Press Release

Spend some creative time at the Guildhall with ‘Crafts in the Walled City’

10th November 2005

With only six shopping weeks left to Christmas, Derry City Council’s annual Crafts in the Walled City’ Showcase makes a welcome return to the Guildhall on the 18th, 19th and 20th of November.

The event this year will boast the largest number of exhibitors ever, with over fifty visiting and local craft producers exhibiting and selling their distinctive range of designer crafts.

Speaking in advance of the launch, the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Lynn Fleming affirmed Derry City Council’s ongoing commitment to the development of the Creative Industries Sector commenting,

“I am delighted to see that the continuous efforts of Derry City Council to develop the Crafts in the Walled City event are being realised. The event offers a wide range of innovative and exciting produce and this year sees the Crafts in the Walled City return to the Guildhall providing producers from throughout the island of Ireland with a beautiful backdrop to showcase their work.”

Last year over 2500 visitors attended the event, purchasing high quality designer crafts for unique and thoughtful Christmas presents well as corporate gifts.

Crafts in the Walled City 2005 is organized jointly by Derry City Council’s Economic Development Section and North West Marketing. Julie Irwin, of North West Marketing revealed,

“Preparations for this event started some time ago, when crafts people were invited to apply to exhibit at the Derry event. As it is now in its tenth year, Crafts in the Walled City has established a reputation as being a premier craft event and we have had an overwhelming number of applications”.

Rigorous selection criteria were applied to ensure that only the best in Irish traditional and contemporary craft-design are represented.

Crafts in the Walled City is supported by the Council’s Economic Development Programme and DETI’s EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme. Elaine Griffin, Economic Development Section, Derry City Council noted,

“Crafts in the Walled City” is important to the Derry economy, enhancing the entire Walled City’s reputation as a centre of excellence for the creative industries as well for its critical mass of specialty retail and food shopping throughout the year. The event will feature something for everyone ranging from hand crafted cards, clocks & ceramics to jewellery, glass, knitwear, textiles, prints and furniture”.

Crafts in the Walled City will take place in the Guildhall on Friday 18th (4pm - 8pm) Saturday 19th (10am - 6pm) and Sunday 20th November (11am - 5pm) 2005. Admission is £1, however children under 12 will be admitted free of charge.

For more information contact (028) 7137 6506 or view www.derrycity.gov.uk/crafts

ENDS

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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