The Derry Clipper being “escorted” into Lough Foyle by dolphins on Monday last.
Thousands are expected to flock to Derry this weekend for a spectacular finale of the LegenDerry Maritime Festival.
The Festival has been hailed as a roaring success and the city is set to be packed for the last few days of the nine-day summer sensation.
Mayor of Derry Councillor Brenda Stevenson said the event had been an “unforgettable experience” and paid tribute to all involved.
Urging everyone to go along to the city’s quayside, she said was looking forward to the public giving the crews of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race” a “legenderry” send-off.
Spectator welcoming the Derry Clipper on its arrival at the Foyle Marina on Monday last.
She said: “It’s been a magical week so far. This festival has been hugely successful, attracting thousands of people to the quay to visit the boats, take part in water activities and family events in the various marquees and sampling some of the fantastic foods on offer.
“I am really looking forward to the weekend to give the Clipper Race crews a legenderry send off as they depart from the Quay on Sunday morning on the next stage of their journey.”
Among the highlights for the weekend are the Oban on the Foyle Japanese Lantern Festival which will see floating lanterns on the Foyle from around 9.00pm tonight and a Moonlit parade organised by the Foyle Paddlers and Canoe club at the Foyle Marina.
The fun continues tomorrow with a fantastic array of family fun at the Pirates Party which takes place from 6.00pm along the quay before a pyrotechnics display on the River Foyle closes the evening’s celebrations at 10.00pm.
A fiery battle between two ghostly pirate ships will be accompanied by a dramatic acquatic fireworks finale.
Huge crowds are expected, so spectators are urged to use the “Park and Stride” facilities, including disabled access, at Fort George.
The city will bid farewell to the Clipper fleet which will leave the Foyle Marina from 11.00am.
Spectators are advised to take their places on the quayside from 10.00am as the event build-up starts at 10.15am.
The 12 yachts are expected to arrive in Greencastle in Inishowen at around 2.00pm when the famous Red Arrows will stage an aerial acrobatics display at 2.45pm to mark the start of Race 15 – The OneDLL Cup – to Den Helder in Holland.
A traffic management plan will be in operation in Greencastle with “park and ride” facilities available for spectators.
There will also be vantage points from Downhill to Benone Strand at Magilligan (parking is permitted on Benone beach but motorists are urged to exercise care as it is expected to be very busy).
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