Festival provides a unique mix

Kicking off on Saturday, the annual week-long event, which is introducing many new performances and artists, will culminate in the annual Relief of Derry commemorations this weekend.

Based entirely within the famous walls of the historic city, the festival has established itself as the highlight of the north west's holiday period and as a popular attraction with tourists.

Billed as a "showcase for Protestant culture of tolerance and openness", the vast array of activities will appeal across the board in a "politics free, baggage free-environment".

According to organisers, this year's event includes a strong emphasis on history and drama, with the famous siege story being told in St Columb's Cathedral each day, and accompanying tales around the walls. There is also a demonstration of siege guns and cannon at the city's Memorial Hall.

Music also plays a big part in the festival and this year over 60 groups and solo artists are lined up to entertain the crowds.

While the familiar sound of Bluegrass on the Walls reverberated across the city on Saturday, other notable performances this week include a special Scots night of Ceilidh music, afternoon tea dances and a special concert by Liverpool-based flute band, Imperial Corp of Drums.

Also featuring as part of the celebrations will be a spectacular fireworks display, various exhibitions and a daily 'Culture Bite' – a diverse range of lunchtime performances in cafes within the walled city.

This Saturday, thousands are expected to descend on Londonderry as over 100 bands followed by associated club members parade through the heart of the historic city.

Governor of the Apprentice Boys, Jim Brownlee, hailed the efforts of the organising committee and sponsors who have ensured the festival's ongoing development since its infancy in the late 1990s.

"The festival is really an outworking of Protestant culture in the city of Londonderry and it allows people to gain an understanding of our culture and why the Apprentice Boys Association commemorate the Relief," he said.

Pointing to a packed and varied schedule this year, Mr Brownlee predicts a special 'Liverpool theme' on Thursday evening will prove popular with the public.

As well as the sound of the Imperial Corp of Drums, tribute band, Them Beatles, will relive the songs of the group which defined British popular music.

"The tendency is that Thursday is always the most popular night so we try to change that if we can," he said.

Apprentice Boys' general secretary, Billy Moore, believes the Loyal Order has created one of the best festivals "if not in the city, certainly in the north west area".

He said: "We have had help and assistance from all sections of the community, and now have a festival that is exciting, historical and has everything to encourage participation from all communities.

He added: "We also hope the festival's finale, the parade, will see the traders open their shops for business and those coming along to spectate will take advantage of the wide diversity of shops and spend their money, making it a good day for everyone."

The Maiden City Festival runs until August 14. For further information on this year's events log on to