ALL eyes will be on the river in the coming weeks as the Clipper Race fleet blazes a colourful trail up the Foyle marking the beginning of the massive Foyle Maritime Festival homecoming celebrations, July 9 – 17.
While there will be plenty of nautical but nice activity taking place on the river the aptly named The Riptide Movement will be making waves on land as they take to the stage on Friday evening, July 15, for a fantastic night of entertainment in a week laden with musical talent.
Ireland’s newest rock and roll export will be one of the main highlights in a packed programme, as Derry welcomes the crew of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to the Foyle for a home coming celebration to remember.
The Riptide Movement will be supported by acclaimed local singer songwriter Paul Casey, and Little Mammoths, led by Noah and the Whale’s Matt Owens, when they take to the stage at Ebrington Plaza for a fantastic riverside show.
Little Mammoths will be in fine form during the festival as band member James Besley welcomes home his mum who is currently navigating her way across the Atlantic on board the Derry Clipper.
Music lovers will be spoiled for choice throughout the festival with an eclectic mix of rock, folk, and classical music on the entertainment agenda throughout the week.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, said the music line-up would perfectly complement the family friendly events planned throughout the festival.
“The excitement is really building now ahead of the Foyle Maritime Festival.
“The details of the full music line up have now been confirmed and there’s much excitement about the week’s events.
“The programme covers all genres and brings together an impressive mix of established names and top local artists.
“I’m particularly delighted to see the return of Music City this year, which brings an exciting extra element to the programme and once again reignites the legacy of City of Culture where the event finds its origins.
The atmosphere is going to be incredible.”
The impressive musical menu begins on Saturday June 9 when Music City makes a welcome return to the city, featuring a sensational selection of some of the very best local and international artists.
The Villagers, the Strypes, David Kitt, and Girls Names are among the visiting talent joining local crowd pleasers SOAK, Ports and the Happy Enchiladas as they take to stages across the city at an array of venues, from bars to street corners.
Energetic bi-lingual band Seo Linn will be making a welcome return to Derry on Wednesday July 13 with their unique traditional twist on contemporary hits, performed in Irish in their own distinctive style.
The Festival Village is the venue for some of the very best female vocal talent, as folk favourite Lisa Hannigan brings her critically acclaimed music to the city on Thursday July 14, where she will be joined by Irish traditional artist Zoe Conway.
Add to this appearances by world music maestros Kila, the brilliant Balkan Alien Sound and the rabble rousing Booka Brass Band.
Council Festivals and Events Manager Jacqueline Whoriskey, said:
“We are delighted with the music programme and I know that it will really enhance the wider festival event for everyone.
“It will provide the perfect backdrop to all the activity planned in and around the various venues and will be a real draw to the city.
“The Music City events are the perfect way to kick off the celebrations, followed up by the amazing Riptide Movement concert, and our spectacular Voyage of Sunniva finale event.
“And with plenty of activity along the quayside including funfairs, boat tours, maritime markets and the Clipper Kitchens in Ebrington, as well as explosive high octane stunts on the river – it’s certainly going to be an action packed week.”
Tickets for The Riptide Movement concert on July 15 are priced £5 and are available online athttp://www.foylemaritimefestival.com/whatson-listings.html and the Millennium Forum Box Office on 028 7126 4455.
The Foyle Maritime Festival is supported by Tourism Northern Ireland, Foyle Port, Loughs Agency, Diageo, DuPont Kevlar and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
For more information on the full Foyle Maritime Festival programme go to www.foylemaritimefestival.com. For the Music City line up go to http://www.musiccityderry.com/
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