THE MADIEN CITY

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Derry’s cultural diversity in part explains its reputation of creative activity with many local figures having risen to international fame. The city has many festivals on an annual basis with the most popular being The Banks of The Foyle Halloween Carnival which is Ireland’s largest Halloween Festival. Other Festivals of note are the City of Derry Jazz Festival, Maiden City Festival, Foyle Film Festival, Walled City Cultural Trail and St Patrick’s Day Celebrations.

The centrepiece of the city’s new cultural quarter is the Millennium Forum, the first purpose built theatre and conference centre in the city, within the City Walls. Other theatres include the long established Playhouse Theatre and the Waterside Theatre.

Visitors interested in literary works can visit the Verbal Arts Centre located on the City Walls off Bishop Street – Ireland’s only centre devoted to literature and contains work by some of Ireland’s leading verbal and visual artists. The Nerve centre on Magazine Street is one of the most dynamic and innovative multimedia centres in the British Isles. The acclaimed Orchard Gallery has been a cornerstone of development in visual arts in the city.

The city’s central location makes it an ideal base for visits to the Giant’s Causeway, on the North Antrim Coast or the scenery of Donegal. Perched on the edge of Europe, its location has many advantages and there is confidence about continued development.

The city continues to reshape old stories into new beginnings but maintains the warmth of its welcome. In fact to use their own by-lines ‘Don’t try to resist the Derry welcome’.