PSNI chief praises Festival

In a statement on Monday he said: “The Clipper Homecoming Festival has been a magnificent success. The people of this City should be very proud as they were outstanding hosts to the crews of all the visiting boats. This was an international event and Derry has proven beyond any doubt that it can deliver a world class festival.

“This was another auspicious occasion for Derry following on from the Olympic Torch Run and Peace One Day concert and certainly proves this City is more than ready to welcome the City of Culture next year and many other major events.

“The success is very much down to the many months of detailed preparation, involving a whole range of partners, and many long hours during the festival week. I pay tribute to everyone who helped make it the success it was, to local residents and businesses and to the thousands of visitors for their support throughout the week and their impeccable behaviour.

“Police played a low key but significant role in ensuring the safety of visitors throughout the event week and I would like to thank my officers and staff who put in long and demanding hours to ensure this maritime spectacle was one of the most successful Northern Ireland has ever hosted.”