Press Release

Festive Time rings out across the city

Friday, 16th November 2007

A campaign set to profile festive events and unique shopping promotions in the city during the Christmas season, was launched today by campaign partners Derry City Council, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, Foyleside & Richmond Shopping Centres, City Centre Initiative, independent retailers, along with DoE Roads Service.

Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson pictured at the launch of the Festive Time Christmas marketing campaign. Also featured in the picture is Rachel Bradley (City Centre Initiative), Catherine O'Connor (Chief Executive, DVCB) and Fergal Rafferty (Richmond Centre, alongside Carol Singers performed by In Your Space Street Theatre company.

Festive Time - Festive Shopping is supported by a designated website www.festivetime.com, television and radio advertisement along with a promotional booklet aimed at creating a hassle free and enjoyable Christmas shopping experience in the city. The campaign highlights a series of unique family events, shopping promotions, extended business opening times, city centre parking and special city breaks.

Joined at the Guildhall today by campaign partners, Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson said,

“The Festive Time campaign signals a strong commitment from the city’s retail, tourism and leisure sectors to work together and create a more pleasurable festive experience in the city for locals and visitors during November and December.

“Events and special shopping promotions are an important part of the city’s unique appeal creating more choice for everyone over the festive season".

The Mayor will be adding a range of festive events to the city during December including Choral performances at the Guildhall, Ice Skating in Guildhall Square. These join an already packed events programme including Crafts in the Walled City which takes place this weekend, the Christmas Lights Switch On (21st November), the 10001 Santas Sponsored Walk, special street performances supported by the Business and Cultural Animation Programme and a great choice of Pantomimes and Theatre.

Catherine O'Connor, Chief Executive with Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau added:

"The Business & Cultural Animation Programme has enabled us to implement a two week TV advertising campaign to attract more visitors to the city during the festive season. We also have partnered Derry City Council in bringing the ice rink to Guildhall Square for the first time, which will be a huge attraction for visitors and locals alike"

The Business and Cultural Animation Programme has been partly financed by Northern Ireland Tourist Board through funding provided by the International Fund for Ireland and Ilex through the integrated development fund.

Sean Trainor, Chief Executive of City Centre Initiative, who worked with many of the retail contributors to the campaign said:

“Research has shown that shopping is the main reason for visiting the city during November and December. This seasons added choice of new events and promotional offers will improve this experience and help local people and visitors mix pleasure with shopping!!

“The city offers wall to wall value and choice when it comes to shopping and I am delighted that over 30 independent businesses have agreed special promotions this season complementing the promotional support from Richmond and Foyleside Shopping Centres”.

www.festivetime.com includes additional information on extended opening hours of city centre cafes, car parking information including the Park n’Ride Scheme at Fort George commencing 24th November, special short breaks offers, retail promotions, shopping centre opening times and a list of all events for families and friends during the festive season.

With Wall-to-Wall Shopping and great days out the only place to spend some festive time this Christmas is with us. Go to www.festivetime.com for more information.

ENDS

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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