UK City of Culture scoops three top awards

The Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Martin and Bronagh Reilly, right, with Sharon O'Connor, CEO of Derry City Council, right, and Fiona Kane, of Culture Company and Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy at Derry City Council.

A special outstanding contribution to tourism award was made to the Culture Company, which also won a best use of digital and social media award.

The Fleadh took the best event/festival award.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: “During the past year, many tourism destinations have looked on with envy at what Northern Ireland has achieved and the profile that we are building.”

Mrs Foster also said the G8 summit, the World Police and Fire Games, UK City of Culture and more recently the Giro d’Italia had all been a “phenomenal success and again demonstrated our ability to stage world-class events”.

“I am pleased that these awards are now throwing the spotlight on the people and the businesses in the sector that have helped to build that confidence,” she said.

The 36th annual awards ceremony took place in the Ulster Hall in Belfast last night.