The Derry Halloween parade will feature a performance themed around the film Hocus Pocus by the theatre group Studio 2. The performance, titled 'A lot of Hocus Pocus in the City of Bones', is led by the Sanderson Sisters and includes actors, dancers, and other performers.

Artistic Director Ollie Green said the group has been part of the parade for over 20 years and wanted to do something special for the festival's 40th anniversary. The Hocus Pocus showcase has been performed since 2023 and has drawn large crowds, but this is the first time it will be integrated into the parade.

The performance theme is 'I Put a Spell on You', and the performers will aim to engage the spectators along the route. Green said the festival gives young people a chance to bring their skills out of the studio and perform in front of thousands of spectators.

This year's performance includes participants from the EA Galliagh Youth Start programme, including young people who have never performed before. Preparatory workshops will be held at Studio 2 on October 3 from 6pm to 9pm, covering costume making, special effects makeup, choreography, and event production.

The Halloween Carnival Parade takes place on October 31 at 7pm along Queen's Quay riverfront, followed by a fireworks finale on the River Foyle at 8.15pm. The full Derry Halloween programme is available at derryhalloween.com.