Derry City

29 June 2012 - 08 July 2012

Clipper Festival, what a spectacular week!

It was a busy 10 days in Derry~Londonderry with thousands of people getting into the spirit of things and getting involved in the festivites on the Riverside area. Visitor numbers far surpassed the targets and the festival managed to bring over 100,000 people to the city, proving it is a city ready for hosting international events. Susie McCullough, Director of Marketing and Events at Northern Ireland Tourist Board said, "It has been a fabulous, spectacular event that has showcased Derry~Londonderry to the world. The atmosphere has been overwhelming with so many different accents and so many happy, smiling faces - everyone has had a ball."

The Clipper 11-12 International Yacht Race started from Southampton on the south coast of England on 31st July 2011. It is the only event in the world where people from all walks of life can take part in the challenge of a lifetime and race around the globe on stripped down ocean racing yachts.

By the end of the year long voyage, the Derry~Londonderry yacht took its crew, many of whom are local adventurers, to Brazil, South Africa, China, Singapore, Australia, West and East Coast USA, Panama, Canada, Holland as well as our very own Derry~Londonderry; in what has been a thrilling and at times dramatic adventure!

During the festival visitors had the opportunity to visit the Clipper yachts and meet the crews, however, that’s only the start! The event included a programme of activities and maritime themed attractions and sights, including marine taster sessions, a Flavours of the Foyle Seafood Festival, a marine environment zone with visiting boats, Zapcats micro powerboats display, a marine heritage zone, sizzling musical entertainment and creative family events every day, fireworks and much, much more!

5 - 8 July: Award-winning Continental Market Sails in for Clipper

The famous Continental Market, best known as one of Belfast's festive highlights, came to Derry~Londonderry for the Clipper Festival. Representing many of the boats' international origins, the market united the best of Northern Ireland produce with their speciality continental delights for everyone to enjoy.

With delicacies such as South African ostrich burgers, German Bratwurst, and irresistible crepes from France on offer, served alongside wholesome homemade pies and local cheeses from Northern Ireland, visitors were spoiled for choice.

And there was much more to the market than food. For those who wanted to treat themselves to something special, handmade gifts carefully crafted by traders from around the globe were also showcased. You could update your accessory collection for summer with South American jewellery, style your wardrobe with some unique fashion from Finland, or brighten up your home with an eclectic selection of household crafts from India and Asia.

5 July Legenderry Concert

The best of the city's musical talent was showcased at Ebrington on July 5th. One of the highlights of the Clipper Homecoming Festival, the Legenderry Concert featured the Undertones, Paul Casey, Paddy Nash and the Enchiladas and Best Boy Grip. Find out more.

6 July: Clipper Connections Concert

The legendary Saw Doctors and the fantastic Red Hot Chilli Pipers topped the bill at this magical concert when we celebrated our musical links with the countries participating in the Clipper Round World Yacht Race.

Also on the bill were the James Peake Xperience and Eoghan Quigg, not to mention dragon dancers and musical acts from around the globe. Find out more.

Telephone:+44 (0)28 7126 7284

Email: info@derryvisitor.com

Website: www.derryvisitor.com

Address: Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, 44 Foyle Street, Londonderry, Co Londonderry, BT48 6AT

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