A wet, but warm homecoming

The tail end of tropical storm Chris, which followed the boats across the North Atlantic from New York, failed to dampen spirits as the first of four boats made port to the applause of excited sightseers.

Mayor, Kevin Campbell, was there to welcome the early arrivals, led by Gold Coast Australia.

“There was a huge crowd of people lining up to see the first boats in – they had a tremendous welcome.

“There is a tremendous buzz about the city and it is building. We have caught the tail end of the rain, but it certainly hasn’t affected spirits or turnout. Everyone is talking about it, right through the city.”

There was an extra treat for Clipper fans courtesy of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention which brought the lough alive with the sound of Fiddles by the Foyle courtesy of hundreds of musicians in town to celebrate the music and dance of the North Atlantic Seaboard.

It is the first time that NAFCO, which is hosting concerts, workshops and trade fairs across the city and Donegal, is being held on the island of Ireland, having previously taken place in Scotland and Canada.

Describing the Clipper Homecoming Festival, as just the first in a huge programme of events planned over the next 18 months, the Mayor continued: “We now have a £1m pontoon in place where we can hold regular maritime events such as this one and we are really excited. The fun starts now and we have load of activities planned over the next week and a really spectacular Farewell Festival next weekend.”

Tomorrow’s highlights include the opportunity for visitors to ‘get on board’ with the Loughs Agency, and join Irish singing, music and dancing workshops taking place throughout the day as well as ‘Flavours of the Foyle’ Seafood Festival.

On Monday, visitors were able to visit the Clipper yachts and meet the crews, try their hand at canoeing, take part in lantern-making workshops, enjoy storytelling sessions and performances from the People’s Platform.

For more information on the huge range of free entertainment, food, performance, water and land-based activities which are on offer, log on at www.whatsonderrylondonderry.com or www.derrycity.gov.uk/clipper.

The Clipper Homecoming Festival is organised by Derry City Council in partnership with Londonderry Port with funders Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Loughs Agency, Ilex, FG Wilson, Invest Northern Ireland and Malin Waters. The event is made possible with the support of many partners including Translink, Tourism Ireland, Chamber of Commerce, Department for Social Development and local business.