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MAYOR Colum Eastwood, has thrown his support behind the fifth annual Picnic in the Park event at Brooke Park

The event to be held this weekend, Saturday, September 11, will see Londonderry’s favourite musical sons, the Undertones, topping the bill.

The family event organised by the Friends of Brooke Park and SEEDS and supported by Derry City Council will provide a packed programme of activities for young and old alike from noon to 5pm.

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The Mayor said: “The Picnic in the Park is always a brilliant event for the entire family, and now in its fifth year has clearly established itself as a highlight in the City’s calendar.

“It’s great to see the event being headlined by a world class local act like the Undertones, as well as other local artists, proving that our City of Cultural is still a hub of musical talent, with exceptionally gifted artists living and working here.

“It’s going to be an amazing day and I would encourage absolutely everyone, local people and visitors alike, to come along and enjoy some of the fantastic entertainment this city has to offer.”

As in previous years the event has been geared towards maximising the positives of the park. And don’t worry about the weather as there will be a large marquee to avoid the scorching sunshine ordered for the day!

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The gig rig stage will have the cream of the city’s talent with the brilliant Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas, the fabulous Border Blues Project, the exceptional City of Hope Choir, the driving vibe of the Cannibals, the classical tones of Sarah Murphy and Sean Woods, the multicultural drummers of Harmonicity and the up and coming young bands; The Wonder Villains and many others.

There will also be a full programme of games and activities for children of all ages. Throughout the day the Park will come alive with clowns, jugglers, balloon modelers, samba bands and a host of children’s games where every child has a chance of winning a sack race, three legged race or egg and spoon race.

Festival Director, Eddie Kerr, said: “This is the fifth year of the event and it just seems to get bigger and bigger each year. The event is totally free and this also means that is a free from substances as well; in other words this is a family friendly day in a alcohol free environment. So bring a picnic and a smile and join in the community event of the summer.

“And remember if you can’t bring a picnic there will be the now famous Brooke Park BBQ offered again by the Changaro Trust with all monies raised going to their street children’s refuge in Kenya.

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“We are also deeply indebted to the brilliant support we get from Sharon Meehan and Jim Collins as well as Ollie Green from the GSCA project with his fabulous red Shirts who bring such a vibe to the event.

“We extend our gratitude to Gerry McColgan and Colin Kennedy from Derry City Council and we appreciate their support and help to make this happen.”

“The Friends of Brooke Park need volunteers to help organise and run the wide range of events so if you have a few hours free next Saturday afternoon you can maybe help your community and play your part in providing our families with a great day’s entertainment.”

If you require more information please contact the Friends of Brooke Park on 028 71 370989.

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