Summary

  • Tens of thousands of people descended on Londonderry for one of the largest Halloween festivals in Europe

  • People from far and wide visited Northern Ireland's second city for the conclusion of the four-day carnival

  • It culminated in a parade through the city centre and a spectacular fireworks display on the riverfront

Live Reporting

Mike McBride, David Wilson, Gerry Bradley, Dean McLaughlin, Luke Sproule and Peter Hamill

  1. Every dog has its day

    Alfie got the train from Belfast dressed as Spider-Dog and he's been getting a lot of attention and selfies.

    He was paraded around Guildhall Square last year, too, as a pumpkin.

    But he's not the only dog in costume.

    Last week hundreds of dogs were walked around the city's famous walls in fancy dress.

    Prizes included spookiest dog, funniest dog, most creative costume and gruesome twosome.

    A dog in a spiderman costume

    Spider-Dog has the Derry public in his web

  2. ‘Biggest Halloween party in Europe’

    A Halloween performer spins beacons of lightDCSDC

    Derry City and Strabane District Council event coordinator Orlaith Meenan says the stage is set for the festival finale.

    The council says thousands of people will flock to the city tonight.

    Orlaith says lots of work goes on behind the scenes for the “biggest Halloween party in Europe”.

    “We have a dedicated team across council who work on the Halloween programme all year round,” Orlaith says.

    “There are a lot of returning fan-favourites to the event programme, but there are also a lot of new things for people to get excited about.

    “The drone display is a really exciting addition, and we can’t wait for people to see it.”

  3. Traffic advice for tonight's festivities

    Night scene of people crossing Derry's Peace Bridge

    The Peace Bridge will be closed from 19:00 to 21:00 to facilitate the fireworks and the highly-anticipated drone show.

    Viewing for the drone display - the first to be held in Northern Ireland - is best from the Harbour Square roundabout to Queen’s Quay roundabout, according to council.

    You won't be able to see it from the Waterside. The fireworks can be viewed from the Harbour Square roundabout right down to the Fort George Science Park.

    Advice about parking and road closures can be found on the council website.

  4. Visitors say Derry is best

    Show two girls from Scotland dressed as a nun and a clown

    Lindsay and Gemma, from Paisley in Scotland, are now dressing up for their third day.

    They came to Derry especially for the Halloween celebrations.

    Gemma told BBC News NI: "It's been amazing. There's plenty to do, see, eat and drink.

    "We've had the best time and everyone should experience a Derry Halloween at least once in their life.

    "We've dressed up as a scary nun and a clown today to try and scare the 'weans' of Derry but they're just dead hard. They're proper hardened to the spookiness."

  5. Scene set for Derry spooktacular

    A nun screams at the cameraDCSDC

    Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of the finale of Derry's four-day Halloween carnival.

    Tonight will see a parade through the city followed by a fireworks display at the riverfront.

    Tens of thousands of people are expected in fancy dress for what has become one of the largest Halloween festivals in the world.

    This year will also feature a drone display for the first time.

    We'll be bringing you updates - including all the best photos - throughout the night.