Press Release

Hallowe’en City Traffic and Travel Advice

Monday 30th October 2006

With large numbers expected to descend on the city for the annual Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival delays will be inevitable and those attending the event are urged to get there as early as possible and to make use of the Free Park and Ride facility at Fort George and the city's many car parks, and to follow the directions of police on point duty.

The police are advising motorists to expect major traffic disruption in Derry on Tuesday October 31, when the annual Banks Of The Foyle Halloween Carnival is to take place.

With large numbers expected to arrive in the city delays will be inevitable, and those attending the event are urged to get there early, to make use of the city's many car parks, and to follow the directions of police on point duty.

The Foyle Embankment, the Expressway, Queens Quay, Lower Strand Road, and Foyle Street will be closed to traffic from 6:00 pm. Shipquay Street in the city centre will also be closed from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.

The diversion for through traffic on the city side is via the top deck of the Craigavon Bridge, Abercorn Road, Lecky Flyover, Rossville Street, Little Diamond, Francis Street and Northland Road.

The Park and Ride Service or Park and Walk is free. The service is available every 15 minutes from 4.30 to 9.30 pm in an effort to assist with traffic management during this particular busy time. The homeward bound bus service is available from the lay-by adjacent to Hughes Newsagents/Strand Bar - opposite the Strand Multiplex. Ulsterbus will also operate its normal bus service with extended hours.

Access for disabled drivers will be via Foyle Street and Water Street. Disabled viewing area is provided for alongside the main stage in Guildhall Square.

Car parking is available at the following locations - Cityside - Bishop Street; Fort George; Bridge Street; Derry City Council Offices; Foyle Road; Foyle Valley Railway; Foyleside East and West; Lawrence Hill; Magee Campus; Quayside; Queen’s Quay; Society Street and William Street. Waterside - Alfred Street; Bond’s Hill; Distillery Brae; Railway Station; St. Columb’s Park Leisure Centre, Simpson’s Brae; Spencer Road and Waterside Health Centre.

Carnival Care Reminder

Organizers of the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival would like to remind partygoers to Enjoy Hallowe’en Safely ~ Enjoy Hallowe’en Sensibly and to click on to the designated website www.derrycity.gov.uk/care for information on traffic arrangements, safety advice and homeward bound information. The website is particularly useful for parents who are permitting their teenagers to go into the City Centre unaccompanied on Hallowe’en night.

TIME CHECK FOR CARNIVAL IN THE CITY

City Centre will be a designated Family Fun Area (alcohol Free) Guildhall Square

5.00pm - 8.00pm - Guildhall Square - Add the finishing touches to your costume with free face painting and balloon modelling and join us in Guildhall Square for the annual spookfest of music, magic and costume!!

5.00pm - 5.30pm - Get into the carnival mood with some top class samba and watch out for the Horseless Apocalypse performed by local street theatre company In Your Space, who will be making their way through the city centre sounding their bells of doom!!!!

5.30pm - 6.30pm - Soak up the costume atmosphere in the company of the excellent Pure Fresh, who are fast becoming a big attraction with their big band funky sound and outstanding vocals.

6.30pm- 7.00pm - Carnival Parade - Watch the annual parade spectacle as it makes it way through the city centre featuring stunning costume, displays and samba bands. Brought to you in association with the North West Carnival Initiative. Departs from The Diamond.

Carnival in the City - Tuesday 31st October - 6.45pm - 7.55pm Elvis - The Las Vegas Show - The ultimate Elvis tribute featuring Liam Murphy and his 10-piece GI Blues Band and backing vocalists. Elvis fans are in for a real treat this Hallowe’en as Liam Murphy and his band take to the Guildhall Stage for an evening of rock n’roll nostalgia. With costume changes and classics from down the ages, Elvis - The Las Vegas Show is set to one not to be missed for Elvis fans and music lovers alike.

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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