Crumbling Convent Cancels Beloved Christmas Market in Derry

In a disappointing turn of events, the Christmas market in Derry has been cancelled due to safety concerns surrounding a crumbling historic building. The former Convent of Mercy, a listed structure dating back to the early 1800s, has fallen into a state of disrepair and is now at risk of imminent collapse.

The partial closure of Pump Street, where the convent is located, has led to the installation of barriers and shipping containers to mitigate any potential risks. However, this has also forced the Cathedral Quarter Initiative (CQI) to cancel this year's Christmas market, which was set to build on the success of its debut in 2024.

Vice chairman Joe Doherty, who owns an ice-cream parlor on Pump Street, expressed his disappointment, noting that last year's market had been a "huge success" and traders had planned to make this year's even bigger and better. Helen Fallows, who owns a local bookshop and food bank, also shared her dismay, as the 2024 market had provided a significant boost to their business.

Despite the setback, the CQI and local authorities remain hopeful that a resolution to the health and safety issues in the area can be found soon. In the meantime, the fate of the former Convent of Mercy remains uncertain, with no final decision on whether it can be saved or will require partial or full demolition.