Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Heritage Week programme is in contention for the ‘County’ title at this year’s awards to recognise the best local projects in the initiative.
The Annual National Heritage Week Awards celebrate the most engaging projects and events organised during the week and will take place virtually on Thursday October 20th at 12.30pm.
Held in August, Heritage Week brought together organisations and communities to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation.
The City Walls, the Fair River Valley, Strabane and the iconic Guildhall all featured in the celebration which explored the sustainability of the history of the district.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, congratulated Council’s Regeneration Team on their nomination.
“I’m delighted that Derry and Strabane’s Heritage Week has been shortlisted for the prestigious County title at the Heritage Awards,” she said.
“It was brilliant to see the return of in person events this year and the varied programme celebrated the rich history and heritage that our region is famous for with a range of events and exhibitions.
“This year’s theme of ‘Sustainability’ was particularly apt as we tackle the current climate crisis and it was important to consider and discuss how we can preserve some of the jewels in our heritage crown for future
generations,” she added.
Highlights of the Derry Strabane Heritage Week included the Strabane Heritage Trail – a self-guided walking tour of approximately 3.5 miles/5.5 kilometres that displayed and celebrated the town’s history.
The thought provoking Tower Museum exhibition Climate Change: The People’s Story showcased how sustainability and the ongoing climate change crisis is affecting our local areas.
A number of other exhibitions highlighted the importance in family and local history including Shirts, Singers & Sewing: A Shirt Factory exhibition for the North West as well as Colmcille, Divided Ireland and Walls 400.
Earlier this year, in partnership with the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division and its heritage stakeholders, Council launched a Heritage Plan for the District that aims to ensure our historic environment is understood, protected and used to its full potential.
A Vision For Our Future 2022-2027 is the first of its kind and focuses on the sustainable development of our tangible historic environment with eight objectives that enable us to make the most of our heritage potential across the Council area.
Further details of the plan can be viewed at: www.derrystrabane.com/heritageplan
The online ceremony for Heritage Week will be presented by Journalist and TV Presenter Anne Cassin and will be streamed live at: www.heritageweek.ie/awards
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