25th Anniversary for Maiden City Festival

The Festival has expanded its activities this year and has been out and about across Northern Ireland, plus a special visit to the Battle of the Boyne Centre, over the last six weeks with a series of roadshows, showcasing the history and culture of the famous Siege of Londonderry in 1689.

As well as this, the festival has been touring a play into communities throughout the City and District Council area entitled "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way From The 12th" which takes a humorous look at perceptions and misconceptions around the history and the commemoration of the siege.

Commenting on these new initiatives, Festival Producer Jonathan Burgess said: "It was felt that as we enter a new era with the 25th anniversary that the festival should expand out more into the community and actively seek to engage with communities across the council area and country and seek to create and promote a positive, good relations message around the festival." 

The festival takes place from 5th-12th August will see the programme of events switch into the city centre with living history actors on the walls representing characters from siege times; Highland Dancing and piping demonstrations at Grand Parade; The Story of the Siege being told in St Columb's Cathedral daily at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30; and city centre cafes will again play host to traditional musicians. 

The festival has also commissioned a new Highland Dance piece entitled "Shut The Gates" to be premiered at the 25th Anniversary concert on Thursday 10th August.  Other evening events include a Country Night featuring Fiddler Adam and hosted by Gary Wilson on Saturday 5th, and an Ulster-Scots night on Tuesday 8th August. 

Comedian Tim McGarry and historian Dr. David Hume will be entertaining and informing at The Memorial Hall on Wednesday 9th and a further highlight will be the new Maiden City Challenge Football Cup between The Oxford Bulls and Apprentice Boys Select Team to be held on Thursday 10th at 6pm at The Fountain Primary School football pitch. 

Further details of the programme and booking details can be found at The Maiden City Festival Facebook Page here. 

Photos: A boy loads the canon under instruction at The Guns Of The Siege display (top) and James Lecky as Governor George Walker in The Siege Story at St Columb's Cathedral (above left).