Ireland’s biggest Christmas tree vandalized by grinches in Derry

A number of baubles have been stolen from a 60-foot tall Christmas tree in Derry, which local officials claim is the biggest Christmas tree in Ireland.

"Regrettably there have been a number of incidents of vandalism and tampering with the Christmas decorations in the city centre," Derry City & Strabane District Council said in a social media post on Thursday, December 14.

"The bottom of the tree in Guildhall Square has now been stripped of all its baubles and people have been viewed climbing the tree and giant bauble.

"As well as the obvious dangers, this represents criminal damage, and the PSNI, Community Safety Wardens, and CCTV operators are keeping a close eye on Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place in particular.

"The decorations are there for everyone to enjoy so we would appreciate if people respect them and report any incidents of vandalism you experience to the PSNI."

According to The Belfast Telegraph, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is aware of thefts of decorations from the Christmas tree in the Guildhall Square area of Derry and has asked people to report any information. 

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively, you can report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report or in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

It is the third consecutive year that Derry City's Christmas decorations have been vandalized. 

Last year, the Council said it was "very disappointing" that the Christmas tree had been stripped of its baubles.

In 2021, Derry City & Strabane District Council said: "Despite numerous appeals, our Electrical and Maintenance teams are unfortunately still dealing with vandalism to the Christmas decorations across the City and District on a daily basis."

Christmas kicked off in Derry this year when the Magical Christmas Procession was hosted on November 24.

“The atmosphere at Friday’s switch on was electric and I’m delighted that we have retained the procession format of the event which gives everyone a chance to see Santa Claus, the beautiful mobile installations and dancers,” Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue said afterward.

“Derry is looking resplendent and I’d like to congratulate Council’s Maintenance and Electrical departments for their work in setting up the decorations and lights around the city centre and our Festivals and Events team and all their partners for coordinating a brilliant event."

Several thousand people lined the streets of the city centre tonight as the city’s Christmas lights were turned on for the first time by a Magical Christmas Procession

The parade was led by @mayordcsdc, Councillor Patricia Logue, and Santa Claus 🎅🎄🎁 pic.twitter.com/w8pVUeRxUK

— Derry Strabane Cncl (@dcsdcouncil) November 24, 2023