Festival spirit can fuel Limavady economy

That is according to various notable local figures, from Stendhal Festival organiser John Cartwright to Limavady’s Mayor Gerry Mullan. Indeed, the list of upcoming festivals, sporting events and celebrations is remarkable - from the ongoing Milk Cup, the Limavady 400 celebrations and world record attempt planned for next week, to the Stendhal Festival later in August, the summertime schedule is increasingly packed. This, added to the natural beauty which has convinced Universal Studios to film their upcoming movie ‘Dracula’ at the Roe Valley Country Park, has prompted a belief in some that a successful tourist economy might not be that far off.

Visitors have already flocked to Limavady this year for notable events such as the annual Jazz and Blues festival, the Foyle Cup soccer tournament and the Limavady Agricultural Show.

In the coming weeks, further summer events and festivals are expected to attract even greater numbers. This weekend sees the ‘Dogleap Rally’ hit Limavady, which is set to attract motorsport enthusiasts from far and wide. The following week, from Thursday, August 8 to Saturday, August 10 the Limavady 400 celebrations are expected to well and truly kick into gear with a dedicated radio station, a world record attempt, live music and a host of other free events in the town centre.

A week later, the Stendhal Festival of Music and Art is to pull in crowds of revellers numbering in their thousands on August 16 and 17 to see acts such as The Divine Comedy and singer-songwriter Paddy Casey.

All this is to say nothing of the ongoing Milk Cup which has provided a huge economic boost to the Borough in previous years due to the vast numbers of spectators flocking in to see the football stars of the future, or of the stunning natural scenery and beautiful coastline which has traditionally been the main attraction for tourists visiting the Roe Valley.

Mayor of Limavady Gerry Mullan believes that a successful tourist economy is “absolutely” making its beginnings in the Roe Valley. He said: “Limavady council have been working very hard to do that, because tourism is basically the only sustainable industry we still have left.

“Full credit must go to the officers from council who are making this happen, and to the people who are organising their own festivals and events. This is only the embryo of a fantastic tourism product. We have fantastic talent in Limavady and I think that will help.”

One of the key players in the growing tourist economy, Stendhal Festival organiser John Cartwright, is highly enthusiastic about what Limavady has to offer. “We want to attract people from all over Northern Ireland and all over Ireland, we want to bring them in to show them Limavady and show them how good it is.” He added: “It’ll take a while to get there. It’s not going to happen over night.”