The North West Carnival Initiative, which organised the Halloween and St Patrick's Day parades in Londonderry, will enter administration and stop operations.

Councillors learned of the decision at a Derry City and Strabane District Council meeting. The group cited unresolved intellectual property issues over props, costumes and set materials raised by artists. It also pointed to limited resources as a small charitable organisation.

NWCI informed the council it could not continue services. The board plans an orderly administration process ahead of the 40th anniversary Halloween programme.

The group marked 20 years of creative projects in the north west last year. More than 100,000 people attended Derry's Halloween carnival programme in 2025, generating £7.4m for the local economy at a cost of £550,000.

Interim head of culture Jacqueline Whoriskey stated at the council meeting that plans exist for the 40th anniversary event. A new partnership model will involve a creative director and multiple organisations plus community groups.

Whoriskey said the 2026 programme will employ local artists, makers, technicians and suppliers to retain activity and spending in the area.

Sinn Féin councillor Grace Uí Niallais called the closure sad and disappointing. She highlighted the joy from NWCI carnivals that drew worldwide visitors and stressed the need for local Derry artists to lead future parades.