Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit Derry this week for the city’s Foyle Maritime Festival and Clipper Round the World Yacht Race stop-over.
A number of the huge ocean-going yachts have already arrived in the city ahead of the five-day festival which runs from July 20 to 24. The festival was to have taken place in 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year also marks the tenth anniversary of Derry’s relationship with the Clipper Round the World yacht race and the fifth time that the city has featured as a stop-over port for the huge vessels.
The banks for the River Foyle will form the hub of the festival, featuring stands, music and other events, including a special preview of the planned Derry maritime museum at Ebrington Square.
A number of tall ships will also visit the city and will be available for tours. The Pheonix will make a return to Derry and will be accompanied by the Brocklebank, the Leader and the spectacular Grace O’Malley. A 164 ft schooner the Grace O’Malley was brought in Sweden by the Atlantic Youth Trust charity last month and is making its first appearance at an Irish port.
Atlantic Trust spokeswoman, Catherine Noone said the vessel was a “stunning ship” and would be used to give young Irish people an experience of sailing and maritime careers.
“We are delighted that the first appearance in Ireland will be at an event as large and high profile as the Foyle Maritime Festival,” Ms Noone said.
It has also been confirmed by Translink extra train and bus services are being laid on to cater for the huge crowds expected to attend the festival from across the north.
Spokesman, Alan Young said services will be provided for the festival’s 'What Lies Beneath' riverfront interactive experience this Friday night. These will include 'Nightmover' bus services at 11.30pm and 12.15am for both the city side and Waterside. There will also be a midnight Goldliner 212 bus service to Belfast at 11.30pm and a late night train (11.38pm) serving Bellarena, Castlerock and Coleraine.
On Sunday, July 24, a special late night train will also be laid on to service Bellarena, Castlerock and Coleraine from Derry at 11.38pm.
“The festival programme is jam packed with exciting things to see and do and we want to connect people to the heart of all the action,” Mr Young said.
Traffic restrictions will also be in place throughout the festival with Queen’s Quay (river bank) closed to vehicular traffic from last night, Sunday until Wednesday July 27.
Derry mayor, Sandra Duffy said people should plan their visits to the festival in advance.
“Much work has gone into ensuring measures are in place to reduce delays but we need the cooperation of visitors to ensure things run smoothly,” Ms Duffy said.
Full details of all festival events are available at: www.foylemaritime.com/
