Plans in place for annual Blessing of the Graves event at City Cemetery
8 May 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with the Church, today confirmed the arrangements for this year’s Blessing of the Graves event at the City Cemetery, which will take place on Sunday June 7th at 3pm.
The annual Blessing of the Graves is one of the most significant dates in the local calendar, with thousands of people expected to gather to pray and remember their loved ones. In preparation for the service, a number of measures will be introduced to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.
To facilitate the event, the City Cemetery will be closed to the general public on the day until 1pm, except for funerals. Pedestrians will be allowed access from this time.
A total of 150 parking spaces will be available within the cemetery for Blue Badge holders only, which must be booked in advance via the Council’s website. Spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and applicants must provide full details, including name, contact number, vehicle registration, Blue Badge number and email address. Any incomplete applications will not be processed.
Those with confirmed parking are advised to enter via the Lone Moor Road entrance and must arrive between 1pm and 2pm, as gates will close promptly at that time. Once inside, vehicles will remain in place until after the service.
It’s expected that the cemetery will reopen to the public at approximately 4.30pm, following the conclusion of the service and once crowds have safely dispersed.
Additional parking for Blue Badge holders will also be available at St Mary’s Church, Creggan, St Cecilia’s College and Celtic Park. These locations will operate on a first come, first served basis, with no advance booking required. Access will only be granted to vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge.
Visitors attending on foot are encouraged to plan their journey in advance, taking into account traffic management arrangements and the likelihood of large crowds.
In a joint statement, the Council and the Church emphasised the importance of cooperation on the day: “The Blessing of the Graves is always a deeply meaningful occasion for families across our community, and we expect large numbers to attend once again this year.
“To ensure the event runs smoothly and safely, a number of traffic and access measures will be in place. These arrangements are necessary to manage the volume of visitors and to prioritise pedestrian safety.
“We would ask everyone attending to plan ahead, follow the guidance provided and cooperate fully with stewards on the day. People parking outside the cemetery are also asked to be mindful of local residents and to avoid blocking roads, footpaths or access points.
“This is an important time of reflection and prayer, and we would encourage all those attending to be respectful of others throughout the service.”
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed, allowing families to take part from home. The service will be streamed at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvtk3PsOheU
Further details, including parking registration, are available via the Council’s website www.derrystrabane.com/cemeterysunday