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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

How Derry is making 'access and inclusion' a priority for huge Halloween celebrations

The Derry Halloween festival has grown from humble beginnings in the early 1990s when just a few hundred people stuck on their witch hats and came together for the first on-street celebration.

This year, the organisers of the event have gone above and beyond to make sure that the biggest and best Halloween celebration in Europe is open to everyone.

A wide range of measures will be in place this year to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities or other additional requirements to ensure everyone gets the most from the events.

Read more: Derry Halloween ultimate guide to parade, fireworks, parking and more

A quiet space will be open in the Guildhall throughout the festivities for people with sensory issues or anyone who needs somewhere to take a break from the crowds.

There will also be event-accessible toilets available at Foyle Street Carpark, Strand Road Carpark and Ebrington Square.

Meanwhile, changing place facilities with a hoist system and showers are available at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Building 62 at Ebrington, Foyle Arena and the NW Transport Hub, as well as an Accessoloo at Foyle Street Carpark.

An accessible car park will be in operation at Strand Road Carpark on October 31st from 12noon – 10pm, also offering a good viewing spot for anyone wanting to watch the Fireworks.

Two accessible viewing platforms are also available at Strand Road Carpark and also on the Quayside opposite the City Hotel.

Safety bands will also be available from event information points and a contact number can be added should a child or vulnerable person be lost or found.

Council's Access and Inclusion Officer, Caitriona Doherty, said inclusivity was a major priority in delivering the Halloween experience.

She said: "Derry Halloween draws thousands of people each year, and it's an event that appeals to people of all ages.

"We want to ensure that the celebration is open to everyone and we have worked hard to introduce a number of measures that will make the event even more welcoming this year.

"The programme takes place over a wide area, so facilities are available throughout both the Cityside and Waterside, please just check out the information on our website before visiting to find out where they are located.

"We appreciate feedback on all our events so we can continue to review and improve our planning, so I would ask anyone with any questions or concerns to please get in touch and we will assist where we can."

For all access and inclusion information go HERE.

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