Traffic and parking advice ahead of Derry's Foyle Maritime Festival
Derry City and Strabane Council are encouraging attendees to plan their journey in advance during the Maritime Festival, as a number of temporary traffic measures will be introduced to support the revised festival layout, including road closures, diversions and parking restrictions across the city centre.
To facilitate the event which runs from Thursday June 25 to Sunday June 28, Queen’s Quay will be closed from Harbour Square Roundabout to Queen’s Quay Roundabout from 8pm on June 22 until 7am on June 30.
Boating Club Lane, from Quayside Medical Practice to Queen’s Quay, will also remain closed from 8pm on June 22 to 7am on June 30, while Lower Clarendon Street will close from Strand Road to Queen’s Quay from 8pm on June 22 to 7am on June 30.
Timed daily closures will be in place on Baronet Street, Fletcher Avenue and McFarland Quay from June 25 to June 28, from 11am to midnight. Signposted diversion routes will be in operation throughout.
A spectacular fireworks display will take place on Sunday evening at 11pm, visible from both the Cityside quays and Ebrington. Spectators are advised to arrive early and that there are viewing points the length of the quayside, so plenty of space to watch in comfort.
On-street parking restrictions will also apply during the festival period. While a number of city centre car parks will remain open, Queen’s Quay car park will be unavailable throughout the event to accommodate festival activity along the waterfront.
Additional parking is available at Fort George, where free event parking will be provided. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this facility and avoid using private car parks such as Sainsbury’s. Parking is also available at other city centre locations, with paid parking available at sites including Magee College on Rock Road.
Jacqueline Whoriskey, Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council, highlighted the importance of accessibility at this year’s event: “We are committed to making the Foyle Maritime Festival as inclusive and welcoming as possible for everyone. This year we’ve introduced a number of enhanced facilities to support accessibility, ensuring all visitors can comfortably enjoy the programme of events on offer.
“We would encourage people to familiarise themselves with the information before attending so they can make the most of their visit.”
Dedicated accessible parking will be available at Strand Road Car Park, alongside additional facilities including a Quiet Space and accessible toilets, located close to Council’s Strand Road building.
Cyclists are encouraged to travel to the festival by bike, however, for safety reasons, they will be asked to dismount when entering busy event areas, and electric bikes and e-scooters will not be permitted.
At peak times, further traffic management measures may be introduced. The public is advised to keep up to date by listening to local radio and following Council’s social media channels for the latest travel information.
Festival infrastructure will include clearly signposted Information Points and toilet facilities along the quayside, with stewards and event staff on hand to assist visitors throughout the weekend.
To support travel plans, additional late-night bus services will operate to selected destinations on Saturday June 27, the festival’s main showcase evening.
Journey planning and ticket information can be accessed via www.translink.co.uk/special-events/foylemaritimefestival or by calling 90 66 66 30.