Bids for 400th birthday funding failed

King James II being slain by King Billy. His grandfather founded Londonderry. Two bids for funding to commemorate King James I's Royal Charters of 1613 failed.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said funding was available through the Northern Ireland Tourism Board (NITB)’s Tourism Event Funding Programme.

The scheme is an annual funding programme designed to support international and national tourism events.

But the funding programme for events for this year (2013/14) is now closed.

The Minister explained that Londonderry, nor anywhere else, will get funding.

She stated: “Two events applied to the Tourism Event Funding Programme 2013/14 relating to towns and cities celebrating the 400th anniversary of being granted their Royal Charter.

“Both events were unsuccessful as they did not reach the minimum scoring criteria of the fund.

“The Northern Ireland Tourist Board will promote and market tourism events throughout the year on their consumer website www.discovernorthernireland.com.”