After Dark programme promises to continue the Halloween celebrations into the night
27 October 2023
Derry Halloween’s bursting programme of events doesn’t just end at the Awakening of the Walled City. Festival goers can continue the celebrations into the night with this years’ After Dark programme. Haunting melodies and tantalising tunes will keep you entertained into the wee hours, with a few spooky surprises along the way.
For those who are brave enough to enter, Echo Echo Studios on Magazine Street has been taken over by MIRA, a medical institution conducting research on a child who isn’t what they seem. Described as a ‘terrifying psychological horror experience’, this immersive experiment uses live actors, 360° sound and lighting effects for audiences up to 24 people at a time. The Experiment is running from the 27th to the 30th October with shows from 6pm until 10pm daily. Not for the faint-hearted and admission is strictly for 14 years and over due to the graphic nature.
If that wasn’t enough, spook-lovers will be treated to another spine-tingling treat at the Black Hall. Situated in Derry’s historic St Columb’s Hall, there will be plenty of thrills and chills awaiting those daring to enter. The Black Hall will be open from the 27th until the 31st October.
Time to chill-out after all the horror, Sandinos have a spooky line-up of events going on over the Halloween festival, including a Nightmare on Foyle Street on Saturday 28th October. Music-lovers can enjoy local acts including Cherym, Parker and Tomcat as they takeover Sandino’s main upstairs venue with their Pre-Halloween Party. The festival-favourite venue will then host their famous Halloween Party on 31st October with prizes for the best dressed on the night.
The Candlelight Concert brings the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Derry. The 60-minute concerts bring the music of Halloween alive under the gentle glow of candlelight in the atmospheric venue of St Columb’s Cathedral. The talented Arco String Quartet will treat ticket-holders to famous spooky tunes including The Phantom of the Opera, Beetlejuice, the Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Addams Family. The Candlelight Concert will take place on Saturday 28th October at 4pm, 6:30pm and 9pm.
Other treats for the grown-ups include the Gothic Organ Performance in the city’s famous Guildhall. Count Dracula will be playing gothic music on Halloween night from 9pm that will be sure to send you into the night with a spooky fright. The Playhouse Derry brings you The Ballads of the Bones – a mystical journey through a collection of ghostly and supernatural folk songs, chants and ballads from Ireland, Scotland and England. Promising to unearth the dark and fantastical tales of enchantment, love, betrayal and death through story-telling and new arrangements of traditional songs, this is not to be missed. Performances are set to take place on Saturday 28th October at 3pm and 8pm, and on Sunday 29th October at 8pm.
Jika Jika will host another incredible line-up of DJs, following a successful Halloween Pre-Party earlier in the month with Fat Boy Slim. The Haunted Warehouse brings you the biggest Halloween rave experience in the city with Derry favourites Dense & Pika returning for the first time in almost 4 years. Joining them on the night will be Belfast DJs IMNOTYOURMATE, Groove67 (Exile Trax), Ryan Morton and Robert McCobb on Tuesday 31st October in the Unit 8 Warehouse.
Jacqueline Whoriskey, Festival and Events Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, encouraged adults to check out the After Dark Music Trail as part of this year’s festival.
“We understand thousands of people come to the city to celebrate Derry Halloween, and we want to create the best experience we can while they are visiting. We love to offer the After Dark programme for those who want to continue the celebrations into the night, and we are confident we can create an unforgettable night out with our immersive experiences and incredibly talented local musicians. Whether you want to enjoy the delicate tones of the Candlelight Concert or get the fright of your life at the Black Hall, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Derry Halloween is being delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council, with support from Tourism Northern Ireland, BT and The Executive Office.
Check out the Derry Halloween After Dark programme here: www.derryhalloween.com/whats-on-calendar/live-music
For ticketed events, please visit www.derryhalloween.com/tickets to purchase.
Find out more about the full Derry Halloween programme at www.derryhalloween.com