80 years sinceEarhart flightto be marked

Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney officially launched the 2012 Earhart Festival by unveiling of an iconic billboard depicting a portrait of pioneering aviator.

The festival, which takes off on May 21, to coincide directly with the day in 1932 when history was made by the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic, and her subsequent unscheduled landing in a field in Ballyarnett.

This year marks the milestone 80th anniversary of the pioneering flight and the Earhart festival is a reflection of this celebration boosting a diverse five day programme of events.

The Mayor said: “The Earhart Festival, now in its sixth year has firmly made its mark on the annual event calendar as a significant contribution to the local community.

“The festival this year in marking the milestone anniversary of the landing of Earhart is reaching out and attracting interest on an international scale.

“The achievements of Amelia Earhart are widely recognised globally and it is important we celebrate this history throughout our community, city and further afield so there is a lasting legacy.

“The festival offers a great range of family and community orientated events and it is with great pleasure we offer our support here for this the sixth and biggest festival to date.”

The programme will include a range of events for all the family including teddy bears picnic, Senior Citizens Tea dance. A copy of the programme can be obtained by contacting Donna at the Festival Office, 65 Galliagh Park, Derry. Tel: 02871 357443 / Email: [email protected].