ALL the colour and variety of the Celtic nations will be on show in Derry over the next five days as the city plays host to the 44th Pan Celtic festival.
One of the biggest music, song and dance events in the annual Celtic culture year, the Pan Celtic carnival draws people from all over Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Britany, Cornwall and the Isle of Mann.
The festival, which opened last night, returned to Derry this year after the city hosted it for the first time last year.
Organised through Derry's Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, the festival features a series of workshops focusing on aspects of Celtic culture as well as street performances.
One of the highlights of the event will be the Pan Celtic song contest which takes place tomorrow.
Each evening a different Celtic nation takes it in turn to host the Pan Celtic festival club, showing off the music, song and dance of their particularly culture at the Culturlánn's new Glassworks venue.
The culmination of the festival takes place on Saturday in the Parade of Nations.
This year's parade will once again feature pipe bands from both traditions in Northern Ireland.
A further highlight of the Parade of Nations will be the inclusion of the Armagh Rhymers who will end the parade with an open-air performance at Guildhall Square.
Chairman of the festival, Gearóid Ó hEára said the city was proud to host the festival for a second time.
"Audiences will be impressed by the diversity of entertainment we have in store and the visitors from the Celtic nations will provide street entertainment throughout the week, contributing to the typical festive atmosphere that has become a trademark of the city," Mr Ó hEára said. ?
* Further information about the festival is available at www.panceltic.ie.