Derry City and Strabane District Council have dismissed reports that this year's Halloween carnival parade might be 'in jeopardy'.
Reports emerged on Thursday morning that the parade, which is set to return following a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, could be at risk to notice from the Parades’ Commission of a proposed protest against the event.
Notice has been formally requested to the Parades' Commission by a group called United Christian Witness for a protest on October 31 from 6pm to 9pm.
Read more: Derry rail line disruption over Halloween weekend scaled back by Translink
It's understood that the group have requested that 20 protestors take part in their demonstration.
A final decision will be made by the commission on whether the protest can go ahead on Wednesday, October 26. However, a spokesperson for DCSDC said that the notice had "not affected its plans for this year’s Halloween festival".
They added: [We] has received notification from the Parades Commission of a proposed demonstration during this year’s Halloween parade.
"[The council] respects people’s right to protest however it has not affected its plans for this year’s Halloween festival."
Hundreds of people are expected to take part in this year's parade, with a full schedule of events already in place to place from October 28.
Launching the Halloween festival last month, Mayor Sandra Duffy said: “I know the many groups who take part annually will be thrilled to don their costumes once again and take an active part in the event, which offers a platform for so many local performers.
"Preparations will be getting underway soon for what will be a fabulous night."
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