Banks of the Foyle
Hallowe’en Carnival 2008

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Riverside Location adds new life to Hallowe’en Carnival

1st November 2008

The city’s first riverside Hallowe’en Carnival received huge support with over 20,000 people viewing the fireworks and thousands attending the music and city centre carnival parade on Friday evening. (October 31st).

Council staff and a host of partner agencies worked diligently towards the delivery of a successful event for 2008 and Gerald McColgan, Event Controller, said it was important to build upon the strengths and learning of this year’s carnival for 2009.

" The new riverside location proved to be a positive site for the event. The Carnival Parade was outstanding with the appeal to families evident by the huge numbers in attendance. The event was a positive experience for everyone attending". He continued:

" The extended no-alcohol zones in Guildhall Square certainly improved the city centre experience into the late evening and this was positively supported by the inter-agency planning team who carefully managed and delivered this event".

PSNI have also reflected on the low level of disorder experienced in the evening with 16 arrests recorded. Altnagelvin also experienced less attendances recorded in accident & emergency compared to the previous year. The city centre triage area, which was set-up to respond immediately with medical assistance, reported a relaxed evening with 42 people requiring assistance with three persons transferred to Altnagelvin for further treatment.

Thanking everyone involved in the event, Mayor Councillor Gerard Diver paid tribute to the staff and inter-agency team and reiterated that Council would continue to work in partnership with all agencies and stakeholders to build upon the learning and strengths of this event for future years.

" Derry City Council continues to work closely with its agency partners and stakeholders to have a shared view on how the festival can be improved and enhanced for 2009 and beyond. This year showed a marked improvement in atmosphere, behaviour and experience and we are keen to get the views of the public to assist us in our future planning. We will work throughout the year ahead to bring a positive conclusion to any issues raised and ensure locals and visitors continue to enjoy Hallowe’en safely and sensibly".

Derry City Council wishes to thank everyone involved and indicated that the event is only possible with the support of the council staff, inter-agency planning team, general public, parents and businesses throughout the city. You can provide your feedback on the festival from Monday 03rd November by logging onto www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween and complete the feedback form.

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