The Festive Village which has been attracting thousands of visitors.
The Earl of Pembroke tall ship is proving a popular attraction.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Derry for the opening day of the LegenDerry Maritime Festival.
The nine-day event, being staged to welcome the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race – currently being led by the Derry “LondonDerry” Doire yacht – is expected to attract in excess of 200,000 visitors, boosting the local economy by £5 million.
Also today, Music City 2014 staging a massive all-day outdoor music spectacular, featuring the very best local musical talent spanning all age groups and genres, with open air performances being staged in Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place.
The celebrations got under way at 3.30am this morning when hundreds gathered at An Grianan just across the border in Burt in Inishowen for a Summer Solstice Dawn Chorus to herald in the longest day of the year.
Then, from mid morning, thousands have been visiting the riverside walkway on the west bank of the River Foyle which has been transformed into a festive village, stretching from the City Hotel at Queen’s Quay to the Sainsbury’s store at Meadowbank.
Ramon Ferguson, Ciaran Coyle and Robert Peoples at the Dawn Chorus at An Grianan. Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography
Highlights during the week include an open air concert at Ebrington on Thursday by the legendary Beach Boys, the Celtronic Festival on Wednesday featuring some of Europe’s leading DJs and a fire and water show on Saturday next featuring a pirate ship battle on the Foyle with fireworks.
Sailors from across the world are due in the city to take part in the Clipper farewell parade on Sunday next when the world famous Red Arrow will give an aerial display over Lough Foyle.
Thousands are also expected to throng Magilligan strand and Greencastle in Inishowen to see the Clipper fleet depart.
Enjoying one of the boating activities at the Foyle Marina.
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