Derry City and Strabane District Council has approved a pilot ticketing system for the Awakening the Walled City trail during this year's Derry Halloween festival. The event marks its 40th anniversary and will require a £1 booking fee per ticket, organized through the Millennium Forum box office.

The decision, taken at the council's June Business and Culture Committee meeting, follows growing concerns over crowd management. A similar proposal last year for a £3 individual or £10 family ticket was rejected. Council officers reported that the trail's popularity has led to visitors stopping and changing direction, causing extended queues and pressure on narrow streets, gates, and heritage structures. This has reduced the visitor experience at peak times.

Under the new system, the controlled area will start at Bishop Street Car Park, enter the city walls via Stable Lane, run along the Grand Parade, and exit at the Apprentice Boys Hall on Society Street. Additional installations and an exit at the former Echo Echo building are being considered. The council estimates costs of £15,000 for equipment and entry point management and £10,000 for a wayfinding system covering both ticketed and non-ticketed areas.

The festival will receive £100,000 through Tourism Northern Ireland's International Funding programme. Other Halloween attractions include a disco-themed event on the upper walls, a large-scale aerial spectacle at the Diamond, and a jazz funeral performance.

Speaking in favour of the ticketing, SDLP councillor Rory Farrell said it was essential to ensure a safe Halloween, particularly given the anniversary. He noted Derry's status as a leading Halloween destination. Sinn Féin councillor Aisling Hutton added that the ticket system would reduce congestion, enhance the experience for visitors and council staff, and support emergency planning and security. She highlighted improvements for wheelchair users, neurodiverse children, and older attendees.

The council intends the pilot to test how ticketing can help manage the growing event while maintaining its appeal.