Former military barracks flooded with light and music for mesmerising official opening, with a Valentine’s Day twist - a Chapel of Love

LOVE will most certainly be in the Londonderry Air this Valentine’s Day when the former military Barracks at Ebrington, which has undergone a multi-million pound revamp, opens to the public.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Feb 2012, 15:28 BST

A free outdoor party is planned, featuring a lighting display that is set to wow the crowds and there is a stunning line-up of music and entertainment.

Ilex, the urban regeneration company has now announced the launch of the programme for the official opening.

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Caoimhín Corrigan, the company’s Cultural Broker said: “The new public realm at Ebrington will be officially opened on February 14 and to mark this historic occasion, an evening of events is being organised to celebrate our new public space.

“The opening will feature something for everyone with music, a light & projection show, artwork, street performers and much more. Acts will include the Codetta Choir, Bronagh Gallagher and Band, Inishowen Gospel Choir, Future Chaser and The Wonder Villains.

He continued: “In keeping with the Valentine’s theme, there will also be a special ‘chapel of love’ for any romantics out there and a costume photo booth”.

The programme can be downloaded from www.ilex-urc.com and the Ilex facebook page www.facebook.com/legenderry.city. Programmes will be available at outlets across the city.

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For further information contact Mo Durkan, Ilex by telephoning 028 7126 9226 or 07917 544297.

Schedule of Events

6pm: The Codetta Choir

6.40pm: Official opening

6.50pm: Lighting and Projection Show

7pm: Bronagh Gallagher & Band

8pm: Lighting and Projection Show

8.10pm: Inishowen Gospel Choir

8.35pm: Future Chaser

9.05pm: Lighting and Projection Show

9.15pm: The Wonder Villains

9.55pm: Final Lighting and Projection Show

Ebrington

Ilex was set up in 2003 by the Office of the First and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and the Department for Social Development (DSD) to plan, develop and sustain the economic, physical and social regeneration of the Derry City Council area.

The Ebrington site was first designated for military use during the siege of Derry in 1689, with construction of the permanent barracks commencing in 1839 and completing in 1841. The original barracks take the shape of a star fort and are laid out on three sides overlooking the city and River Foyle. There are a total of 19 buildings of historical and architectural note; 14 of which are listed.