The annual Halloween festival in Londonderry and Strabane is set to attract thousands of attendees for its grand finale. This four-day event, recognized as the largest Halloween celebration in Europe, will reach its peak on Thursday with a vibrant parade and a spectacular fireworks display. Since its inception in 1986, the festivities in Derry have gained international acclaim, establishing the city as a premier Halloween destination worldwide.

To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, Translink has introduced extra bus and rail services, while several roads will be closed on Thursday evening. The main parade will commence at Queens Quay Car Park at 7:00 PM GMT, winding through various streets including Strand Road and Foyle Embankment before returning to the parking area. Notably, Queens Quay and Upper Strand Road will be closed starting at 6:00 PM to facilitate the event. The Peace Bridge will also close at 7:00 PM ahead of the fireworks display, reopening shortly before 9:00 PM.

On Halloween night, Translink’s Foyle Metro, Ulsterbus, and Goldliner services will operate extra routes from Foyle Street Bus Station. A notable addition includes increased capacity for the 9:38 PM train to Belfast Grand Central Station, followed by another train at 10:38 PM heading to Coleraine Station. A special coach service will also run from Belfast Grand Central Station at 3:00 PM, returning from Foyle Street Bus Centre at 9:00 PM.

Fortunately for attendees, weather forecasts predict dry conditions with just a hint of mist as they enjoy the festivities. The celebrations have featured various activities since Monday and will culminate in a themed ‘Carnival of the Dead’ parade on Thursday evening.

Aisling McCallion, one of the festival organizers, shared insights about this year’s offerings on BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today program. She highlighted that there are activities suitable for all ages over the four-day period, including storytelling, arts and crafts, live performances, and more. Safety measures such as queuing systems will be implemented for those exploring attractions along the city walls.

This year’s events promise highlights like a witch-themed installation on the City Walls and captivating projections on local landmarks like Austins and Bishop Street Court House. Local businesses are also experiencing a surge in activity due to festival-goers flocking to their establishments.

Emily McCorkell from Lo & Slo food truck is excited about serving American BBQ dishes at Guildhall Square’s Haunted Harvest Halloween Market. Other local eateries are reporting high demand as well. The White Horse Hotel in Campsie is fully booked for Halloween weekend due to its popularity among visitors from both Ireland and beyond.

The festival stands as a significant economic boost for local businesses and showcases Derry’s growing reputation as an international event destination.