Press Release

Love the change in the City this festive season

Monday, December 06, 2004

“You’ll love the change” is the resounding message from retail, business and tourism representatives in Derry ~ Londonderry who have joined forces once again to inform Christmas Shoppers about the unbeatable value and choice currently available within the City this festive season.

From Left, Karen Houlahan, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau; Fergal Rafferty, Richmond Centre; Stephen Kelly, City Centre Initiaitve; Mayor Cllr Gearoid O'hEara; Des Farrell, Foyleside Shopping Centre; and Claire Lundy, Derry City Council, pictured at the launch of the Love the Change Campaign.

Successfully launched last year the initiative is supported by Derry City Council, Foyleside, Richmond, Quayside and Lisnagelvin Shopping Centres, City Centre Initiative and the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, and is aimed at presenting the positive changes in the City’s retail and tourism sectors.

The initiative is supported by a designated website www.lovethechange.co.uk which highlights details of the continued significant retail changes that have taken place in the City which has seen at least thirty shops and restaurants open across the City over the past year.

Speaking on the initiative, Mayor Councillor Gearóid O hÉara said:

“The Love the Change campaign has helped to successfully promote the City as the perfect place to visit for a Christmas shopping weekend break to sample the shops, soak up some of the City’s history and relax the friendly and welcoming atmosphere which the City has become renowned for.”

The site also includes information on the City’s Christmas late night shopping together with information on Euro rates available throughout the City. A comprehensive guide to what’s on in the City’s theatres and arts centres is also available, including information on Pantomimes and Christmas shows and events taking place over the next couple of weeks.

Stephen Kelly of the City Centre Initiative said that traders are looking forward to a bumper Christmas this year as more and more people take advantage of the excellent variety of retail outlets available in the City.

“This Autumn has seen a number of extremely busy weekends due to the hugely successful Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival and the annual Crafts in the City event.” he said.

“Many of the City’s retailers are offering a competitive rate for our cross-border customers and we are confident that the weeks in the run up to Christmas will continue this positive trend, forecasting a particularly busy couple of weeks ahead.”

“The Love the Change initiative is aimed at promoting the City’s shopping offering this Christmas and I would like to advise the City’s retailers that there’s still time to come on board and provide us with information to include on the designated website” he added.

Also included on www.lovethechange.co.uk are details of the extensive car parking available within the City centre this Christmas with detailed information on the Park n’Ride scheme.

Comprising of 150 car parking spaces the free Park n’Ride facility is currently based at the Fort George site on the Strand Road and is supported by a regular shuttle bus, stopping at the drop-off and collection points on the Strand Road, the Diamond and Orchard Street. The facility is currently operating a Saturday and Sunday service until Sunday 19th December from 12pm – 6pm with the commencement of a daily service from Monday 20th until Christmas Eve.

Many of the City’s hotels are also offering fantastic special one and two night breaks to encourage visitors from all parts of Northern Ireland and Ireland to sample Derry during this festive season.

Christmas shopping in the Walled City - you’ll love the change!

ENDS

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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