FUSE arts brings eerie local legend to life for Derry Halloween
30 September 2026
As Derry Halloween gets set to celebrate its landmark 40th anniversary this year, one local arts organisation is getting ready to bring a haunting historic tale to audiences.
As Derry Halloween gets set to celebrate its landmark 40th anniversary this year, one local arts organisation is getting ready to bring a haunting historic tale to audiences.
FUSE arts is among a number of local creative organisations playing a central role in this year's festival programme, delivering an original outdoor performance experience as part of the Awakening the Walled City Trail which runs from October 28th – 30th, and contributing to the internationally acclaimed Halloween Carnival Parade on October 31st.
FUSE performers are summoning The Blue Guardian, an eerie and atmospheric performance inspired by local folklore and history. Set in the mysterious surroundings of Mute Meadows at Ebrington, the story follows the ghostly Blue Guardian, who each year escapes from the old Glendermott Road Workhouse in search of the lost children once in her care.
As darkness descends, audiences will be drawn deeper into the tale as the spirits of the children emerge from the shadows, beckoning the Blue Guardian ever closer.
Delivered by the FUSE arts Youth Dance Troupe, the performance combines contemporary dance, movement and visual storytelling to create an immersive experience that promises to captivate audiences over the Halloween period.
Adding to the spectacle, visitors will journey through a magical nocturnal landscape illuminated by handmade lanterns created by the local community, transforming the performance space into a procession of light and shadow.
Derry Halloween has always had a strong community focus, and local artists and groups have a key role in shaping the festival, which has evolved over four decades into one of Europe's leading Halloween celebrations.
This year, Derry City and Strabane District Council has made its largest investment to date in local creative participation, providing opportunities for performers and community organisations to showcase their talents on a major stage.
FUSE arts is one of three local organisations collaborating with Council to help deliver key elements of this year's parade, alongside Newgate Arts Centre and Greater Shantallow Community Arts.
For FUSE arts, the event offers young performers the chance to be part of a large-scale professional production while developing creative skills and experience in front of tens of thousands of visitors.
The story of the Blue Guardian will not end with the Awakening the Walled City Trail. On Halloween night, the characters will make their way into the heart of the city's celebrations as part of the renowned Derry Halloween Parade.
Audiences lining the streets will catch glimpses of the Blue Guardian and her children weaving their way through the procession, accompanied by younger dancers performing a specially created movement piece inspired by the production.
Looking ahead to the event, Zoe McSparron from FUSE arts said they were really looking forward to bringing the story to life. “As a multi-disciplinary community arts organisation, providing opportunities for local people to be involved in large-scale cultural events like Derry Halloween is extremely important to us,” she explained. “Derry~Londonderry is a city bursting with creative people, ideas and energy, and it is exactly that spirit that makes Derry Halloween what it is.
“This is our third year bringing the story of The Blue Guardian to life, and every year the production has grown and evolved. It’s been really exciting to build on the story each Halloween, introducing new creative elements, involving more local people and finding new ways to immerse audiences in the world of the Blue Guardian.
“This year feels particularly special as we bring the story to Mute Meadows and combine dance, movement, visual storytelling and community-made lanterns to create something that we hope will feel atmospheric, haunting and magical.”
Events like Derry Halloween provide an opportunity for younger performers to get used to bigger audiences, and larger scale productions, she explained.
“For our young performers, being part of an event on this scale is an incredible opportunity. They get to develop their skills and work as part of a professional production, but they also get to play their own part in one of the biggest celebrations in our city.
“That sense of local people coming together to create something for their city is really at the heart of FUSE arts. We’re very proud of what everyone involved has created this year and can’t wait for audiences to experience The Blue Guardian.”
Among the glow of the lanterns and the excitement of the parade, festival-goers can expect a few surprises as the Blue Guardian casts her spell.
Festival and Events Manager with Council, Aisling McCallion, said she was delighted to have the creative input of local arts groups.
“FUSE arts has a fantastic track record of creating imaginative, high-quality work that engages audiences of all ages, and we are delighted to be collaborating with them once again this year. Their Blue Guardian production is a wonderful example of how local stories and local talent can create something truly special. Not only does it add a unique and authentic dimension to the festival experience, it also provides valuable opportunities for young performers and community members to showcase their creativity as part of Europe's leading Halloween celebration.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing their vision come to life as part of the Awakening the Walled City Trail and Halloween Parade.”
Derry Halloween is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism N. Ireland and The Executive Office. Find out more about the full programme of events at derryhalloween.com