Derry has got itself shipshape to welcome an expected 200,000-plus visitors to the city for the the LegenDerry Maritime Festival which gets underway tomorrow.
As the crews of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race continue to battle the Atlantic Ocean, the city has planned a homecoming party to remember for the Derry-“LondonDerry” Doire boat, which is currently leading race 14 of the around the world race.
A packed nine day programme of events kicks off tomorrow with the River Foyle taking centre stage for a summer celebration of live music, sailing, good food and plenty of fun in the sun.
Highlights include an open air concert by the legendary Beach Boys and an aerial display by the world-famous Red Arrows which will herald the departure of the Clipper fleet on Sunday week.
Speaking ahead of the opening events, Mayor of the city, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, said she was looking forward to a busy week.
She said: “When the city hosted its first Clipper stopover event in 2012, we received tremendous feedback from both the crews and organizers about the outstanding welcome and incredible atmosphere,” she said.
“I know that Derry will certainly rise to the occasion once again and with an even bigger and better line up for 2014 the LegenDerry Maritime Festival promises to be an exceptional event.”
A host of family friendly events will feature the Pirate’s Promenade and the ghostly galleon ship as well as many water based activities, including water skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking and keel boat sailing.
Music will also be in the Derry air tomorrow as Music City 2014 stages a massive all-day outdoor music spectacular, featuring the very best local musical talent spanning all age groups and genres.
Sunday offers the chance to learn more about the diversity of cultures within the city with the Ubuntu Festival, a colourful global celebration featuring performances, live music and interactive activities in the Maritime Festival Village between 1.00pm and 10.00pm.
And the fun, fun, fun continues during the week with the Beach Boys bringing some sunshine to Ebrington Square on Thursday evening.
A few tickets are still available for this fantastic al fresco event, available from the Millennium Forum Box Office and also at information points located along the quay.
With all the outdoor activity taking place over the course of the LegenDerry Maritime Festival a number of traffic restrictions will be in operation throughout the week – particularly around the quayside area – to accommodate both pedestrians and motorists, and minor delays are to be expected.
Where possible, the public are strongly advised to use the public transport system or to consider walking to the event.
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