'˜I nearly had heart failure at cost of Fashion Fest tickets'

SDLP Councillor Tina Gardiner made the comments at a meeting of the Derry City and Strabane District Council Business and Culture Committee on Tuesday.

She made the comments when committee members took note of a report on this year’s Fashion Fest, which took place once again in November, and was supported by a Council budget of £20,000.

A council report also noted that “a limited marketing budget was secured for the event” and that “for any future Fashion Fest events this would require review in order to extend reach and engagement.”

Ms Gardiner agreed, saying she attended some of the events and found seats were often occupied by participants because “people didn’t know what was happening”.

She also said she was shocked at the price of some of the events, saying she “nearly had heart failure” when asked for £75 when attending the Guildhall with her two daughters.