Studio 2 Hocus Pocus performance will put a spell on you this Derry Halloween
30 September 2026
Over 100 performers from Greater Shantallow Community arts group Studio 2 are preparing to bring the magic of their renowned Hocus Pocus showcase to the Carnival Parade this Halloween.
The group are set to play a lead role in the festival’s climactic event on Saturday October 31st with their ‘A lot of Hocus Pocus in the City of Bones’ performance that will be one of the highlights of the 40th anniversary celebrations.
Inspired by the cult classic Disney film of the same name, their spectacular performance, led by the unforgettable Sanderson Sisters and with support from a troop of talented actors and dancers and performers has become a staple of the Derry Halloween celebrations since it premiered in 2023.
They have wowed thousands of spectators in the city centre and at their theatre at Studio 2 but this will be the first time they integrate the performance into the festival’s parade.
“We’ve been proud to be a central part of the Halloween parade through the city centre for over 20 years now and we wanted to do something special this year as part of the wider festival’s 40th anniversary celebrations,” explained Artistic Director at Studio 2 Ollie Green.
“The Hocus Pocus showcase has been a real crowd favourite over the last three years and this is a great opportunity to bring it into a new format in the parade.
“The theme of the performance is ‘I Put a Spell on You’ and the Sanderson Sisters together with troops of performers will be casting a spell on the thousands of people watching the parade as it passes around the city centre.”
Studio 2’s valuable contribution to the Derry Halloween celebrations over the years has helped fulfil their core mission to provide young people with a large-scale platform to showcase their talents and build their practical skills.
“The festival has given a platform for our young people to bring their drama, dance and musical skills out of the studio and into the biggest Halloween celebration in Europe,” he said.
“It’s brought young people from the outskirts of the city into the centre where they can showcase their work in front of thousands of spectators from all over the world.
“It has given them invaluable experience and boosted their confidence to reach new levels in their performing journey.
“A crucial element of this year’s performance is the contribution of our EA Galliagh Youth Start participants who are made up of young people who have never performed before, we also welcome anyone who wants to take part in our carnival workshops where you can learn hands on skills to contribute to the show at Halloween.”
GSCAs Youth Start Galliagh will host the first in a series of preparatory carnival workshops for the performance at their base in Studio2 this Saturday October 3rd from 6pm to 9pm featuring costume making, special effects makeup, choreography and event production skills.
The 40th Anniversary of Derry Halloween celebrations will take place from Wednesday October 28th to Sunday November 1st 2026.
Over 120,000 visitors from all over the world are expected in the city to experience family friendly daytime activities, the illuminated evening trails and the Halloween night carnival.
The Awakening the Walled City Trail from October 28th – 30th will see the city’s 400 year old walls turned into an open air theatre where you can follow a free, self guided route featuring fire performers, installations, aerialists and light projections that bring ancient Samhain folklore to life.
The Heart of Samhain in Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place will host live music on the Samhain Sounds Stage, street performers and the Legenscary Bites Harvest Market.
The Halloween Carnival Parade on October 31st at 7pm will feature hundreds of community participants, dancers and musicians dressed in elaborate costumes who will parade along the Queen’s Quay riverfront before the Fireworks Finale on the River Foyle at 8.15pm.
Full programme details are available now at www.derryhalloween.com
For further information on Youth Start Galliagh and GSCA,s Halloween Workshops contact Studio 2 at [email protected] or telephone 02871358750.