Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Saturday 27°CSunday 24°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
NewsPolitics

50-year Civil Rights milestone to be celebrated this weekend

written by John October 2, 2018
ShareTweet

AN impressive line-up of leading academics, commentators and human rights campaigners will gather in Derry’s Guildhall for a special festival this weekend, October 4-7, marking 50 years since the birth of the Civil Rights movement in the city.

Irish President Michael D Higgins will give the keynote speech at the festival on Saturday at 2pm, followed by broadcast journalist Fergal Keane delivering the John Hume Civil Rights lecture at 3pm with an introduction by Pat Hume.

The event will be hosted by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor John Boyle, in conjunction with the NI Civil Rights Association and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Duke Street March which took place on the 5th October 1968.

The programme features a broad spectrum of speakers, focusing on a range of issues spanning the civil rights era and reflecting on where we are today as a result of the campaign which changed the face of Irish society.

Looking ahead to the event, Mayor Boyle said it presented an opportunity to highlight one of the most significant periods in Modern Irish history.

“I am delighted to see this event taking place here in the Guildhall, to mark what is considered a seminal moment in our history, when the eyes of the world were firmly focused on the streets of Derry.

“The NI Civil Rights Committee have put together an impressive programme of events, with some fascinating speakers including some of the most influential proponents of international human rights.

“I am honoured to welcome President Michael D Higgins to the Guildhall as keynote speaker on Saturday. It will be the highlight of a packed weekend, offering time to debate, reflect and remember a major period of transition which has shaped our society today.”

The festival begins with a special schools’ event on Friday October 5th, featuring talks and discussions around some of the key issues and events of the time.

Speakers include veteran civil rights campaigner Eamonn McCann, Jim McBride, Dr Chris Reynolds, Anne Devlin and Aidan McKinney.

On Friday evening a number of renowned Irish artists will deliver the Words of the Civil Rights in poetry and song, featuring Damien Dempsey, Stephen Rea, Martin Lynch, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Paddy Nash and other Special Guests.

All proceeds from the evening are in aid of the Mayor’s chosen charity Foyle Search and Rescue.

Throughout the weekend there will be an impressive line-up of speakers including Eamonn McCann, Erskine Holmes, Marian Donnelly, Michael Mansfield QC, Gareth Pierce, Lord Alf Dubs, Baroness Nuala O’Loan and other international human rights activists and leading academics.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Chair of the Civil Rights Committee, Professor Paul Arthur said:

“We are delighted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Duke Street March in Derry, a march that successfully challenged the status quo and led to a new political dispensation.

“The range of events over four days in October is an acknowledgement of the reflective and inclusive approach adopted by the Committee from its inaugural meeting in Belfast last November; and its formal launch by the distinguished poet, Michael Longley, in Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church in January.

“Longley’s poetry and prose captured the optimism of the moment but also reflected the pain and tragedy of subsequent years.

“We have not shied away from that darkness and we have attempted to engage with those who saw the initial civil rights movement as a conspiracy.”

To view the full line up of events and to book tickets go to http://www.nicivilrights.org/events/civil-rights-festival

50-year Civil Rights milestone to be celebrated this weekend was last modified: October 3rd, 2018 by John

Tags:
50-year Civil Rights milestone to be celebrated this weekendDerry and Strabane CouncilFergal KeaneJohn HumeMayor John BoylePat Hume
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Man to face Derry court over cannabis...

20 hours ago

Man arrested in Derry after 120 cannabis...

1 day ago

Derry Labour Market Partnership celebrate success of...

1 day ago

Savour the best of the North West...

1 day ago

Bin collections and Recycling Centres operate as...

1 day ago

Finance Minister visits sites of Derry Strabane...

1 day ago

Durkan: We need to get serious about...

2 days ago

Police appeal over children playing in derelict...

2 days ago

Strabane success in promoting Vibrant Town in...

3 days ago

New baby monitor units arrive at Altnagelvin...

3 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Man to face Derry court over cannabis plants seizure

    July 11, 2025
  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy