Northern Ireland

Walter the skeleton to help Derry Halloween carnival

Walter the skeleton from Derry's heraldic coat of arms will feature in online Halloween celebrations.
Walter the skeleton from Derry's heraldic coat of arms will feature in online Halloween celebrations. Walter the skeleton from Derry's heraldic coat of arms will feature in online Halloween celebrations.

AN online festival has been launched to help people celebrate Halloween at home in Derry this year.

A series of videos, shot at locations around the city, feature many of the figures made famous in previous carnivals, including Morrigan, the Red Branch Knight, the Cailleach, a dancing banshee and Walter the skeleton featured on Derry’s official coat of arms.

Derry and Strabane council’s festivals manager, Jacqueline Whoriskey said organisers wanted to recreate as much of the “unique Derry Halloween spirit” as possible.

“Although families are being asked to celebrate at home this year, there is still a huge appetite to celebrate and for Derry Halloween-themed entertainment,” she said.

The full programme is available at derryhalloween.com/highlights.

Meanwhile new Halloween arrangements have also prompted police in Belfast to issue a warning to parents about the misuse of fireworks and anti-social behaviour following the extension of the mid-term break to two weeks.

PSNI Chief Inspector Christian Bradley said police have already noticed an increase in fireworks being set off around the city.

"People, particularly young people really need to understand that fireworks are made from explosive material and if misused can cause serious and life changing injuries," he said.

"Over the next fortnight, we will have increased patrols across Belfast and will be visiting shops to ensure licences to sell fireworks are up to date and that sellers are complying with all relevant legislation."