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25 Oct 2025
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25 Oct 2025
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Europe’s biggest Halloween Festival is fast approaching and as final preparations are underway Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging people to plan ahead to ensure the very best experience at Derry Halloween.
Over 120,000 visitors are expected to flock to this year’s events, which all kick off with the start of the Awakening the Walled City trail on Tuesday, October 28, running until Thursday, October 30, with the annual Carnival Parade and Fireworks finale taking pace on Friday, October 31.
A number of arrangements will be in place to keep disruption to a minimum throughout the festivities, including road closures, parking restrictions and some diversions. Visitors are advised to check out the traffic and travel advice before planning their journey. These arrangements will also assist with the safe delivery of the event, and everyone is asked to follow the directions of stewards and police.
People are advised to use public transport where possible, with additional services being operated by Translink on Halloween night, both to and from the city and local services.
Motorists are advised to expect some delays and diversions in the City Centre during the four nights of the event.
Road Closures:
From Tuesday October 28th – Thursday October 30th Road Closures will be operated from 2pm until 10pm in the following areas - Magazine Street Upper, Butcher Street, Ferryquay Street, Upper Strand Road, Bishop Street within, The Diamond, Fountain Street, Kennedy Street. Shipquay Street, Bank Place, Union Hall Street, Magazine Street, will close from 12 noon. New Market Street will close from 5pm.
No City Centre on-Street parking from October 28 to 30.
Please note that a Full Road Closure will be in operation in Pump Street, London Street, Artillery Street, Upper Magazine Street during those dates.
October 28 to 31 - Upper Strand Road from junction of Sackville Street, Taxis and Goods Vehicles Loading only 12.00noon – 24.00 (midnight)
All times are approximate, but road closures and diversions will be kept to the minimum length necessary to ensure safety.
Businesses and residents who park in the City Centre (Walls Within) are advised to ensure their vehicles have exited the City Centre before 4.00pm as large volumes of visitors arrive for the event and moving vehicles can cause risk to life.
Car Park Closures
Bishop Street (Motor Home Parking) October 28 – November 1 Full Closure
Society Street, Foyle Street October 28 - 31 Full Closure
Victoria Market (Accessible Parking) October 28 - 31 Partial Closure
Queen’s Quay October 31 Full Closure
Strand Road (Accessible Parking Only) 31st Oct Accessible Parking
Accessible drop-off points include Custom House Street, Bishop Street Without and Strand Road. The public are encouraged to use Foyleside and Quayside car parks. Accessible carparking will be available at Victoria Market Carpark from October 28 - 31 and Strand Road Carpark on October 31. These will operate on a first come first served basis.
Parking Restrictions:
Drivers are reminded that they should avoid parking anywhere that may block entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access.
Businesses and residents who use private city centre carparks eg Upper Magazine Street are asked to ensure their vehicles have exited before 4.99pm from October 28 - 31.
No Parking coning will be in place in Whittaker Street, Shipquay Street, Magazine Street, The Diamond, Bishop Street Within, Artillery Street, Fountain Street, Hawkin Street, New Market Street.
From 4.00pm the city centre (within the Walls) will be closed off to accommodate the large volume of visitors arriving and any moving vehicles can cause risk to life. The City Walls will be closed to the public from 5.00pm – 10.00pm from October 28 - 30, the only section of the Walls that will remain open will be from the Millennium Forum to Bank Place
Car Parking availability
Drivers are reminded that normal on street parking restrictions will be in place and people should avoid parking anywhere they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access.
Parking is available at a number of locations throughout the City:
Cityside carparks - Foyleside Shopping Centre Car Park East, Foyleside West and Quayside Shopping Centre, Foyle Road, Ulster University Campus (Lawrence Hill), Carlisle Road and William Street.
Waterside carparks - Harper Quay Carpark Access via Duke St or Spencer Road, Foyle Arena, Spencer Road, Oakgrove School, Duke Street and Former Waterside Health Centre Car Parks.
From October 28-30 the Council Car Park on Strand Road will be open to the public.
Fort George Car Park will be open on October 31 only for event car parking.
Victoria Market will be an accessible car park only from October 28 - 31 and will operate on a first come, first served basis.
Strand Road car park will be an accessible car park only on October 31 also operating on a first come, first served basis.
A quiet space will be available in the Guildhall each day from 12noon – 9.00pm (10.00pm, October 31), and parents and carers can also pick up ID Me safety wrist bands at the Guildhall information point.
For anyone with accessibility requirements, a full guide to available support is available here.
Translink will run additional services to the city centre throughout the event. For information on Translink bus and rail services to and from the city click here.
Festival and Events Manager with Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said: “With Halloween taking place on a Friday this year I would advise that visitors check out all the traffic and travel information, particularly on Halloween night, so they can prepare ahead. Regular updates will be posted on the Derry Halloween and Council social media platforms throughout the festival.
"I would also appeal to everyone to follow the guidance of our stewards and the PSNI – they are there to keep the event running smoothly and everyone safe. We are so looking forward to the event this year but we need everyone to play their part and help us deliver a safe and enjoyable celebration."
Derry Halloween is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council and funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and The Executive Office.
You can find all the details about traffic and travel and the full programme of events on derryhalloween.com.
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