Circus, community and collaboration spotlight progress at Derry's Cathedral School

In Your Space Circus has marked a significant milestone in the redevelopment of Derry’s Cathedral School, as the first phase of works is now complete. The completed works have stabilised the Grade B+ listed building, created safe access for the first time in many years and set the direction for its future as a circus school and performance space.

In Your Space Circus opened up the Cathedral School on Wednesday at a pivotal moment in its redevelopment, inviting local businesses to see the progress already made and the potential of what comes next.

With these early works in place, the organisation is welcoming representatives from culture, business and the local community into the building as part of a Derry Chamber of Commerce breakfast networking session showcasing the work of IYSC and giving them the opportunity to look around the space

The initial phase has reshaped the interior to support its future use, laying the structural, organisational and creative foundations for a much larger redevelopment planned for Phase 2.

The event provided the setting for In Your Space Circus to share progress on the Cathedral School project, bringing together key stakeholders inside one of the city’s most distinctive heritage buildings.

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The project is currently in a National Lottery Heritage Fund–supported Development Phase, with capital funding secured from the Wolfson Foundation towards Phase 2 delivery, alongside ongoing fundraising.

As part of the event, guests heard a short project update followed by a performance by Cikada Circus, a duo acrobatic act known for hand-to-hand partner work and movement. The performance takes place inside the Cathedral School, giving invited guests a rare view of the recently reshaped interior, including the double-height space created for circus training and performance.

“What matters at this stage is turning the progress already made into something lasting,” said Cath McBride, Company Director at In Your Space Circus. “We’ve completed Phase 1 works, we’re now in a focused development phase, and this moment is about building the partnerships and support needed to deliver what comes next.”

Once complete, the Cathedral School redevelopment will create the North West’s first permanent centre for circus education and performance, supporting skills development, creative careers and inclusive participation for people of all ages. The project will also provide step-free public access to this section of the city walls, bringing a significant heritage building back into active use.

The breakfast networking session, hosted by Derry Chamber of Commerce, offered local businesses an opportunity to hear about progress on the project and its next phase.

With development work continuing throughout 2026, In Your Space Circus is actively seeking partners, supporters and collaborators to help deliver Phase 2 of the Cathedral School transformation. Businesses, organisations and individuals interested in being part of this landmark project are encouraged to get in touch and start a conversation.