Inishowen Events for City of Culture

Inishowen Events for City of Culture – What has been described as the most ambitious and varied programme of arts and culture ever assembled on the island of Ireland was launched in Derry last week as the city prepares to host the UK City of Culture in 2013. Two of Inishowen’s signature festivals, the Charles Macklin Festival and Féile Grianan Áiligh have been listed among the hundreds of events taking place in Derry next year, including the prestigious Turner Prize, a new commission by the London Symphony Orchestra, performances by the Royal Ballet and the All Ireland Fleadh, which will be staged in Northern Ireland for the first time.

The Charles Macklin Festival which will take place in October in Culdaff and Féile Grianan Áiligh which will be hosted at the summer solstice in mid June in Grianan Áiliagh Fort in Burt, were selected by the City of Culture Team as they represent the rich heritage and culture that is synonymous with Inishowen and Derry’s natural hinterland. Both events were also awarded financial support by City of Culture in recognition of their contribution to the overall City of Culture Offering.

Speaking at the Launch of the programme, Jennifer O’Donnell, City of Culture Liaison Officer, Inishowen Tourism, who facilitated the application for both festivals for the programme with the City of Culture Team, said

We are thrilled that the Charles Macklin Festival and Féile Grianan Áiligh have been selected for the City of Culture Programme. It is testament of the high calibre of cultural entertainment each of these events offer and it is a great opportunity for Inishowen to be involved in what promises to be an incredible year for tourism

Representatives from both festivals attended the Programme Launch. Commenting on the inclusion of the Charles Macklin Festival, Committee Member, Anne McGrory said

We are delighted that the Charles Macklin Festival is to be designated as an official partner of the City of Culture celebrations in Derry. This new partnership is recognition of the great social and historical links between the city and the Inishowen peninsula. It is also a great opportunity to celebrate the rich literary traditions which are a further link between the Derry and Donegal