Local communities centre stage at 2020 Halloween celebrations

While the traditional parade may be off, a Council spokesperson told the Journal it is “still considering a range of alternative approaches to its Hallowe’en celebrations this year to take into account any restrictions around social distancing”.

The spokesperson said: “Our Festivals and Events team have been working to develop some new and creative ways to involve the public and have been consulting with local businesses - particularly within the hospitality sector through the food network - on how they can participate and benefit from the event, which is a significant contributor to the local economy. Council will also work closely with Visit Derry to explore new ways of promoting Halloween to a wider international audience.

“This year Council hopes there will be a strong community focus to the programming, and opportunities for smaller celebrations at a number of locations across Derry and Strabane. We are currently trialling the feasibility of alternative fireworks displays in a number of areas, and exploring a number of other ways communities can engage with the event. There will also be an enhanced digital element to the programme, with a range of new and exciting interactive online experiences.

“While 2020 has presented us with unprecedented challenges and the usual Halloween street extravaganza simply isn’t possible, we want to reassure everyone that Derry is still very much the home of Hallowe’en. We will be doing everything we can to keep the spirit of the event alive, and to meet the expectations of the many thousands of people who look forward to our celebrations every year.”

Sinn Féin Councillor for Foyleside Mickey Cooper said he was delighted that his proposal for the Council to deliver programmes in local communities due to the impact of Covid was now bearing fruit. He said: “Clearly hosting a large city centre event for thousands of people was not practical due to the Covid restrictions.

“This was why I instead proposed that the Council should deliver smaller, well managed events in local communities which would give local residents the chance to still enjoy Hallowe’en and give local traders the chance to still benefit as well. The fireworks testing events this week also demonstrate that council intend to still include fireworks within the local programmes which will visually enhance the events taking place across the city.”

The Council hopes to announce final details of the full programme in September.