City to get a taste of Rio this Sunday

As worldwide superstars go, they don’t come much bigger than Rihanna and Coldplay, who are set to share the stage joined by Jay-Z in an attempt to better the showcase of British talent on offer at last month’s Olympic event.

All this, complete with Brazilian entertainment will be offered live at the Screen in Waterloo Place on Sunday.

Mayor of Londonderry, Kevin Campbell said: “I have been delighted at the performances from our very own Jason Smyth throughout the Paralympic Games so far and I am now asking all in the City to continue their support for the Eglinton born Paralympian for his 200m final race on Friday.

“Sally Brown has also been been one of the most exciting Paralympics contending in the Games this year.

“It has been an emotional time honouring our local sporting heroes over the Olympic and Paralympic 2012 Games and we should be immensely proud of the bravery and athleticism of those representing us here in the North West as we get ready to give them a heroes’ welcome.”

The area at the Live screen site will offer kids themed art and craft workshop from 1pm-5pm. From 6.30pm there will be live DJ sets from DJ Delores from Brazil and his guitarist performing an open air set to celebrate the London to Brazil Olympic handover, organised by the Arts Council UK and Nerve Centre, this is part of the HUMBLE market festival in town this weekend only to celebrate and raise awareness of Brazilian culture.

This will continue after the live streaming of the Ceremony is over until 11.00pm, where there will be more music and dancing continuing the Rio carnival inspired atmosphere.

Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy, Derry City Council, said: “The attendance of spectators at the Live screen site in the city over the last two months has been phenomenal, and we are delighted to offer a live link up to Sunday night’s ceremony and a full programme of events as another of the worlds global events comes to a close.

“The space here at Waterloo place has been utilized for all to enjoy and this weekend the addition of the Humble Festival which is a series of events linking Liverpool, Derry, Preston and Belo Horizonte in Brazil for the London 2012 Festival, the UK’s finale for the Cultural Olympiad and to prepare for Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013.”

As another spectacular line up of artists are planned for the stadium in London to close what has been described as the most successful Paralympics ever, the Ceremony will no doubt disappoint in what has been a summer of sporting and musical extravaganzas. Come join in and watch live from the Big Screen.

The Londonderry Live Site screen is assisted locally by Derry City Council, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Department for Social Development and entertainment at the site for the Paralympic closing ceremony is organized by Arts Council UK and Nerve Centre, Derry.

You can view a schedule of events and live screenings at www.derrycity.gov.uk/livesite and www.whatsonderrylondonderry.com.