Proposals to charge visitors to access elements of Derry’s annual Halloween celebrations have been rejected by local councillors.
The proposals were voted upon at a recent meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business and Culture Committee.
Derry’s annual Halloween events programme attracts thousands of visitors, including for the colourful parade on October 31.
Part of last year’s programme was the ‘Awakening the Walled City Trail’, which ran from October 28 - 30, and saw attendees tour parts of Derry city centre.
However, high demand for the trail saw large visitor queues stretching along Magazine Street, and the council’s head of culture, Aeidin McCarter, said a ticketing system would allow for the better management of crowds.
The proposed system would see visitors charged £3 per person, or £10 for a family ticket for two adults and two children, in order to “maintain a programming and safety standard and to ensure that the visitor has the best possible experience”.
Sinn Féin councillor Grace Uí Niallais said she was encouraged that officers were “looking at ways to enhance the experience and revenue for council”, but added that her party would not accept the charges due to inequality issues, as affordability is “different for everyone”.
UUP Alderman Darren Guy said he was “on the fence” about the request.
He noted that there was “chaos” on Magazine Street last year with people attempting to visit the Walls, but was concerned charges would “set a precedent” whereby people could be charged to walk the Walls throughout the entire year.
SDLP councillor Rory Farrell said that, while a ticketing system was needed, his party rejected the proposed charges as “the beauty of our Halloween festival” was that it was free of charge and ensured access for everyone.
“We’re very concerned at the prospect of a two-tiered system, where you get a premium experience if you’re willing to pay and a not-so-premium experience if you can’t afford to,” he said.
