Londonderry gearing up for an amazing Clipper festival finale

The weekend finale will include a packed programme of activities for all the family, with dramatic water sport action on the Foyle, the opening of the Clipper Kitchens at Ebrington, amusements, animation, live music, boat tours and some of the festivals most anticipated highlight events.

Friday evening sees a maritime music extravaganza headlined by the aptly named Riptide Movement, one of Ireland’s biggest current bands. They will be supported by Little Mammoths and our very own Paul Casey for a special outdoor evening performance overlooking the Foyle.

Saturday night’s finale event is shrouded in medieval magic, celebrating the maritime heroine Sunniva, following her perilous voyage from Ireland as she flees the marauding hordes of Vikings on their arrival to these shores.

The Voyage of Sunniva Night of the Two Moons will harness the power of the elements bringing together earth, water, light and aerial performance under the shadow of the two giant moons suspended above the river. The action all takes place along the Quayside where people are invited to watch her procession of followers on their journey, leaving the top of Queen’s Quay at 9pm as they make their way along the quay to the awaiting vessel at McFarland Quay.

From there watch them make their journey from 9.45pm up the Foyle to the Peace Bridge followed by an enchanting procession of illuminated boats, before an explosive fireworks finale at 10.45pm lights up the riverside marking the spectacular conclusion of the maritime celebrations.

The performance can be viewed from vantage points all along the quayside with live music from Kila, the Booka Brass Band and Balkan Alien Sound in the Festival Village, as well as the maritime markets and animation along the riverside. The action on the river and finale fireworks display can also be viewed from Ebrington Square where there will be live music from the Derry Soul Seekers and Jazz Talk Trio, amusements, street food stands and much more.

On Thursday and Friday evening between 5pm-8pm hear more about Sunniva’s story before the big event as her followers mingle with the crowds on the Quayside.

Festivals and Events Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Sharon Meenan said they were expecting a great turnout for the weekend events. “So far the festival has been drawing people from far and wide and we’re expecting great crowds for our showcase events throughout the weekend. We’re asking people to plan ahead and to use our Park and Stride facilities for convenience and to ease congestion, and also to account for road closures, particularly on Saturday night.

“We’re delighted to welcome so many visitors here and we’ve been getting some fantastic feedback about the festival so far. This year we took on board the comments from our local businesses and it’s great to see that the wider spread of events is working well and having a positive impact throughout the city. I’m really looking forward to our spectacular finale events and the culmination of what has been an amazing week.”

With so many people expected to make the journey into the city to enjoy the packed programme of family friendly activities, a number of facilities will be available to provide easy access to the quayside, Ebrington Square and the city centre.

In addition to the city centre car parks motorists are encouraged to use the Park and Stride/ Drop Off area which will operate at the Fort George site, accessed off Pennyburn Roundabout. There is will also be a Park and Stride facility operating at Ebrington, accessed from the Limavady road. Please follow AA road direction signage.

On street parking restrictions will be in place throughout the festival, and parking will be available at usual car parks throughout the city. Car Parking along Queen’s Quay will be restricted to allow for increased activity along the Quayside.

To facilitate preparations for the Voyage of Sunniva finale event on Saturday 16th July please note that there may be traffic disruptions along Queen’s Quay and a temporary road closure from 9pm – 11pm so motorists are advised to use alternative routes. The Peace Bridge will also be closed during the finale event between 10pm – 11pm to accommodate the spectacular finale fireworks display.

At busier times during the festival it may be necessary to introduce additional traffic management and parking restrictions, and timings of road closures may be extended. The public are advised to tune into BBC Radio Foyle and Q102.9 FM for regular updates on changes to travel.

All festival goers should note that welfare facilities on site will include Information Points, ticketing points and toilets at convenient locations throughout the city centre. There will also be a quiet area located beside the main Council building throughout all major events for anyone who requires a break from the crowds. All facilities will be sign posted and stewards and event staff will be able to provide direction.

For anyone with limited mobility accessible viewing areas and a designated drop off point will be in place beside McFarland Quay and dedicated staff will be on duty at all disabled access facilities. Blue Badge holders should use available public, accessible car parking spaces.

Anyone travelling from outside the city should note that Translink are currently offering a number of discounted deals on bus, coach and rail tickets, so to plan your journey and select your best value ticket simply clickwww.translink.co.uk/foylemaritime/ or call 90 66 66 30.

If you can’t make any of the weekend’s events then don’t forget you can link to the Live Stream page on Youtube for the Voyage of Sunniva at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKQymY3sHCwAnd link to Sunday’s stream for the Parade of Sail www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx0_9_XF8dcFor a full list of all traffic and travel restrictions and regular updates, as well as detailed information for residents and businesses who may be affected by activity during the Foyle Maritime Festival please go towww.foylemaritimefestival.com