More than 120,000 people are expected to descend on Derry for this year’s Halloween celebrations, with visitors being urged to plan ahead amid a series of road closures and parking restrictions.
The city will mark the 40th anniversary of Derry Halloween with five days of events running from October 28 to November 1, culminating in the Carnival Parade and Fireworks Finale on October 31.
Derry City and Strabane District Council has now confirmed traffic management arrangements for the festival, with a number of city centre roads set to close and several car parks unavailable.
From Wednesday, October 28 until Friday, October 30, Upper Magazine Street, Palace Street and Society Street will close from 6am.
Further closures will come into force between 2pm and 10pm on Bank Place, Lower Magazine Street, Shipquay Street, Butcher Street, Ferryquay Street, Bishop Street Within, Fountain Street and Artillery Street.
Foyle Street, New Market Street and Market Street will close from 4pm until 10pm, while access to Kennedy Street will be restricted to residents.
On Halloween night, Queen’s Quay will close from 4pm until 10pm, with a lane closure also in place on Strand Road between Fletcher Avenue and Queen’s Quay Roundabout.
Foyle Street will close from 5pm until 10pm, while further traffic restrictions will be introduced across the city centre to facilitate the Carnival Parade and fireworks display.
The Peace Bridge will also close temporarily from around 7pm until 9pm on October 31 for public safety, reopening once it is considered safe to do so.
Council said city centre closures will generally operate from around 2pm each day, with roads expected to reopen by approximately 10pm, although this will depend on operational and public safety requirements.
Temporary no-parking restrictions will also be in place on designated streets, with motorists warned that vehicles parked in restricted areas may face enforcement action.
Foyle Street Car Park will be unavailable from October 27 until November 2, Bishop Street Car Park from October 26 to 31, and Queen’s Quay Car Park on October 31.
Accessible parking will be available at Strand Road Car Park on October 31, Victoria Market Car Park from October 28 to November 1, and St Columb’s Park on Halloween night.
Additional event parking will also be available at Ulster University on October 31.
People are being encouraged to use public transport where possible, with Translink operating additional services during the festival.
Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Derry and the banks of the River Foyle as the city hosted Europe's largest Halloween Carnival. Photo: Martin McKeown
Festival and Events Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said: “This year is particularly special as we celebrate 40 years of Derry Halloween.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience four days of incredible entertainment, creativity and spectacle.
“With large crowds expected throughout the festival, particularly on Halloween night, we would encourage everyone to plan ahead, use public transport where possible and allow extra time for their journeys.
“By checking travel arrangements in advance and following the guidance of our event teams, stewards and emergency services, visitors can make the most of what promises to be a truly unforgettable celebration.”
Full travel information, road closure maps, parking arrangements and the festival programme are available through the Derry Halloween website and council social media channels.