The Maiden City Festival is back on the August calendar, taking its first step to regaining position as the premier celebration of diversity in Ulster…
A short rest has provided renewed energy to once again present the flagship Festival that genuinely promotes theMaiden City; a tribute to the Apprentice Boys ofDerry and to the communities of the City who support the event.
The Maiden City Festival 2008 combines favourites and friends, alongside new shows and new ideas. This year’s funding is more modest than our last full-on Festival in 2005, but we believe the line-up provides a home for all those who wish to celebrate music, song or dance - just for the love of it, in a politics-free, baggage-free environment.
The Festival offers something for everyone. This will be the highlight of the August holiday period, a credit to the Protestant community and a major visitor attraction on the North West’s summer calendar. The Festival works hard to bring pride and tourist trade to the City; our first Festival in 1998 was launched in what was considered a quiet time for City traders. In 2008, the City will buzz.
The Maiden City Festival is a showcase for Protestant culture of tolerance and openness, and for the heritage that is entrusted to the Apprentice Boys of Derry. TheMaiden City Festival is the way in which the Protestant community of Londonderry, a minority community, is able to make a contribution to the life of the City and to the diversity of expression of culture.
The Festival would like to thank all those who have contributed their time, energy and imagination, and especially to thosewho are notmembers of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.