May Day branded 'UK City of Culture Commitment Day'

With the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band festival making the city a cultural Mecca this weekend, the team behind Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 bid are designating this Saturday (01 May) as 'City of Culture Commitment Day.'

The object of the commitment day is to encourage as many of the city's 'jazz pilgrims' to register their support for the City of Culture Bid.

Throughout the day there will be a range of opportunities for people to demonstrate their backing for the bid, all against a background of fun activities and exciting performances.

The City of Culture Office, Northern Counties Building, Waterloo Place, will be open from 9am to 5pm and will allow people a range of methods to show their support.

In addition to signing up as supporters, individuals will have the opportunity of highlighting their support and suggestions on an ideas/messaging wall and a video booth.

Throughout the afternoon visitors to the city will be able to take a bite the cultural banquet that Derry provides.

From 1pm to 5pm at the City of Culture Office an 'Ask The Genealogist' event with Brian Mitchell will provide advice those researching their family tree.

Outside there will be will be information areas, entertainment for the kids with face-painting, temporary tattooing and balloon-modeling.

And throughout the afternoon in Waterloo Place there will be a stage where a range of acts will gave a taste of the cultural mlange that makes the city such an exciting venue.

From the Inishowen Gospel Choir, through to the Poetry Chicks, Traditional Music, Hip Hop and Blues Bands the diverse range of entertainment on show is sure to offer something to suit all tastes.

Round the corner at the Tower Museum there will be a free story-telling event with entrance to the Museum's informative and interesting exhibitions reduced to 1 for the day.

All this activity will be taking place against a background of animators, clowns, stilt-walkers and street performers all adding an extra frisson of excitement to a city that will already be buzzing thanks to the unique atmosphere provided by the Jazz Festival.

So make Saturday your day to confirm your commitment to the Londonderry City of Culture 2013 bid and help bring this important designation to the city.

Londonderry is one of four cities to have been have qualified for the finals shortlist to be named UK City of Culture 2013, the first time this designation will be awarded.

Derry City Council, in partnership with Ilex, Strategic Investment Board and Cultural partners in the city are working towards the final bid to be submitted in May 21st. The winning city will be announced later this summer.

For more information or to register your support for the bid visit - www.cityofculture2013.com or checkout our Facebook account.