Late night after dark programme unveiled for Derry 40th Halloween anniversary

Derry is preparing to come alive after dark this Halloween, with a packed programme of late-night entertainment and live music to mark the 40th anniversary of the city’s world-famous celebrations.

Derry City and Strabane District Council has unveiled a range of events designed to keep the celebrations going into the evening, offering visitors and locals the opportunity to experience the city’s renowned night life.

The ticketed ‘After Dark’ events will take place in city centre venues Sandinos, the Tower Museum, CCA Artillery Street, Lizzie O’Farrell’s and the Guildhall.

Festivals and Events Manager at Council, Aisling McCallion, said the After Dark programme will cater for people looking for a late night experience during the festival.

“We want to give people the opportunity to enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere well into the evening,” she said.

“The Derry Halloween story famously began when a Fancy Dress Party spilled onto the streets in the 1980s, so it is important that we continue the tradition of hosting events inside our city centre bars and venues to compliment the extensive programming that we have on the streets.

“Tickets for the events are selling well so we’d advise people to book this week to avoid disappointment and get planning your costumes.”

The After Hours event at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) on Artillery Street will offer an alternative late-night experience from October 28th to 31st, between 9pm and 11pm.

Visitors can enjoy contemporary art, artist-curated playlists and a relaxed lounge seating and a donation bar for over-18s.

Live music will also feature across the city, with performances at the Craft Village courtyard, Bennigan’s Bar’s Coffin Ship sessions and other venues, adding to the atmosphere across Derry’s historic streets.

At the heart of the wider programme is the popular Awakening the Walled City Trail, taking place from Wednesday October 28th to Friday October 30th between 6pm and 9pm.

The trail will transform the historic city centre with spectacular street theatre, aerial performances, fire displays and larger-than-life installations.

At The Diamond, In Your Space Circus and Fidget Feet Aerial Dance will bring the night sky to life with an aerial performance featuring luminous skeletal figures and soaring spirits.

Around St Columb’s Court, visitors will encounter characters inspired by local mythology, including the Spectral Sea Captain, a Ghostly Barmaid and Abhartach, the legendary Derry vampire.

Giant installations, including Walter’s Pet Snout and An Fathach (The Giant), will add to the spectacle around Guildhall Square, while street performers, ghostbusters and fire artists will animate Market Street and the historic city walls.

The celebrations will reach their climax on Saturday October 31 with the 40th anniversary Halloween Carnival Parade, followed by a fireworks display over the River Foyle.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, with road closures expected in the city centre during festival evenings and Park and Ride facilities available.

Some indoor events have limited capacity, so advance booking is recommended where applicable.

For the full programme, including ticket details for the After Dark element of the programme visit www.derryhalloween.com.