AN estimated 90,000 people attended the return of Derry's famous Halloween festival over the weekend.
Thousands of people braved heavy rain to line the city's River Foyle for last night's fireworks finale to the three-day carnival which returned following last year's coronavirus-enforced restrictions.
Festival organisers spread events throughout the Derry city and Strabane district council area and, for the first time, included Co Donegal with events taking place at Swann Park in Buncrana.
Head of Derry and Strabane council's culture section, Aeidin McCarter said organisers had planned for 30,000 people on each day of the carnival to ensure Covid safety and believed that figure was reached.
"Given that we didn't have the level of international visitors that we normally would have, that's really an incredible accolade to the city and the event itself," Ms McCarter said.
The council official said she was delighted to see that so many people were waiting for the return of the carnival.
"Local businesses in particular have been thrilled to see the celebration back as it has such an impact on the local economy. It has been a real pleasure seeing people embracing the festivities, getting into their Halloween costumes and getting out and about once again," Ms McCarter said.
Derry's DUP mayor, Graham Warke said it was "fantastic" to see the return of the festival after such a challenging 18 months.
Mr Warke said: "Derry Halloween is nothing without the people who make it special and this year has been even more important. It's been a celebration of getting together again - albeit with some measures to keep everyone safe - but a fantastic coming together to share something that brings delight and entertainment to so many people."
The mayor said it was a joy to see people returning to the city’s streets for this year's event.
