Derry launched the 40th edition of its Derry Halloween celebrations this evening, with the City of Bones welcoming international visitors to mark the landmark year.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, hosted a special reception at St Columb's Hall alongside the Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, joined by tourism leaders and local stakeholders to mark the occasion.

From modest beginnings in the mid-1980s, the festival has grown into Europe's largest Halloween celebration, drawing audiences seeking an authentic experience in the birthplace of the ancient Celtic tradition.

This year's expanded programme features a return to the historic City Walls through the Awakening the Walled City Trail, with additional investment to spotlight local arts groups and performers.

The programme was unveiled in September with a commemorative mural marking four decades since the first official festival in 1986. The striking artwork, created by local collective Peaball and featuring the skeleton character Walter deBurgh from the city's coat of arms, is intended as a lasting legacy and year-round attraction.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald: "What began as a small local event in 1986 has grown into Europe's largest Halloween festival and one of the most significant tourism and cultural attractions in Ireland. With around 120,000 visitors expected, the festival is expected to generate more than 27,000 bed nights, providing a significant boost for local businesses and the wider visitor economy.

"Derry Halloween provides a unique and compelling reason to visit the city, and with its unique combination of culture, folklore and world-class entertainment, it remains a truly unmissable experience for visitors of all ages. I congratulate everyone involved in its development over the years and wish the organisers, participants and visitors every success for what promises to be another spectacular Derry Halloween Festival." The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said: "It's a tremendous honour to welcome Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald, members of the Tourism Ireland Board, local and national tourism partners and industry leaders to mark the opening night of the 40th anniversary of Derry Halloween. The fact that so many of the people shaping tourism across Ireland are here with us tonight is a real endorsement, not only of Derry Halloween, but of the progress our City and District has made as one of the island's fastest-growing tourism destinations.

"What began four decades ago as a local celebration has grown into one of the world's leading Halloween festivals and the flagship event within the Ireland, Home of Halloween campaign. Its success is built on strong partnerships, shared ambition and sustained investment, as well as the extraordinary creativity of the artists, performers and communities who bring the experience to life each year. Together, they have helped deliver significant benefits for our tourism industry and local economy.

"As we celebrate this important milestone, we also look ahead to the next chapter of our tourism story. The commitment and collaboration represented here tonight give us every confidence that the best is yet to come. By continuing to work together, we can build on the success of Derry Halloween, grow our visitor economy and further establish our city and district as one of the most exciting and ambitious tourism destinations on the island of Ireland."

Eimear Callaghan, Director of Client Engagement at Tourism NI, said: "Tourism Northern Ireland is proud to support Derry Halloween as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Over the past four decades, the festival has grown into one of Northern Ireland's most iconic events, attracting visitors from across the world and making a significant contribution to the local economy.

"This landmark year provides an opportunity to celebrate the festival's remarkable success while further enhancing the visitor experience through an exciting programme of events and activities. Derry Halloween continues to showcase the city's unique culture, creativity and heritage, offering visitors a compelling reason to visit and stay longer.

"As one of Northern Ireland's flagship tourism events, Derry Halloween demonstrates the important role that major events play in driving tourism growth, supporting local businesses and strengthening Northern Ireland's reputation as a world-class destination."

Following the reception, guests toured the Awakening the Walled City Trail to experience first-hand the creativity and ambition that continue to draw visitors from across these islands and beyond.

The Trail runs until Friday evening, ahead of the Halloween Carnival Parade and the traditional fireworks on Halloween night.

Derry Halloween is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism NI and The Executive Office. For full programme details and travel planning, visit derryhalloween.com.