Featuring giant illuminated pieces including a steaming Ghost train, a Lantern parade, a monster band featuring instruments made from recycled junk, carnival bands plus hundreds of costumed children, the parade is set to be one of the many 31st October Hallowe’en highlights.

The renowned Brighton based arts company Same Sky have been working with the award winning recycled art materials centre ‘The Source’ at the Playhouse over the last two weeks. During their time in the City they have helped children from schools in Donegal and Derry to create almost 200 lanterns, which will light up Shipquay Street on Hallowe’en night and held make up/ mask making workshops in preparation for the big event. In addition members of the North West Carnival initiative have been hosting a number of workshops throughout the City to prepare for the extravaganza.

Looking forward to the event, Nuala McGee Festivals Organiser said,

“I would like to give a big thank you to The Source at the Playhouse, The Waterside Theatre, members of the North West Carnival Initiative and all the groups from around the City who have been working tirelessly over the last number of weeks preparing for the spectacle on Hallowe’en night.

“However we’re also inviting members of the public to come along and join the parade, providing the best opportunity to be seen by the Crazy Costume competition judges.”

Participants are asked to assemble at the top of Shipquay Street at 6.00pm and the Carnival parade will kick off at 6.30pm.

The Carnival parade participants include the Same Sky Arts Company, Simply Music, the Waterside Theatre First Act Children’s Theatre Company, The Source at the Playhouse, the Waterside Theatre Samba Band and In Your Space Company; the following youth clubs - Irish Street Youth Club, Cathedral Youth Club, Riverview residence Club, the Gasyard Youth Club and Buncrana Youth Club. It will also feature participants from the following schools Gael Scoil Éadain Mhóir, Glenmaquin National PS, SN An Choimin Clochan, Ballyheerin National School, Newbuildings PS, St Eithne’s PS, Mulroy College Milford, St Peters High School and Lisneal College.

ENDS

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