Thousands of people have been enjoying the grand finale of the Halloween festival in Londonderry, considered to be the largest of its kind in Europe
The closing parade made its way through the city centre and was followed by a spectacular fireworks display on the riverfront
People from all over the world are in Northern Ireland's second city for the conclusion of the four-day carnival, which is marking its 40th anniversary
Ashleigh Swan
BBC News NI
Karl is originally from South Africa but now lives in Derry with his partner, Eimear.
The couple invited their friend Scott, who is also originally from South Africa, and Scott’s partner, Vicky, who lives in England, to experience Derry Halloween.
It's Scott's and Vicky's first time at the festival and they say they're amazed by the huge crowds and the fantastic atmosphere across the city.
Ashleigh Swan
BBC News NI
Izzy and Duana arrived in Northern Ireland this morning from Seattle in the US.
Duana first heard about Derry Halloween last year after seeing a video of the parade on social media.
"We just had to make the trip over, and we are loving it so far," she says.
Image source, Getty ImagesTemporary road closures and traffic diversions are in place across the city centre while the Halloween celebrations take place.
Upper Magazine Street and Palace Street and Society Street are closed.
Bank Place, Lower Magazine Street, Shipquay Street, Butcher Street, Ferryquay Street and Bishop Street Within, Fountain Street and Artillery Street are also closed until 22:00 GMT.
Further closures will affect Foyle Street, New Market Street and Market Street until 22:00.
Image source, Getty ImagesPublic transport provider Translink is putting on extra bus and train services to help people get to and from the Halloween celebrations.
Additional bus services will operate to Omagh, Strabane, Limavady, Dungiven, Creggan and the Waterside area of Londonderry, with extra departures at 21:15 and 22:00.
The 212 services from Foyle Street to Belfast Grand Central Station will continue to operate as normal.
Additional train services will also be available, with the 21:38 service from the North West Transport Hub calling at all stops to Belfast Grand Central Station.
A further service will depart at 22:38, also stopping at all stations.
Image source, DCSDCThe festival programme extends well beyond the parade and fireworks, with a number of events taking place across the city this evening.
Aerial performances above the Diamond, giant installations around Guildhall Square and characters inspired by local folklore feature across the city centre.
Live music, family activities and street entertainment are planned at venues and public spaces throughout the city, alongside a full programme of daytime and evening events.
Visitors can enjoy circus-themed activities at School of Bones in Glassworks, the Monster Halloween Funfair at Ebrington Square and the Little Horrors Disco for children.
Other attractions include the Society Street Haunted Halloween Tour, and Circus Zero - The Infected at Lock 'n' Load, an immersive horror experience featuring live actors, zombie-themed scares.
Image source, DCSDCOne of the highlights of the week-long celebrations is the Carnival Parade, which takes place this evening from 19:00 GMT.
More than 600 community performers are expected to take part, with colourful floats, music and street theatre all featuring in the procession.
The celebrations will culminate in the Fireworks Finale, which will light up the skies above the River Foyle at 20:15.
You'll be able to watch it live at the top of this page later this evening.
Image source, ReutersHello and welcome to our special coverage of the 40th anniversary of Londonderry’s Halloween festival.
This year the city celebrations include events inspired by folklore, mythology and the traditions of Samhain, the ancient festival in which Halloween's roots lie.
From humble beginnings in the mid 1980s, the organisers say the festival is now Europe's largest Halloween festival.