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Adventures for all the family await at Foyle Maritime Festival

21 June 2024

From exploring spectacular ships, to sitting on a beach, gazing down on the quay from the big wheel or looking up at fireworks exploding in the sky, this year’s Foyle Maritime Festival has something to entertain every member of the family.

Running from Thursday (June 27) to Sunday (June 30) the festival has a packed programme of events which is set to attract crowds of over 100,000 to the banks of the Foyle.

Jacqueline Whoriskey, Festival and Events Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging families to take advantage of all the fun the festival has to offer. She explained, “This year’s Foyle Maritime Festival has a huge range of activities to make sure everyone has something to enjoy.  From storytelling and face-painting for the littlest members, through to water activities and circus skills for the more adventurous members of the family, the festival has it all. And of course we have the incredible Tall Ships open for exploration, along with delicious food, drinks and tunes to make sure your day is full to the brim with adventures and treats.”

Seafaring and fun-seeking families are sure to make their way straight to the Pirates’ Pontoon when they arrive at the festival. Home to the spectacular vessels that are ‘Leader’, ‘La Malouine’, ‘Irene’ and ‘Klevia’ this is the perfect spot to really set the scene for the rest of your festival. These beautiful boats will provide daily tours from 12noon to 8pm. Remember to watch out for a glimpse of the Ghost Ship, invisible to the human eye rumour has it this spooky ship has dropped anchor on the pontoon…

Next up why not venture into the Science of Water (SOW) section? Enjoy lots of fun with Lego creations, water splashing and investigations, stories, future-thinking and innovation. A unique story-telling session will take place in the SOW tent at 2pm daily. Children and adults alike will be transported to another world where they can be part of something very special. 

Then it’s time to step back in history with a special glimpse into what the North Atlantic (DNA) Museum will have to offer. The Museum will open in 2026, but the Maritime Festival is allowing visitors to get a preview of the stories this facility will house. Take time to explore what life was really like for the thousands of women who worked in the shirt factories and were the heartbeat of our city for so many years.

Experience the seaside in the heart of the city when you make your way to Coney Island. Reminiscent of old beachfront promenades this area is packed with family friendly entertainment including a supersize urban beach and stunning vintage funfair.

Remember your flask and sandwiches or pick up a treat from any of the food stalls around the festival and avail of one of several picnic areas dotted throughout the festival zones. Check out the urban beach where you can relax in a deckchair, feel the sand between your toes and soak up the festival atmosphere as you watch the world go by.

After refuelling why not try The Happy Wheel, situated along Queens Quay? Offering a new perspective on the festival, the Happy Wheel is sure to put a smile on your face. It comes with its own light show which will truly be seen in all its glory on showcase evening.

The festival is delighted to welcome Carnival of Colours: The Big Splash which is visiting the festival this year with a boatload of chaos and spectacular treats. Expect astounding acrobatics, shoreside silliness and the biggest beach-ball you’ve ever laid eyes on. You can also enjoy the Irish Premiere of the new show by renowned NoFIT State Circus- Bamboo. Expect a spectacular high-skill circus production using only bamboo and human bodies! And make sure to stop by the ‘Baby Top Boardwalk’ to try your hand at circus skills, get your face painted or join the ‘Jellyfish Jam’ disco!

By the time the sun starts to set on Saturday evening there will be smiles as far as the eye can see. But the fun isn’t over… the festival showcase will take place from 8pm-midnight. Inspired by the festival theme of ‘Beyond Blue’ the showcase events will be captivating.

The evening event will get underway with ‘A Dusk Chorus’ - a selection of choirs and folk groups singing collectively along the banks of the Foyle. As dusk descends the quays will transform into a vibrant theatrical riverscape with specially lit Tall Ships anchoring out in the river creating a stunning backdrop for a bespoke light and fire show at 9pm. Experience a night filled with dazzling lights, roaring fires, majestic tall ships, vibrant fireworks, flying fish and colourful illuminated sea creatures. It will be a night you will never forget.

The Foyle Maritime Festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with key stakeholders Foyle Port and Loughs Agency and supported by a range of funders including TNI, Diageo and Ulster University.

Find out more about the event and the full programme at www.foylemaritime.com