Press Release

Walled City Cultural Tourism Attractions showcase at Stormont

Friday 16th May

The vision of community and civic cultural visitor facilities which are shaping Derry’s tourism offer will be recognised at a special celebration event in Stormont on Monday 19th May at 10.30am. MLAs William Hay, Martina Anderson and Pat Ramsey are hosting the event in the Long Gallery to showcase the facilities and the stories they have to tell.

St Columb’s Cathedral and Precinct, the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, the Long Tower Precinct, Aras Colmcille, First Derry Presbyterian Church, the Museum of Free Derry, the Tower Museum and the Guildhall will be featured.

Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson speaking about the importance of the occasion said:

“ These venues have “giant” stories to tell and the celebration event is an opportunity to showcase their ambitious development plans that support the city’s efforts to put culture at the heart of regeneration”.

Chairperson of Derry City Council’s Development Committee, Cllr Gerard Diver, commenting indicated that heritage and culture is core to the distinctiveness of the city.

“ The vision of community organisations, supported by Derry City Council and matched by public investment helps to create an ambitious story. This story appeals to both locals and visitors and presents an authentic combination of culture and tourism for economic growth”.

Director of Development, John Meehan said the city was on a forward journey to tell its story in partnership with these distinctive facilities.

“ Whether it is preparations for the 400th anniversary of the Plantation of Ulster in 2013 or campaigning for the city’s designation by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the city has an ambitious forward view of opportunity. We already have a shared understanding of the contribution which the city made to shaping the history of Northern Ireland and Ireland as a whole and it is from this shared position that we are aiming high for investment and development”.

The celebration event will be accompanied by an exhibition and brochure. Ancient ramparts, once a potent symbol of division, are now being refashioned into a history trail to engage, inform and inspire citizens and visitors alike.

Ends

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