Derry and Strabane District Council to release virtual tours during Heritage Week

Taking place from Monday, August 17 until Sunday, August 23, Heritage Week brings together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation – and the City Walls, the Fair River Valley - Strabane, and the iconic Guildhall will all feature in next week's celebration.

The virtual tour of the Guildhall will uncover the building's many hidden gems, including its grand staircase, main hall organ, collection of stunning stained glass windows, and the Guildhall clock and tower.

There will also be an opportunity to virtually explore the exhibition titled 'The Walled City - 400 Years', which is currently on display in the Tower Museum. The exhibition charts the story of the Walls, from a site of conflict to a reimagined space for cultural events.

The Heritage Week tours will also touch on the exhibition which recently opened in the Alley Theatre – 'If Stones Could Speak- The Archaeological Landscape of Tyrone', which displays never before seen archaeological collections, and coincides with 'The Fair River Valley – Strabane through the Ages' exhibition also in the Alley.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Colr. Brian Tierney, said the tours would be an educational celebration of the heritage of the district.

"I'm delighted to see a number of virtual tours will be released to mark Heritage Week. I think sometimes we can take for granted just how lucky we are to live in an area so rich in history and heritage, and through these tours we can learn more about that.

"This year's theme of 'Heritage and Education: Learning from our Heritage' is also really exciting as everyone can share their experience, knowledge and thoughts about all that we have on our doorsteps.

"I would like to pay huge thanks to our Council team who have once again found a safe way to manage the current restrictions and ensure that nobody is missing out. I have no doubt these virtual tours will be enjoyed by all."

The virtual tours will be available throughout Heritage Week from Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd August on the What's On Derry Strabane Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as Council's Twitter.

For more Information, visit www.derrystrabane.com/heritageweek2020