Over the last year, performance events hosted in the Cathedral School building have provided a taste of how the space will be transformed by the colour, light and laughter of Circus.
July 2025
The builders have finished Phase 1 works at the Cathedral School and we’re excited to share a sneak peek at the progress so far. This short video gives a behind-the-scenes look at the work completed and how the building is shaping up ahead of the next stage of construction.
May 2025
The Northern Ireland Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA, visited In Your Space Circus to meet young people taking part in IYSC programmes and to tour the Cathedral School redevelopment site. The visit coincided with Phase 1 works to restore the Grade B+ listed building and bring it back into public use as a Centre of Circus Excellence and community hub.
“It is great to visit In Your Space Circus and hear about the plans to transform the historic Cathedral School into a state-of-the-art circus school. Seeing young people thrive through art and education is testament to the vision and commitment of everyone at In Your Space Circus.”
NI Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons
January 2025
We love an excuse to celebrate so when the builders started work on-site at the Cathedral School we couldn't help getting creative and planned a little photoshoot to mark the Phase 1 works. We are excited about the amazing transformations happening in the building and promise to share pictures with you soon.
“We are immensely grateful to our funders for their belief in this visionary project. The Phase 1 construction work marks a pivotal step towards turning our dream into a reality - establishing a flagship venue for circus arts, and a home for our young people and artists, within the walls of this cherished historic building in the heart of the city.”
Cath McBride, IYSC’s Company Director
14 & 15 September 2024
The Heritage Open Weekend events celebrated the rich history of the Cathedral School and all the memories that were created in the building over 100 years as a primary school and community centre. IYSC brought the circus magic to the building with interactive walk-about performers, circus workshops and building tours.
The events gave people the opportunity to see inside the building one final time before the construction work begins in the Autumn.
"Delighted to see this historic, beautiful building being brought back to life. Fantastic project, good to see so many enthusiastic people...good luck with the project."
Drew & Irene McLean, Heritage Open Day Visitors
Feb 8 2024
This event presented IYSC plans for the Cathedral School to a new audience, including local business owners, regional commercial leaders, the city’s hospitality network, social enterprises, arts organisations and neighbouring traders from the Cathedral Quarter.
“It’s great to see such a historical building potentially being brought back to life again.”
David Doherty, Derry Danders - Walking Tours
December 9 2023
This event showcased the IYSC Youth circus skills in acrobatics, juggling and tightwire walking to an invited audience. Their performances highlighted the grassroots talent which will be nurtured and elevated through the creation of a dedicated training and performance space in the heart of Derry-Londonderry.
“What a delightful little circus morning, surrounded by beautiful vibes. This building is truly amazing and perfect! Can’t wait to start to see its transformation.”
Estefania Baena - Circus Participant Parent
June 9 2023
This event celebrated the announcement of £140,000 grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The event was attended by local supporters and key stakeholders.
"The Old Cathedral School is an iconic building in the City, fronthing the historic St. Columb's Cathedral. This project will ensure it's unique heritage will be securied and once more take pride of place with other historic buildings in the Cathedral Quarter"
Robert McGonigle, Parish Admininistrator, St. Columb's Cathedral
June 3 2023
This event was targeted towards past pupils and people who had a connection to the Cathedral School. It was also attended by St. Columb's Cathedral parishioners who came to see the building before its redevelopment.
"Lovely to hear the old stories and exciting that future generations will be able to make new memories in this fabulous building".
Open Day Visitor
In Your Space Circus 44-48a Waterloo House Derry-Londonderry, BT48 6HF | Charity Number- NIC103059 | Company Number- NI050953
