Over 100,000 people are expected to attend the Foyle Maritime Festival when it returns to Derry for four days from June 25.

The event will feature a heritage programme that gives visitors a preview of the planned DNA (Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic) Museum, a cultural attraction currently under construction at Ebrington Square. The museum is one of the first projects in the region's City Deal regeneration programme.

A Festival Village along Queen's Quay will include a DNA Tent where living history interpreters portraying figures from Derry's past will appear. Characters drawn from the city's history include transatlantic aviator Amelia Earhart, distiller Andrew Watt, Bishop Hervey and shipbuilder William Coppin. The tent will also offer family-focused activities highlighting the area's global links.

Event organisers said the festival provides an opportunity to showcase broader regeneration plans, including developments along the riverfront, enhancements to the historic Walled City, the regeneration of Strabane Town and university expansion.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said the festival is a key event and the heritage focus allows the city to celebrate its identity. She described the DNA Museum as an important new visitor attraction.

Council Museum Services Manager Margaret Edwards said the DNA Tent offers a chance to experience stories of transformation and resilience. She confirmed that construction of the museum is progressing.

Alongside the heritage focus, the festival programme includes tall ships, water-based activities, a maritime market with local food and crafts, a funfair, street animation and live outdoor music.