Ticket rush for First Derry re-opening

In under a fortnight every one of the 750 tickets was spoken for, and there has been a clamour for more, with scores of people turned away empty-handed.

“Every one of the tickets has gone and I am currently trying to see if I can seat more people somehow. All the tickets have been distributed through all areas of the city, and I am very very pleased with how they have been received,” said the Minister of First Derry, Rev Dr David Latimer.

“Some calls have even been coming in from other parts of Northern Ireland and I have had to tell them that it is a ticket-only event and the tickets have been distributed in the locality around First Derry,” he said, adding: “There are probably about 350 of my own people going and some tickets have also been given to the Dean of St Columb’s Cathedral, St Augustine’s Church and the Methodist Church, as well as to the congregations of St Eugene’s and to Longtower.

“I am only sorry that First Derry does not have another story to tell because without a doubt I could have filled the church again. The interest being shown in the concert is very good news and I am greatly encouraged by it,” said Rev Dr Latimer.