Next Stop Derry~Londonderry
Derry~Londonderry<http://www.discoverireland.com/ca-en/ireland-places-to-go/areas-and-cities/londonderry-city/>, UK City of Culture for 2013, will welcome the 10-strong fleet in July 2012 with the Clipper Homecoming Festival as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race arrives in the Walled City after its 40,000-mile, transatlantic race.
This will be the first time Northern Ireland has been represented in the race, with its vessel ‘The Derry~Londonderry’, which attracts a global audience of more than 460 million people.
“This is a huge opportunity for Derry~Londonderry – and Northern Ireland – to showcase its culture, history and heritage to potential visitors”, says Jayne Shackleford, Manager of Tourism Ireland in Canada. “This is just one of the many fantastic events for the city in 2012 in the lead up to 2013 with its designation as the first ever UK City of Culture.”
Sharon O’Connor, Chief Executive with Derry City Council, explained that Derry~Londonderry is enjoying a new energy as the 2013 year draws closer, “There’s a significant amount of investment and preparation in the city as we look forward to becoming the first UK City of Culture 2013. From new hotel investment, a transformed riverfront and a bursting cultural sector, there’s no time like now to plan a visit to the City”.
What’s on in Derry~Londonderry:
Clipper Homecoming Festival<http://www.discoverireland.com/ca-en/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/whats-on/listings/product/?fid=NITB_21569> (June 29 – July 8, 2012)
Arriving from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the 10-strong fleet will arrive in the Walled City for a 10-day festival including a program of activities and maritime-themed attractions and sights, including marine taster sessions, the Flavours of the Foyle Seafood Festival, a marine environment zone with visiting boats, a marine heritage zone, sizzling musical entertainment, creative family events and more.
North Atlantic Fiddle Convention<http://www.discoverireland.com/ca-en/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/whats-on/listings/product/?fid=NITB_23437> (June 27 – July 1, 2012)
This five-day convention celebrates the music and dance of the North Atlantic Seaboard that includes a program of concerts, workshops, sessions, talks, exhibitions and films. This is the first time that NAFCo will be held on the island of Ireland having previously taken place in Canada and Scotland.
Walled City Music Festival<http://www.discoverireland.com/ca-en/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/whats-on/listings/product/?fid=NITB_28122> (July 26 – August 5, 2012)
This 11-day festival includes evening concerts performed by high-profile international musicians, free daily master-classes, group workshops, interviews, and opportunities to meet the artists.
Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival<http://www.discoverireland.com/ca-en/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/whats-on/listings/product/?fid=NITB_23439> (October 26-31, 2012)
This six-day festival includes a carnival parade, fireworks, cooking demonstrations by top chefs, great food and entertainment.
UK City of Culture 2013<http://www.cityofculture2013.com/> (ongoing throughout 2013)
Derry~Londonderry will honour its title with year-long celebrations as the inaugural UK City of Culture, a designation that is awarded just every four years. The Walled City will showcase its own unique culture through various festivals and events throughout 2013 including film, crafts, music, sport and more.
For more information on Derry~Londonderry visit http://www.discoverireland.com/ca-en/ireland-places-to-go/areas-and-cities/londonderry-city/