Press Release

Mayor looks forward to Christmas Choral Cheer in the Guildhall

06 December 2007

Running from the 15th - 22nd December, Guildhall Square will be a hive of Christmas magic with a range of events including an outdoor ice rink and some Christmas choral cheer in the Guildhall. The events have been programmed as part of the ongoing Festive Time ˜ Festive Shopping campaign aimed at creating a more family fun festive shopping experience in the city this Christmas.

Caption: The Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson pictured at the Guildhall this week to promote the forthcoming Christmas Choral Festival that is taking place in the city from 15 th December. Included from left are, Gerry Friel, chairman, Doire Calgach Singers; Johnny Murray, Derry City Council; Donal Doherty, Head of Music, WELB, and Ken Goodman, Britannia Band.

Speaking ahead of the choral performances, Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the city’s festive spirit by hosting a range of choral performances in the setting of our beautiful civic building. I am looking forward to some top class recitals with some of the city’s finest choirs which are sure to get everyone into the mood for Christmas.”

The City of Derry Civic Choir and WELB Orchestra will give a very special performance of Christmas Carols and Music at the Guildhall on Saturday 15th December, under the direction of Donal Doherty. Tickets for this event will be available at the Millennium Forum box office, priced £6.00/ £2.50, telephone: 71264455.

The Guildhall’s main hall will also play host to a veritable Christmas Musical Feast with performances from the Britannia Brass Band and the Calgach singers on the 19th December. Host for the evening will be writer and broadcaster Frank Galligan and admission to the event is free, by ticket only which are available from the Derry City Council Offices, Strand Road, 71365151 and Spencer Road 71345160.

The Christmas Choral programme will draw to a close on Saturday 22nd December.

The Gala Festival Finale will feature a magical performance of Handels Messiah by the Codetta and City of Derry Youth choirs accompanied by a 30 piece orchestra and featuring outstanding soloists, under the direction of Donal Doherty. Tickets priced £10/ £6 are available from the Millennium Forum Box Office, 71264455.

Festive Time ˜ Festive Shopping campaign is a joint promotional campaign between funding partners Derry City Council, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, City Centre Initiative, Richmond and Foyleside Shopping Centres and DoE Roads Service. It aims to profile events and shopping offers during November and December.

Fantastic Festive Events

Forthcoming festive highlights the 10001 Santas Sponsored Walk, Ice Skating in Guildhall Square, special street performances supported by the Business and Cultural Animation Programme and a great choice of Pantomimes and Theatre. For up and coming events and special shopping offers visit www.festivetime.com or pick up a voucher available throughout the city.

For more information other Christmas events and shopping offers in the city click on www.festivetime.com or pick up a Festive Times voucher booklet which will be available throughout the city.

Festive Time ˜ Festive Shopping campaign is a joint promotional campaign between funding partners Derry City Council, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, City Centre Initiative, Richmond and Foyleside Shopping Centres and DoE Roads Service. It aims to profile events and shopping offers during November and December.

ENDS

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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