It’s been two years since the River Foyle played host to one of the country’s biggest nautical celebrations and this year the suspense is building as Derry prepares to unveil the exciting new look Foyle Maritime Festival on June 27th.
Traditionally held in July, the festival sails forward a month, to coincide perfectly with the start of the school holidays, heralding the official start of summer!
The event space has been completely transformed this year to create a more accessible user-friendly experience for visitors. The full road closure on the Queen’s Quay will open the site up for everyone to safely enjoy the festivities and the redesigned market configuration will provide a more visitor friendly environment. The new look festival programme also boasts some fantastic additions this year, with even more free animation and activity for families.
The event is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism N. Ireland and Ulster University. In 2022 over 150,000 visitors flocked to the festival, with huge numbers also expected to turn out this year.
Looking ahead to the event, the newly inaugurated Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Lilian Barr, said she couldn’t wait to welcome visitors to the city. “The anticipation is really building now with less than four weeks to go. I’m so looking forward to seeing the new site layout and the new programme highlights that will really energise and enhance this year’s festival.
“It will be my first major event in my role as Mayor, and it will be such a privilege to represent the city and welcome so many international visitors. I know they will fall in love with the place and experience the very best hospitality and entertainment while they are here.”
Among the new highlights of this year’s programme is the fabulous Carnival of Colours, which will take over the lower stretch of the quayside, bringing a vibrant array of high energy performance and street entertainment to the festival.
For the first time the Foyle Maritime Festival will also host the Get Up Street Art Festival – an edgy urban celebration of graffiti culture. Watch some of the most talented artists at work on stunning large-scale pieces, enjoy a live painting street party and hone your own skills in the painting workshops.
Fabulous food is definitely on the menu at the festival and there’s a place for everyone at the Captain’s Table, which will provide an enhanced dining experience with even more delicious delights on offer. There will be additional seating and tables along the Quayside for diners, and of course picnic fans who are welcome to bring their own homemade treats along.
The culinary experience continues in the Legenderry Food Village where an array of local food businesses will be showcasing the very best in local and sustainable produce. Enjoy a medley of international dishes, from authentic South African street food to smoking US barbeque. Soak up the festival vibes with DJ sets keeping the ambient mood going in the bar area all weekend.
The Foyle Maritime Festival has something for all ages and there will be plenty of entertainment and activities to keep the little crew members busy throughout the festival along the Pirates Pontoon, from water sport taster sessions, to the vintage funfair.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the festivities from the crow’s nest, as the Big Wheel moves right to the heart of the action in the middle of the quay, offering stunning panoramic views over the Foyle and beyond.
Hop on board one of the six stunning Tall Ships which will be berthed at the Quayside throughout the festival and find out more about their fascinating history and trips on the high seas.
These are just a few of the programme highlights at this year’s Foyle Maritime Festival – find out more over the coming weeks at www.foylemaritime.com
