The Foyle Maritime Festival will run from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 June 2026 along the River Foyle in Derry, with a programme of free evening entertainment.

Live music will be performed each night, headlined by the traditional Irish folk group Altan. Other acts on the bill include Reevah, We Love Sax, George Houston & Band, Portabello, and Stevie and the G’s.

Festival bars will operate under extended licensing arrangements, serving refreshments until 11pm. Late-night markets will also form part of the quayside offering.

Festival Co-ordinator Helena Hasson stated that the programme was designed to create a holiday atmosphere on the waterfront and encouraged visitors to plan ahead and use public transport. She confirmed that the original bar set-up along the quay has been reinstated for this year’s event.

An illuminated art trail entitled ‘Sails of Solas’ will be installed along the riverfront, visible from dusk until dawn on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. The display includes reflective sails, giant water lilies, and sculptures of sea lions and a whale.

The festival will close with a fireworks display over the river at 11pm on Sunday. Immediately before the fireworks, NI Rock Choir will perform a ‘Dusk Chorus’.

The event is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with Foyle Port and the Loughs Agency, with funding from Tourism NI and Diageo.