Hallowe’en Carnival planning underway for 2008
Derry City Council has acknowledged its staff, partner agencies and the general public for supporting the Hallowe’en celebrations for 2007. Speaking after the event, Director of Development John Meehan, made a commitment to working with a series of stakeholders to build upon the strengths for next year.
"It is widely accepted that the family friendly zone developed
and managed by City Council and the inter-agency team works very effectively.
The challenge is to build upon this and take on board the comments and experiences
of those who attended the event. We are committed to engaging with a range of
stakeholders to review how we can extend the family friendly experience to
other aspects of the evening. While the hotels, retailers, pubs and clubs all
benefit from visitors and adults participating in the festival, there is a need
to review what is available for the 15 to 18 year old age group to ensure they
have a positive and safe experience in the city.”
2007 festivities brought thousands to the city over a five-day period with positive feedback on the city centre music, parade and fireworks display. Early indicators from the PSNI and Altnagelvin Hospital reflected a challenging night for the emergency services. The Police also reported, at this stage, a number of assaults and over 20 arrests for general disorder. Altnagelvin Hospital also recorded between 50 and 60 people attending the hospital and reported a relatively busy night, emphasising however that incidents involving alcohol-affected minors were down on last year.
Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson thanked all the agencies involved in the event and reiterated the commitment to build upon the strengths for future years.
"Derry City Council has worked with many partners to plan diligently for this event and will continue to do so. There are challenges moving forward and we will look at these collectively and in partnership with other agencies. The public’s views and comments are important to the future success of the event and wider occasion and I am confident that through our collective experience we can bring a positive conclusion to the many issues raised".
The Chairman of the City Council's Development Committee, Cllr Gerard Diver said that it is important to look at the future constructively.
"While acknowledging the exemplary family event at Hallowe'en, it is important to listen to the concerns raised and reflect upon what has been said. It is in all our interests to constantly review and improve this festival to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and sensible Halloween".
Derry City Council would like to thank its staff and the Interagency Team who assisted with the planning and organisation of this festival and looks forward to public and stakeholder feedback. Please send us your comments and thoughts on Hallowe'en by filling in a feedback form on our website - www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween
