Walls of Derryto be exploitedthis weekend

Mayor Councillor Kevin Campbell said: “Irish Walled Towns Day, supported by The Heritage Council of Ireland, provides an amazing opportunity for our city not only to celebrate our culture and history but also to promote its unique features and stories.

“As a 17th century structure, the Walls are our most iconic images and this reinforces its status as the largest scheduled monument in state care by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

“Respected by citizens and enjoyed by our welcomed visitors, we should be immensely proud of our historic Walls and join in this day of celebration. “It is as important as ever to retain the heritage and historical importance of our Walled City, as we prepare to present to a global audience with the forthcoming City of Culture 2013 celebrations.

“In addition, the Walls will be the focal point for the international conference of the European Walled Towns Association next autumn.”

The festival of events begins at 12noon and includes the arrival of the Walled City Market to the Guildhall Square, providing a range of speciality food and international arts and crafts, always a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike when it comes to town.

The Craft Village will offer an additional idyllic setting for a series of remarkable story telling sessions of the past, between 2-3pm, open to all, young and old.

Music will also feature with live performances by The Soulseekers, The Swinging City, Foyle Harp School and the Harmonocity Multi-cultural drumming circle. A special visual performance from Bready & District Ulster Scots Costume and Sword Dancers will also be sure to delight spectators.

The Tower Museum will offer a special reduced admission of £1 to visit the Megalith of Northern Ireland Exhibition, a discovery of our ancient past as well as award winning permanent displays.

And a highlight of the day will include the City of Culture Trail, which will offer a treasure hunt type expedition through the unique arts, cultural and historical treasures of the city to unearth pieces of the city’s secrets.

An array of historical characters in costume will also be on hand to offer bites of history, with mobile theatre drama, re-enactments and street theatre throughout.

A display from Ireland’s School of Falconry will provide a spectacular demonstration of flight with some of the most magnificent birds of prey.

For a full programme of events planned for Walled Towns Day visit www.whatsonderrylondonderry.com and http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/EconomicDevelopment/events/IrishWalledTowns.