Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit the banks of the River Foyle over the weekend for Derry’s Maritime festival.
Queen’s Quay has been transformed for the carnival which opened on Thursday and continues until Sunday.
It features sailing ships from around the world a `Legenderry’ food village, maritime and merchant markets a big wheel.
There will also be a full music programme both on the riverfront and away with Sister Sledge and a special Derry Girls themed disco. As well as circus and street arts, there will be a range of try-it-and-see events.
The Beyond Blue Showcase on Saturday will start with the sound of an air raid siren. There will be a “dusk chorus” choral performance featuring ten choirs as the illuminated tall ships take up position
A specially commissioned, choreographed light and fire display will start at 9.40pm with a fireworks display at 11pm.
Greeting the crew of the La Malouine sailing ship, mayor Lilian Barr said the festival was drawing visitors from “far and wide”.
Ms Barr said: “It’s a fabulous hospitality showcase with plenty to do and see over the four days.”
Derry and Strabane council’s head of culture, Aeidin McCarter said the city’s quays have been transformed into a bustling maritime village.
“Visitors can look forward to vintage fairground rides, live music, the culinary delights of the Legenderry food village, the maritime and merchant markets, Big Wheel, water taster sessions, tall ships and so much more,” Ms McCarter said.
The full festival programme is available at: www.foylemaritime.com. Saturday night’s showcase event will feature strobe lighting.
