Derry's CultureTech Festival cancelled

Chamber bosses confirmed in a statement this morning that “for now” the annual festival has been stopped.

The news has come as a blow to schools and other organisations across the region, some of whom have already registered their disappointment this morning.

Last year’s nine day festival say around 50,000 taking part in events across the city, including thousands of local schoolchildren in science and technology initiatives.

Global figures from the virtual and technology sectors also flocked to the city for the event. CultureTech was first held in Derry in 2012.

Leading local figures in the industry had hailed CultureTech’s growing footprint on the world’s digital and creative industries sector stage as having helped put the city on the map.

No reason has yet been given for the festival being cancelled, although the Chamber have said that it will retain the CultureTech brand for year-round activities.

A spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce said: “For now CultureTech has ceased its annual festival but remains the Chamber brand for all year round activity in support of the development of STEM skills.

“Strengthening the relevant skills base of young adults and school pupils is absolutely essential as we seek to position Derry and the North West region as a preferred location for high technology businesses and jobs.

“Skills development is a major priority for the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.”