The purpose of this report is to update members on programming development for Halloween Festival 2015

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Gyles Hill
7 years ago
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1 Item/Min Ref: Title of Report: Halloween Carnival 2015 Officer presenting: Head of Culture Author: Festivals & Events Officer 1 Purpose of Report / Items for information The purpose of this report is to update members on programming development for Halloween Festival Background Established almost 29 years ago, by the people of Derry as a small community event, the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival offers visitors a unique authentic NI experience. Still very much loved and owned by the people, the festival has grown to become one of the largest Halloween Festivals in Europe and the largest in Ireland and the UK. In 2014, the Halloween Carnival involved over 1,500 participants and attracted audiences in excess of 43,000 and we plan to grow this to 45,000+ in The event attracts massive media coverage across several mediums including TV, Radio, Print and web based media. By way of example, a team from the BBC One Show came to the city to follow the celebrations- this will be aired in 2015 as part of Halloween festivals coverage. In 2015, the festival will take place over 5 days from 28th October 1st November and will engage public, private, voluntary and community sectors in programming a wide range of activities for all ages in over 40 venues throughout the Derry City & Strabane District Council Area. The Halloween Carnival attracts visitors from NI, ROI, GB and overseas mostly from the Young and Lively, Family Fun, Great Escapers, Social Energisers and Culturally Curious visitor segments. The festival offers a bespoke, fun, energetic and quirky happening delivering mostly on the Culture and Creative Vibe, Living Legends, Unique Outdoors & Naturally NI visitor experience. In 2015, we aim to affirm the city s position and reputation as the must go to destination for Halloween and Half term break in Ireland and overseas. We aim to increase visitor numbers and enhance experience and will do this through targeted marketing campaigns and enhanced programming with continued support for active participation among all communities.

Halloween Carnival offers visitors a unique authentic NI experience.

2 3 Key Issues 3.1 The theme: The Rise of the River Gods This year s theme draws on the River Foyle being at the heart of both Derry & Strabane. Our story begins as Halloween awakens the Riverine Heads of Foyle & Boyne upon the Derry Walls and they in turn summon the River Gods of the World to the city. Rise of the River Gods draws on the myths and legends of River Gods throughout the world to create a new story from our community s collective imaginations, rich history and diverse multi cultural traditions. As Samhain stirs this City of Bones Smyth s chisel rises and falls on stone Above Bishop s Gate, Foyle looks up and Boyne looks down Upon this ghostly riverside town Spirits have stirred them, these riverine heads of rock To summon Liffey and Shannon from the Custom House As the Rivers of Ireland send out the cry, Rise up Lagan, awake Lee and Bann Indus and Ganges shake off your murky bed, to Derry we go to dance with the dead All Hail the Rise of the River Gods Major & additional programming elements for 2015 include:

Rise of the River Gods draws on the myths and legends of River Gods throughout the world to create a new story from our community s collective imaginations, rich history and diverse multi cultural

3 3.2 Rise of the River Gods Street Carnival, 31 st October Derry largest Halloween Street Carnival Costume Party in Europe! This event is supported by a major carnival creation programme (Aug- Oct) led by North West Carnival Initiative supported by DCSDC & ACNI in partnership with internationally recognised carnival artists, local makers and mentors delivered in partnership with communities and carnival service providers. Over 500 participants in arts programming supporting NI suppliers and bespoke, high quality carnival creation and artist partnerships. Expected Audiences 30, River Gods Fireworks 31 st October River Foyle based fireworks displays in Derry & Strabane with additional bespoke and innovative pyro elements creating a unique spectacle event for audiences. Expected Audiences 35, Awakening the Walls Derry 29 th / 30 th & 31 st October 5pm-9pm illuminated site specific animation trail on the City s historic Walls & Old City Quarters in partnership with venues, business and artists. This event is supported by a programme of community & local and international artist engagement (Aug-Nov) culminating in an illuminated site specific animation trail. Expected Audiences 6, The River Gods Street Ball Derry 29 th / 30 th / 31 st October 2015 Guildhall Square, Craft Village & Waterloo Place Derry. Two evenings and one full day of live music, food & drink markets, street performance. 31st October Strabane Late Night Halloween Entertainment. Expected Audiences 30, Hauntings October Derry & Strabane: In partnership with private promoters, a range of haunted tours and trails rooted in local histories with appeal and thrills for all ages. Includes Chateau le Fear (targeted Age 14+), Tours & Trails, Ghost Bus, Witch Grizella Trick or Treat Tours. Expected Audiences 15, Little River Gods 29 th 31 st October 2015 Derry & Strabane: High Quality Children s Arts Festival activities for children and young people including interactive storytelling, theatre performance, crafts, film screenings in a range of venues including Guildhall, Alley Theatre, Tower Museum, Craft Village, Melvin Sports Centre & more. Expected Audiences 8, Venues, Arts & Private partnerships

artists, local makers and mentors delivered in partnership with communities and carnival service providers.

4 Targeted at extending the range and quality of experience among all target visitor segments this includes activities such as Shop and Save Spooktacular Strabane, The Killer Books Festival by The Verbal Arts Centre, Live Music across various venues including Gothic Ball, Electronic Music, Children s Theatre, Gigs and Haunted Film Strands, Halloween Balls. Working with local communities/ vintners/ venues/ hoteliers, DSDC leisure, Business Opportunities & Tourism & Rural Tourism programmes to develop bespoke hospitality and entertainment offering. 3.9 Halloween around the district includes: Hoolie on the Hill/ Castlederg Apple Fair/ Derg Castle Ghosts & Ghouls 3.10 Marketing & Promotion Extensive local, national and international marketing campaign carried out by Derry City and Strabane District Council & Visit Derry. Following on from St Patrick s Day we aim to Live Stream the Street Parade- promoting new audiences both overseas and in local centres where residents have reduced mobility (Residential Centres/ Hospital). 4 Finance 4.1 Please see below details of up to date budget figures: Halloween 2015 Total Available Budget = 226,450 inclusive of marketing Income = Council 207,700 & NITB 18,750 Please note that North West Carnival Initiative have secured match funding of 37,000 from ACNI towards the Rise of the River Gods Pageant creation and delivery with support from Council Estimated Expenditure at August 2015 = 205,680 5 Financial Implication 5.1 Overview Expenditure Breakdown Programme Content- Strabane 20,000/ Derry 150,680 Production - 35,000 Please note: All activity will be procured in keeping with Council s Financial procurement Policy & Procedures. 6 Recommendations 6.1 It is recommended that members approve programming and financial arrangements as set out above.

Working with local communities/ vintners/ venues/ hoteliers, DSDC leisure, Business Opportunities & Tourism & Rural Tourism programmes to develop bespoke hospitality and entertainment offering. 3.

5 7 Supporting Documents

Marketing in NI and ROI. NITB Marketing Team

Marketing in NI and ROI. NITB Marketing Team Marketing in NI and ROI NITB Marketing Team Market summary Segments & motivators How NITB talk to them Accessing NITB s routes to market Why invest in the NI market? NI Market NI residents took 2 million