Participants wanted for Derry/Londonderry's Halloween Carnival Parade

by Gráinne Connolly

A calls gone out for local people to get involved with Derry City and Strabane District Council's annual Halloween Carnival on 31st October.

North West Carnival Initiative (NWCI) is looking for performers, arts and community groups, youth groups, students, individuals and artists to get involved. 

This year's theme is 'Return of the Ancients' and the North West Carnival Initiative is encouraging individuals and groups to bring their artistic vision and 'craic' to this year’s parade.

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Event Officer, Elizabeth Cunningham said: “I am delighted that participants in this year’s Halloween parade will get a chance to partner with North West Carnival Initiative to learn new skills and have the buzz of being part of what promises to be a fabulous spectacle weaving throughout the streets of the city.

"Council are supporting NWCI to work with interested groups to create pageant pieces on the theme of 'Return of the Ancients'.”

Jim Collins from North West Carnival Initiative, added: “Halloween is the time of year when the veil between this world and the “other world” is at its thinnest and the spirits of the Ancients return to walk among us, or in the case of Derry, party with us!

"Every year we have the pleasure of working with wonderfully talented and enthusiastic groups from across the city and district and I’m sure this year will be no different. I’d encourage people to get in touch and take part – it’s a really unique and fun experience!”

The central objective of North West Carnival Initiative is to promote and encourage participation in quality, carnival based activity that is inclusive to all communities within the North West area.

If you would like you and/or your community to participate or require further information please contact Jim Collins on 02871 414243 or e-mail nwcarnival@gmail.com