Wave of visitors floods in for Foyle Days

June 16, 2010

Queen’s Quay was flooded with visitors last weekend as Derry City Council’s annual celebration of celebration of the city’s maritime heritage ‘The Foyle Days’ festival once again proved a massive success.

Mayor of Derry, Cllr Colum Eastwood, commented on how the ‘Foyle Days’ Festival had allowed people to remember the city’s maritime heritage while enjoying a great family day out.

“The Foyle Days Festival is a fun-filled family event that offers the perfect weekend with something for everyone. As well as having a great time people got to celebrate this city’s impressive maritime history and heritage, everyone I saw looked to be having a fantastic time,” he said.

Some 5,500 visitors took the opportunity to have a look around the Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Mersey during the eight hours in which it was open to the public.

All of the water-based activities on offer such as kayaking and the eco tour on a Canadian Bell Boats were booked out of the weekend as was the City of Derry Sub-Aqua club’s diving pool.

Just as popular as the fun on the river were the land based options. The bus tours to the Ebrington site and Workhouse Museum also proved massive hits with all of the 11 tours over the weekend fully booked. With music and performances taking place all weekend and the sounds of “With The River Sings” sound installation and concert produced by the University of Ulster production the tide of entertainment kept sweeping in.

Derry City Council’s Biodiversity team was on hand with information on the importance of Lough Foyle and River Foyle systems for wildlife. Nature trail quizzes and craft activities were available for children while got the chance to learn more about Derry’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

The “Digital Derry” exhibition, showcasing some of the best local talent in digital media, proved to be an innovative and popular addition to this year’s festival.

Visitors were also experience a mix of continental and local cuisine and crafts at this year’s walled city market, located at the quay with some stall selling out of produce on the first day.

Foyle Days is organised by Derry City Council and supported by Londonderry Port and Harbour Commission, The Loughs Agency, Ilex and the Derry Credit Union.