Council encourages visitors to make a night of Derry Maritime Festival with live music and extended bar facilities
The council is encouraging visitors to the Maritime Festival to make a night of it, with free live music, extended bar facilities, and late‑night markets welcoming people of all ages to the city’s riverfront.
Leading the evening entertainment line-up will be internationally acclaimed traditional Irish folk group Altan, whose headline performance is expected to draw music-lovers from across the region for a memorable night on the banks of the River Foyle.
Festival organisers are inviting people to embrace a ‘holiday at home’ experience with the city’s waterfront transformed into a vibrant destination where visitors can enjoy live music, food, drink and entertainment long into the summer evening.
Festival Co-ordinator at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Helena Hasson, said the team were really excited to see the quay transform into something magical next week.
“We are so excited to see things kick off next week – the programme is jam-packed from day to night with fantastic entertainment for all the family to enjoy. We’re delighted to bring back the original bar set up along the quay this year, which lends itself really well to creating that complete festival experience.
“Between the evening entertainment, the bar facilities and the late-night markets, people will really get that holiday atmosphere, and we cannot wait to experience it. We would encourage everyone to plan ahead, use public transport and enjoy this international festival while it is here on our doorstep.”
Extended bar licensing arrangements will add to the enjoyable festival experience with a full festival bar offering refreshments until 11pm.
Music lovers can enjoy big hits from Altan, as well as local musicians Reevah, We Love Sax, George Houston & Band as well as Portabello, Stevie and the G’s plus many more.
The festival will come to an end with a fireworks display on Sunday night at 11pm on the river. A Dusk Chorus will be delivered by NI Rock Choir who will sing an ensemble of songs inspired by the occasion.
The Foyle Maritime Festival takes place from Thursday 25 to Sunday June 28 2026.
The Maritime Festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council in close partnership with the Foyle Port and Loughs Agency, with funding from Tourism NI and Diageo.