The Foyle Maritime Festival is set to return to Derry after a two year absence due to the pandemic and anticipation around the city and the wider the North West is already building with less than three weeks to go!

This year’s programme is packed with events celebrating the North West’s rich maritime history, including the LegenDerry Street Food Festival and a wide range of water activities, including the Foyle Bubble Challenge, Clipper Yacht Tours and the stunning Tall Ships showcase.

The centerpiece of the Festival is, of course, the world-famous Clipper Race which will also be returning to the city, attracting visitors from across the island of Ireland and further afield to the North West.

Running from 20th-24th July, the bi-annual festival has become a mainstay of summertime in the North West, bringing a welcome boost to local traders while also showcasing the best of what the North West has to offer.

Interim Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Anna Doherty said, “It is fantastic to once again be welcoming back the Foyle Maritime Festival after two years. The Clipper Race, as well as all the other events and activities, mark a real highpoint in the summer for the city as thousands of competitors and spectators make their way to the North West for the five-day festival.”

“After a turbulent two years for business in the region, it is great to see a return to normality and for our local businesses to receive a boost in trade as hundreds of thousands of people soak in the festivities, while supporting our local hospitality, tourism and retail offering”, Anna continued.

Delivered in partnership between Foyle Port and the Loughs Agency, the Foyle Maritime Festival has attracted more than 160,000 people in recent years, resulting in a £3.5 million boost to the local economy, according to figures from previous years.

“Our message to visitors is that, as a region, we’re very much open and ready to do business. The Festival is the ideal way to showcase the best of the North West and our thriving business community”, concluded Anna.