Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is backing calls for Derry’s Peace Bridge to be turned crimson during Apprentice Boys’ celebrations in the city.
The bridge, along with the city’s Guildhall, the Playhouse Theatre, Ebrington Clock Tower in the Waterside and the Derry City Council offices on Strand Road are to be lit up green during this year’s St Patrick’s Festival taking place in the city from 14-17 March.
The green landmarks will be part of the “Global Greening” campaign taking place throughout the world.
The project was discussed at this week’s meeting of Derry City Councils’ Development Committee which heard calls for similar projects to be included in festivals linked to the unionist community.
Speaking at the meeting, the city’s Deputy Mayor Alderman Gary Middleton, said: “I would imagine if you’re doing that for the Peace Bridge on St Patrick’s Day, then you could do it for other festivals during the year, such as the Maiden City Festival or turning it orange on ‘the 12th’.”
The annual Maiden City Festival is held in Derry in the second week of August, the highlight of which is the Apprentice Boys Parade through the city.
Mr McGuinness said he had not objections to the Peace Bridge being turned crimson – the colour associated with the Apprentice Boys – during the festival.
In a Tweet he said: “Hearing that unionists representatives in Derry say the Peace Bridge should be lit crimson for the Apprentice Boys festival. I agree.”
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