Thousands expected for Europe's biggest Halloween parade

Raindrops are falling on her head, but this woman couldn't stop dancing in Derry this week

Stormy weather has failed to rain on Londonderry's parade as the organisers of Europe's biggest Halloween festival insist "the show must go on".

The grand finale of the four-day carnival is back on track for Friday after some events were cancelled on Thursday due to a yellow warning for high winds.

Officials estimate that around 40,000 people could take part in the parade through Derry city centre on Friday night, followed by a riverfront fireworks spectacular, which will light up the skies.

It is the culmination of the annual festival, which brings more than 100,000 people and millions of pounds into the city.

Were these sheep in wolves' clothing? No one dared to ask as they appeared in Derry for this first time this week

The event costs £550,000 to put on but council officials estimate that, this year alone, it will generate around £7.4m for the local economy.

Most city-centre hotels have been booked out all week but some have a small amount of rooms left.

Bars and restaurants have also been doing a roaring trade all week and that is expected to continue over the weekend.

The festival has now been going for 39 years since the first official one back in 1986.

People of all ages in fancy dress are expected to take part in the carnival parade which begins at 19:00 GMT on Friday.

Many of them have been working on their outfits and floats for months.

In the mood for dancing as the carnival draws thousands into the city centre

The fireworks display lights up the riverfront and the Guildhall

After that, the throngs of people will line the River Foyle for a huge fireworks display, which gets under way at 20:15 GMT.

Another highlight of the week has been the Awakening the Walled City Trail, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings but was cancelled on Thursday due to the weather warning.

This was when the story of Halloween was brought to life through illumination, performances, pyrotechnics and music.

The trail was located from Guildhall Square, along Shipquay Street, the Diamond, Bishop Street, the Cathedral Quarter and streets within the city's historic walls.

The she wolf is one of the stars of this year's festival

This year, one of Ireland's most haunting creations will prowl the streets as the sinister she wolf is brought to life for the festival.

Towering at six feet tall, the puppet has been created and loaned to Derry Halloween by Galway-based arts group Macnas, who are renowned for their mythical and magical storytelling.

Another highlight of the festivities was a 160-ft-long fire-breathing snake called Siantha the Samhain Serpent.

Unfortunately, Siantha has been withdrawn from Friday night's parade due to concerns over gusts of wind.

Siantha the Samhain Serpent snakes her way down Shipquay during this year's festival

Festival manager Jacqueline Whoriskey, said the not even the weather could dampen people's "spirits" in Derry this week.

"The Awakening of The Walled City Trail brings together the best of folklore, fire, and festivity, offering something magical for families, thrill-seekers, and visitors of all ages.

"It's the moment when Derry's Halloween spirit truly comes alive."

Beyond the trail, festival-goers have been enjoying ghost tours, haunted houses, storytelling, live music and community celebrations across the entire city and district.

These include the now famous Castlederg Apple Fair, the Newtownstewart Scarecrow Trail and Halloween fun in Strabane.

Festival Manager, Jacqueline Whoriskey, says you cannot beat Derry when it comes to an unforgettable Halloween experience

Jim Collins, project manager of the north west carnival initiative, said the parade offers a "fantastic platform" for celebrating the creative talent of the community.

"Every year, we're blown away by the imagination and energy of the groups who take part," he said.

"The parade is about celebrating who we are – our stories, our creativity, and our incredible community."

BBC coverage

The walking dead will be out in strength in Derry city centre on Friday night

On Friday night, the big Halloween parade will weave its way through the streets of Derry before the celebrations come to a close with a fireworks display on banks of the River Foyle - and BBC News NI will be with you every step of the way.

You can watch the magic and mayhem unfold live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC News NI website from 17:00 GMT with a live stream from 19:00 GMT.