Businesses invited to berth at Clipper event as festival promises to lift all boats

The Clipper Race Engagement Event is being organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council and will take place in the Guildhall between 10am – 1pm on January 21.

The event is open to all local businesses keen to find out more about how they can engage with the nine day Foyle Maritime Festival programme.

This is the third time the city has been asked to host one of the stopover visits in what has become one of the most significant global sporting events, followed by millions worldwide - the Clipper Race.

In 2014 the Foyle Maritime Festival generated visitor numbers of almost 150,000, as the riverside was thronged with spectators who greeted the arrival of the 12 strong Clipper 70 fleet.

This year’s festival will take place from July 9 – 17, and will include a packed programme of both quayside and river based events, presenting major opportunities for local businesses particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, but open to all sectors.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said she would really encourage local businesses to come along to the event to find out more.

“Our partnership with Clipper Ventures has been of major significance for the local economy, providing the opportunity for us to stage a world class festival and be a part of a major global sporting event.

“It has opened us up to new audiences and, building on the success of the previous two homecoming events, we have the opportunity to attract even more visitors this year. I would recommend that all local businesses find out more about the programme and their chance to play an active role in what promises to be the biggest event in the North West for 2016.”

In 2014 the Foyle Maritime Festival generated £3,183,208 throughout the city and district, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Head of Business with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Kevin O’Connor, said expectations are even higher for the 2016 festival.

“The Business Engagement Event will give businesses the opportunity to preview the programme and come up with ways to engage new audiences and market their products and services effectively throughout the festival.

“Council is working to actively engage with as many local companies as possible to ensure that the Festival has a wide reaching positive impact on the district’s economy. We will be presenting a full itinerary of potential opportunities for local businesses to get involved, and local companies will be sharing their own experiences of success in 2014 and plans for 2016.”

To find out more about how your business can make the most of the programme why not come along to the Guildhall on January 21st from 10am – 1pm? You will hear from businesses who benefitted significantly from the 2014 maritime celebrations, learn more about sponsorship and corporate event opportunities, and find out what business support is on offer.

To be a part of this event, register your attendance by emailing [email protected]