Tourism NI has cut funding for the world famous LondonDerry Halloween event with members of the Business and Culture Committee told that this cut combined with cost increases may mean some aspects of the overall marketing and programming effort will have to be scaled back.
Aeidin McCarter, Council’s Head of Culture informed members that the application to Tourism NI international event fund for £150,000 for the 2022 festival had been reduced to £118,000.
The overall budget for the event for 2022 is £470,000. This includes £328,000 from Derry City and Strabane council, £118,000 from Tourism NI and £24,000 from other income.
Councillors were informed that ‘ongoing discussions are being had with partners in the Executive Office and Donegal County Council to identify other opportunities to enhance this budget.’
Elected representatives were given details of the 2022 event which will run from October 28 – 30.
Ms McCarter said: “For 2022 the aim is to focus the ‘Awakening the Walled City’ across two zones, within the Walled City and at St Columb’s Park.
“The main Halloween parade and fireworks display will take place on October 31 in the traditional format and times. Officers are also planning Haunted markets, street entertainment, a Little Horrors children’s programme and much more throughout the festival.”
The Head of Culture added: “Members should note that in 2019 pre pandemic Derry Halloween attracted over 145,000 visitors and achieved 16,500 bed nights with over £3million in economic impact.”
An update report with full details on the wider event will be brought to members in September.
