The programme for the Foyle Maritime Festival was unveiled today.
It involves land and water-based activities from July 9– 17 to coincide with the Clipper race stopover in Derry.
Top of the bill are Irish rock sensations The Riptide Movement who head up an impressive array of entertainment, food, animation and high octane water sports in this eclectic maritime celebration on the Foyle.
The river will be right at the centre of all the action, providing the stage for a whole host of nautical activities and providing a stunning backdrop to the bustling riverside markets, concerts and events set to draw tens of thousands to the city in July.
The festival events are based around the dramatic arrival of the twelve Clipper Race yachts, when the city welcomes home the crew of the Derry~Londonderry~Doire as they speed back up the Foyle for a huge homecoming welcome.
This is the third time that Derry City and Strabane District Council has hosted a stopover event in this unique global sporting adventure.
The70-foot ocean racing yachts will berth at the city’s marina, while the crew enjoy some local hospitality following their 40,000 nautical mile race around the globe as they near the conclusion of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2015-16.
As well as The Riptide Movement music lovers will be treated to a first class line up of entertainment throughout the festival including folk sensation Lisa Hannigan, Irish Classical star Zoe Conway, gypsy folk band Balkan Alien Sound, and a whole host of exceptional talent.
Derry will once again officially become Music City from July 9-17, with an impressive collection of artists taking to the streets including homegrown favourite Soak, rock sensations The Strypes, and stars of America's Got Talent, The Willis Clan.
The programme was launched today by the Mayor, Hilary McClintock.
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