Derry Halloween travel guide: Road closures and parking restrictions announced

Visitors heading to this year's Derry Halloween celebrations are being encouraged to plan ahead as the city prepares to host Europe's largest Halloween festival and mark a milestone 40th anniversary.

More than 120,000 visitors are expected to descend on the city from October 28 – November 1, for five days of world-class entertainment, immersive experiences and spectacular street performances, including the much-loved Carnival Parade and Fireworks Finale on 31 October.

A number of arrangements will be in place to keep disruption to a minimum throughout the festivities, including traffic management arrangements, road closures, and parking restrictions.

With that in mind visitors are advised to check traffic and travel information before setting out on their journey. These measures will help ensure the safe delivery of the event and everyone is asked to follow the directions of stewards and police.

People are encouraged to use public transport where possible, with additional services being operated by Translink. To facilitate the safe delivery of festival events, temporary road closures and diversions will be in place throughout the city.

Wednesday, October 28 - Friday, October 30

• Road closures from 6am on Upper Magazine Street and Palace Street and Society Street.
• Road closures from 2pm-10pm on Bank Place, Lower Magazine Street, Shipquay Street, Butcher Street, Ferryquay Street and Bishop Street Within, Fountain Street, Artillery Street.
• Full road closures from 4pm-10pm on Foyle Street, New Market Street and Market Street.
• Resident access only will be maintained on Kennedy Street.

Saturday, October 31

• Full road closure on Queen's Quay from 4pm-10pm.
• Lane closure on Strand Road between Fletcher Avenue and Queen's Quay Roundabout.
• Full road closures from 5pm-10pm on Foyle Street
• Additional traffic restrictions will be introduced in the city centre to facilitate the Carnival Parade and Fireworks Finale.

City centre road closures will generally be in operation from approximately 2pm each day, with roads reopening by approximately 10pm, subject to operational and public safety requirements. Temporary No Parking restrictions will operate on designated streets throughout the festival period. Visitors are asked to observe all traffic management signage and restrictions. Vehicles parked in restricted areas may be subject to enforcement action.

Parking Arrangements

A number of car parks will be unavailable during the festival period, including:

• Foyle Street Car Park: October 27 - November 2
• Bishop Street Car Park: October 26-31
• Queen's Quay Car Park: October 31

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking will be available at:

• Strand Road Car Park (October 31)
• Victoria Market Car Park (October 28 - November 1)
• St Columb's Park (October 31)

Event Parking

The following additional event parking facilities will be available on October 31:

• Ulster University Car Park (October 31)

For public safety, the Peace Bridge will close temporarily from approximately 7pm-9pm on October 31 to facilitate the Carnival Parade and Fireworks Finale. The bridge will reopen as soon as it is considered safe to do so.

Looking ahead to the event 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, public transport updates and the full festival programme are available at derryhalloween.com and through Derry Halloween and Council social media channels.

Derry Halloween is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism NI and The Executive Office.