The first of a flotilla of stunning Tall Ships took up its position along Derry’s quayside today as the Klevia and La Malouine sailed in just in time for the official start of the Foyle Maritime Festival.
During the festival visitors can hop on board and find out more about the history behind the ships, which will also feature the Leader, the Irene, the Brocklebank and the Phoenix.
They will set the scene for four days of Maritime fun, June 27-30, as Derry gets set to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to the city for the festival, to enjoy live music, LegenDerry Food, boat rides and tours, water taster sessions and so much more.
The programme highlight will be the Beyond Blue Showcase evening on Saturday June 29 which will run from 9pm until midnight along the riverfront.
ThE event will begin with an air raid siren ringing across the water to introduce A Dusk Chorus, a poignant choral event shoreside featuring 10 local choirs, as illuminated tall ships take up positions on the river to create a stunning backdrop for the evening with La Malouine Ship taking centre stage as the lead ship in its debut appearance at the festival.
A cannon ball will be fired at 9.40pm to signify the dramatic centre piece of the showcase, a specially commissioned, choreographed light and fire display with flames reaching 12 metres high and light beams that stretch far into the night sky.
This spectacle can be enjoyed from near and far and will run continuously on a loop until midnight.
A synchronised fireworks display will add to the drama of the light show taking it into its final hour from 11pm until midnight.
Please note the light show will feature strobe lighting for anyone who is sensitive to these effects.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Lilian Barr, took the helm this morning on La Malouine to welcome the crew on their first visit to the city for the four-day maritime extravaganza.
“I am so excited for the festival opening tomorrow, it really is going to be a special event and I look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to our beautiful city,” she declared.
“It’s a fabulous hospitality showcase with plenty to do and see over the four days. And much of the entertainment and activities are free, so it’s the perfect family outing.
“I will be out and about throughout the festival, so please come and say hello!”
The Mayor was joined for today’s launch photocall by representatives from Council and partners in the Foyle Port, and Tourism NI.
The internationally acclaimed event is also supported by the Loughs Agency, Diageo and Ulster University.
Looking ahead to the festival opening, Council’s Head of Culture, Aeidin McCarter, said: “So much planning has gone into creating the Foyle Maritime Festival experience, and I know people are going to love the transformation of the quay into a bustling maritime village.
“There is going to be plenty of riverside entertainment and water activities, and also the chance to sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere along the river.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses to showcase the exceptional products available locally and the delicious food being produced in our restaurants. It’s going to be a brilliant four days.”
Visitors can look forward to vintage fairground rides, live music, the culinary delights of the LegenDerry Food Village, the Maritime and Merchant Markets, Big Wheel, water taster sessions, Tall Ship visits and so much more.
Anyone travelling to the festival over the four days is advised to plan ahead, particularly on the Showcase evening, with some road restrictions and carpark closures now in place to facilitate the event.
Find out more about the full Foyle Maritime Festival programme and all traffic and travel arrangements at: www.foylemaritime.com
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