GSCA to host family Halloween experience at Studio 2 in Derry

This Halloween, Studio 2 will come alive with creativity, colour, and community spirit as Greater Shantallow Community Arts (GSCA) presents “Building a Shared City, A Shared Culture – A Family Halloween Experience to Remember.”

Supported by APEX ,ARK and RADUIS Housing as part of Housing for All partnership TBUC programme , this imaginative and inclusive celebration promises to bring the magic of Halloween safely to families across Skeoge, Galliagh, and Shantallow areas.

Running from Tuesday, October 28 to Thursday, October 30 2025 the Sanderson Sisters Return - In Your Neighbourhood event will transform GSCA’s Studio 2 Community Arts Centre into the City of Bones: Salem Garden - an enchanting, family-friendly world where music, theatre, dance, and laughter take centre stage. Across nine interactive performances, audiences will join the mischievous Sanderson Sisters in a light-hearted adventure filled with song, dance, and community participation.

The programme isn’t just about performance - it’s about connection, safety, and creativity. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, GSCA will deliver creative arts workshops, Halloween safety sessions, and a Together: Building a United Community (TBUC) Youth Arts Volunteers Camp for over 40 young people.

The camp will give local teens dedicated training in performance, stagecraft, event safety, and leadership - empowering them to take active roles as performers, front-of-house hosts, and production assistants during the live shows.

Mayor Ruairí McHugh at the launch of Studio 2's production of Hocus Pocus “The Return of the Sanderson Sisters to Your Neighbourhood” running from Tuestday 28 until Thursday Oct 30 in the GSCA's Studio Community Arts Centre. Included are pupils from St. Paul's PS, invited guests and funders. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

“Halloween in Derry is world-famous, but we know that for many families, local, safe, and affordable events make the biggest difference,” said Oliver Green, Artistic Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts. “Our aim is to deliver something that’s not just entertaining, but also brings people together, strengthens community pride, and gives our young people the chance to shine.”

The initiative directly supports the  APEX’s, ARK and Radius Housings community engagement and safer estates priorities, with targeted outreach to tenants and families in key neighbourhoods. All events will be alcohol-free, accessible, and family-oriented to ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of Halloween.

By combining performance with practical community safety measures, GSCA hopes to reduce risk-taking and antisocial behaviour often seen during the Halloween season. The project embodies the Together Building a United Community (TBUC) outcomes — nurturing Our Children and Young People, fostering Our Shared Community, ensuring Our Safe Community, and celebrating Our Cultural Expression.

Changes to Derry's cemetery opening and closing times

Derry City and Strabane District Council have confirmed that its cemeteries will revert to winter opening hours from Saturday, November 1

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The friendly session will take place on Sunday, October 26 at 11am

Expected outcomes include:

• 1,000+ family attendances across nine to twelve performances
• 60 youth and intergenerational volunteers trained and supported
• Increased cross-community engagement and positive local participation
• Safer neighbourhoods and enhanced community pride

As the Sanderson Sisters make their magical return, the message is clear: Halloween belongs to everyone. This joyful, inclusive, and community-led celebration invites families from all backgrounds to share the fun, creativity, and spirit of togetherness that make Derry’s Halloween season so special.