Council stresses ‘still no fee’ for Derry Halloween tickets
22 June 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council has today issued information to clarify plans for the introduction of a pilot approach to managing crowds at the Awakening the Walled City Trail during the 40th anniversary of the City’s world-famous Halloween festivities.
And Council stressed that there is still no charge planned for tickets to access the City Walls which will assist with crowd control and improve the overall visitor experience.
Members of the Business and Culture Committee earlier this month approved plans for officers to explore options for a managed ticketing system for elements of the Awakening the Walled City (ATWC) experience to assist in managing health and safety at the event, which draws of thousands of visitors to the city this year.
Concerns have been expressed over the possible costs of introducing the system which will be implemented in the areas of Bishop Street Car Park and the Upper Walls, areas where congestion is particularly challenging. Members were advised that a ticketing system would significantly help deal with operational challenges such as extended queueing at entry points, pressure on narrow streets, gates and heritage structures and a reduced visitor experience at peak times.
The committee was told that officers have explored ticketing software solution options and have worked up a solution with Millennium Forum through its existing Service Level agreement. The proposed ticketing solution and box office management will see a booking fee charge of £1 per ticket provided by the Millennium Forum which is below average box office charges. However members were reassured that officers were currently exploring cost recovery options for the ticketing solution, which will ensure no charge to the public, and will bring back options for consideration at a future meeting of the committee.
Chair of the Business and Culture Committee, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said recent press coverage had generated unnecessary concerns about the plans. “In the report brought before members, officers set out the details of the proposed ticketing system, which will help alleviate pressures on managing crowds safely and really improve the event experience for visitors. At the meeting the issue of cost was raised, and members very clearly stressed that they did not want this cost passed on to the public.
“Since then there has been speculation in the press that a £1 booking fee would be introduced, which is inaccurate. I just want to take this opportunity today to reassure everyone, that they will not have to pay to attend the Awakening the Walled City Trail, but will be asked to register for the event to assist with crowd management. As we prepare to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this fantastic event, we are anticipating even bigger crowds than usual and we appreciate the public’s cooperation as we try to deliver the event. A further report will be brought back to committee on the plans in the coming months.”