Everything you need to know about the Foyle Maritime Festival

A major waterfront celebration of Londonderry's maritime heritage gets under way on Thursday, with tens of thousands of people expected to descend on the banks of the River Foyle.

The biennial Foyle Maritime Festival runs over four days and celebrates how the river has shaped the region, its people and its history.

More than 100,000 visitors are expected on the riverfront for the Forged by the Foyle themed event.

Mayor Grace Uí Niallais said the festival honoured the city's maritime legacy in "a way that is both educational and entertaining for all ages".

"It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything our city has to offer, from our rich maritime heritage to our warm welcome," she said.

The festival programme includes the arrival of visiting ships into the city.

This year's vessels include the Galeón Andalucía, a replica of the type used by the Spanish Crown in the 17th and 18th centuries; tall ship The Phoenix; The Klevia, a 90‑year‑old Danish fishing vessel and Le Dundee Mutin, a French World War II spy boat.

Lupo Bathke is the project manager of Galeón Andalucía.

He said the ship was a replica of the type that would once have sailed a trade route between Manila in the Philippines to and Spain.

"It is a one of a kind," he told BBC News NI.

"When people actually see it in person it is absolutely amazing, to be able to walk around the deck, to be able to look up at the rigging," he said.

Held every other year, festival organisers are promising four days of ships, culture, history and spectacle.

Part street party and part maritime celebration, the festival's home is the city's quayside - which, over the festival run, is transformed into a long, walkable festival village.

Organiser Derry City and Strabane District Council said the event would "celebrate the people and stories that have shaped the city's maritime legacy".

At night, the visiting tall ships will be transformed by an array of lights to create Sails of Solace.

Created by Visual Spectrum, the display will illuminate the ships in homage to the days when Derry's docks were home to a busy fleet of working vessels.

Throughout the festival, the quay will host the city's food village, markets and a vintage funfair - complete with the Earhart Eye, named in honour of American aviator Amelia Earhart, who landed in a field near Derry in 1932.

There will be a chance to meet some living history characters portraying influential figures from Derry's past including pioneering shipbuilder William Coppin and renowned whiskey distiller Andrew Alexander Watt.

People will also be able to take part in watersport taster events on the Foyle, while the DNA tent will offer a preview of the city's new museum, set to open in 2027.

Street artists will host a celebration of graffiti, a new production from Sollus Highland Dancers will take place on the quay, and circus and street performers from the Carnival of Colours will perform throughout the weekend.

Altan and George Houston are among the musical performers, while the festival will draw to a close on Sunday with a Dusk Chorus NI Rock Choir performance and a fireworks finale.

Festival organiser Helena Hasson said the event creates the "most amazing vibrant atmosphere", adding that it is among the most loved events on the city's calendar.

"It is a time when the whole city gears up and feels good, it is an amazing thing to do," she said.

In 2024, she said, the festival generated more than £7m for the local economy.

Organisers said a number of enhancements were being introduced this year to make the festival more accessible.

They include dedicated accessible parking on Strand Road and a Quiet Space close to the council's Strand Road building where accessible toilets will also be located.

There will be clearly signposted information points and toilet facilities along the quayside, with stewards and event staff on hand to assist.

Further information is available here.

The council said anyone coming to Derry for the festival should plan their journey in advance and be aware of road closures, diversions and parking restrictions.

Queen's Quay is closed from Harbour Square Roundabout to Queen's Quay Roundabout from 20:00 on 22 June.

It reopens at 07:00 on 30 June.

Boating Club Lane and Lower Clarendon Street are also closed over the same period, while daily closures will be in place on Baronet Street, Fletcher Avenue and McFarland Quay from 11:00 to midnight during the four days of the festival.

Police have advised motorists to be aware of larger than usual pedestrian numbers, and for pedestrians to take care.

Queen's Quay car park will be unavailable throughout the event, with additional parking available at Fort George.

Paid parking is also available at the university car park at Magee, while visitors are being asked not to use private car parks in the city.

On‑street parking restrictions will apply during the festival period, and further traffic‑management measures may be introduced.