Clipper Festival 2016: Chance to explore Foyle's rich heritage

Families will be encouraged to explore some of the maritime heritage the River Foyle has to offer throughout the festival.

An ‘Explore Our Heritage and Environment’ marquee is being set up at McFarland Quay, beside the Tall Ship.

Here youngsters can discover what lives below the surface of the River Foyle with the Loughs’s Agency Discovery Tank.

People can also learn about marine engineering at the DuPont interactive exhibition, and explore local environmental issues with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The Tower Museum meanwhile will host an interactive display from its maritime collections and people will also be able to find out more about the new Maritime Museum. Also featuring at the marquee, kids can get creative with fun and fishy activity packs, while some of the amazing winning boats from the Float Your Boat competition will be on display.

The facility opens on Thursday, July 14 and Friday, 15 from 12pm to 8pm; Saturday, 16 from 10am to 8pm and Sunday 17 from 10am to 6pm.

Kid’s Corner in Ebrington Square will also run as part of the festival from Thursday, 14 July to Sunday, 17, from 12pm to 6pm daily and featuring singing chefs, walkabout characters, face painting and culinary themed kid’s arts and crafts.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Aideen McCarter, Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “We’re anticipating that all activities will be extremely busy so my advice is to come early to avoid disappointment. We look forward to welcoming many people to our fantastic city for what will once again undoubtedly be a very special festival.”