Press Release

Mayor applauds Walled City Cultural Trail 2008

Friday 04 July 2008

Details of the 2008 Walled City Cultural Trail, which is funded by Derry City Council, were officially announced today, Friday 04 July, by Mayor Councillor Gerard Diver.

Now in its ninth year the award winning initiative has become the essential what:’s on guide to cultural events and activities taking place in the City over the months of July, August and September.

Speaking at the launch Mayor Councillor Gerard Diver applauded the cultural trail saying that it provided a definitive guide to all aspects of the city’s history for locals and visitors alike. He continued

“Our city is fortunate to have such a rich cultural heritage on its doorstep and this trail makes the discovery of its many and diverse elements, an enjoyable, accessible and informative adventure. The variety of cultural events and activities happening over the summer months is fantastic. It’s particularly encouraging to see the increase in the number of family and evening events.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved in bringing such a all-inclusive and easy to use guide together and I would encourage everybody to be a tourist at home this summer and support this wonderful initiative.”

Combining a daily themed itinerary of things to do, the Walled City Cultural Trail is a comprehensive what’s on guide to events taking place in the City over the summer providing both visitors and locals alike, with an easy to follow programme to help users uncover the wealth of culture and history that exists in the City.

This year’s daily themes include Maritime Mondays, focusing on the City’s rich maritime heritage, Tuesdays’ Talks and Tours, Family Fun on Wednesdays - perfect for that family day out, Traditions Day on Thursdays - highlighting the City’s thriving culture and heritage, and Fridays’ Arts and Crafts. For those planning to spend their weekend in the City there’s also a Weekend/Live music section, and also a comprehensive guide to local cultural venues and theatres highlighting key events on a weekly basis that will be useful for locals and visitors alike.

Weekly highlights include the interactive Armada Shipwreck Trail at the Tower Museum; a visit to the Derry Crystal Workshop where you can observe the local craftsmen at work; the newly added Twilight tours which provide a walking tour of the Walled City at Twilight; Summer Nights Afloat Cruise with a Honolulu theme, barbeque and entertainment; Tours for a variety of the city’s Cathedrals and Churches; Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall which houses artefacts dating back to the Siege of Derry; Museum of Free Derry which documents the struggle for civil rights, Internment, Free Derry and Bloody Sunday; A Tour of the Murals by the Bogside Artists plus much more.

Throughout the summer a range of festivals, events and street performances will take place in the Walled City - look out for the Roaring Meg Busking Festival (23rd August), the Big Tickle Comedy Festival (5th - 15th September) and the City of Song Festival (25th - 28th September).

Catherine O’Connor, Manager of the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau said that the Walled City Cultural Trail provides a fantastic offering to visitors during their stay.

“The Walled City Cultural Trail utilizes the City’s historic walls by incorporating a blend of attractions and events with an easy to follow daily itinerary. We are delighted that again this year our Walled City Ambassadors will be out and about on the city walls providing information to visitors and locals as to what’s on so make sure to look out for them”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many cultural venues and businesses who have given their invaluable support to the initiative and the Business & Cultural Animation Programme which has provided funding for the lunch time entertainment in our city centre cafes. The City continues to welcome more visitors year on year and we are hoping that this trend will continue throughout the summer and the rest of 2008.”

Whether you are a local or visiting the city over the summer season make sure to put your best foot forward and get on the Walled City Cultural Trail. Brochures are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Derry City Council Offices and Cultural and Heritage facilities around the City.

For further information telephone (028) 7126 7284 or view www.derrycity.gov.uk/culturaltrail

Ends

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