Derry's internationally-acclaimed Jazz Weekend regularly attracts the biggest music names from around the globe.
But last night, the city paid tribute to a favorite son of its own, who is now without question one of the greatest songwriters in the world.
Johnny McDaid - who recently received the Irish Post Lifetime Achievement Award - was the special guest at a civic reception at the Guildhall last night, hosted by Mayor Maolíosa McHugh.
The Snow Patrol musician has written hits for Robbie Williams, Pink and Ed Sheeran, including ‘Shape of You', which has become one of the best-selling singles of all time.
McDaid was accompanied to the reception in the Whittaker Suite by his fiancée, Courteney Cox, his mother Pauline, and other family members.
He said he was delighted to return home for the event.
"It's everything to be able to come home and it's lovely for me to get the chance to recognise what Derry means to me," he said.
"I'm delighted to get the opportunity to come to the place where I grew up and the streets that I busked in."
Mayor McHugh, who hosted the reception, said: “Johnny is a great example to our young people of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to your craft and we wish him continued success in his career."
McDaid and Snow Patrol will be back in Derry, at the Millennium Forum, next weekend as part of their world tour to promote 'Wildness' their first new album in seven years.
TOP PICTURE: Mayor Maolíosa McHugh pictured presenting Derry Singer Songwriter Johnny McDaid with an award in recognition of his achievements in the music industry during a reception in the Guildhall with his mum Pauline and from left, Aine McDaid, Síle McDaid and Rory McDaid. Picture Martin McKeown.
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