Banks of the Foyle, Halloween Carnival.

It’s that time of year again and there’s never a choice. I just have to venture into Derry. For many years when the children were younger we went along to the firework display in the city every Halloween. Now that they’re grown up, playing football, working and living abroad, they’re unable to go. With husband working late, there’s nothing else for it, but going solo to the streets of Derry. And solo I did go!
My first venture was along the walls to experience the Citadel of Dreams: Awakening of the Walls (by LUXe). Here I took a walk through this specially created theatrical dream-world of light, fire, sculpture and circus. There were beautifully illuminated sculptures, fiery mechanical sculpture, music, dance, fire performance and some amazing street and night circus performers. It really was a dream like experience. And fortunately the rain stayed off.
Then it was down town and time for a quick coffee before the City of Bones Street Carnival Parade. Paulines Patch coffee shop was the perfect stopping gap. 7 o’clock came around quite quickly and it was show time on the streets of Derry once more. Some of the most outstanding carnival acts, circus and street performers joined various community groups in an illuminated spectacle. It travelled up Strand Road towards Harbour Roundabout and down Queen’s Quay to the Council offices. It was a spectacle in every way.
At approximately 8pm the fireworks display got underway and as always it excelled.The climax of the City of Bones Halloween celebrations lit up the city from the skyline.
The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival showcased Derry once more to be a leading city in the field of entertaining. Here’s to doing it all over again next year.