For many NI children normal lessons were suspended for the day

For many, the festivities got under way early in the day with normal lessons cancelled in many schools.

Children were treated to storytelling about fairies, witches and wizards and learning what to do with pumpkins.

In Londonderry, thousands of people have taken part in one of Northern Ireland's biggest celebrations.

A carnival parade was a highlight of the event, with a special Halloween concert having started at 1600 GMT.

One of the festival organisers, Nuala McGee, said the Waterside Theatre and Playhouse had taken part in a lantern procession involving almost 200 children.

"It is a fabulous night in Derry with lots of tribute bands - Madonna, The Stereophonics and Robbie Williams," she said.

The authorities in the city had hoped the celebrations would be an enjoyable occasion and not marred by any of the drunkenness or disorder seen in previous years.

A carnival and concert took place in Londonderry

Claire Lundy from Derry City Council said initiatives had been put in place to make the city centre alcohol-free.

"We have also looked at the range of entertainment that we have in terms of bands and the type of events we have," she said.

"We believe that in the zoning and the type of stewarding, arrangements with the emergency services and the music, we are creating a new feel for the event this year.

"We have also had an extensive carnival care campaign which has looked specifically at those issues of binge-drinking, which aren't just specific to Derry."

"We have got the message out there that Halloween should be enjoyed safely and sensibly."