Police have advised of traffic disruption in Derry city centre during the Foyle Maritime Festival, which runs from Thursday 25 June to Sunday 28 June. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend events along the Quay, with road closures already in effect.

Queen’s Quay is closed from Harbour Square roundabout to Queen’s Quay Roundabout from 8pm on 22 June until 7am on 30 June. Boating Club Lane and Lower Clarendon Street are also shut over the same period, while Baronet Street is closed from 11am to midnight from 24 June to 29 June. Chief Inspector Cherith Craig said officers would have a visible presence and urged motorists to follow directional signs and allow extra journey time if passing through the area. On-street drinking will be permitted only in designated zones at specified times.

Within the festival, a dedicated City Deal Fest tent aims to inform the public about an investment package of over £300 million secured for the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. The funding, delivered through a partnership of the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, the council, Ulster University, the Western Health and Social Care Trust and North West Regional College, is projected to create 6,300 jobs and add £240 million in gross value added to the local economy by 2033.

Each day of the festival has a theme. Thursday focuses on digital and innovation, featuring Ulster University’s Cognitive Analytics and Digital Robotics Innovation Centre, a new school of medicine, and the NWRC Strabane campus. Friday highlights health and leisure, with a Western Trust research facility, a Strabane health hub, and wellbeing activities. Saturday is dedicated to regeneration in Derry, including plans for the DNA Museum at Ebrington and a Central Riverfront treasure hunt. Sunday continues riverfront activities and invites families to build a model of the new Strabane pedestrian bridge.

Oonagh McGillion, strategic programmes director at the council, said the festival was an opportunity to share progress and hear views on regeneration, health and innovation sectors.

A separate heritage programme, led by the council’s museum service, commemorates the river’s role in trade, industry and emigration. Costumed interpreters portray figures from local history, including aviator Amelia Earhart, who landed in Ballyarnett in 1932; whiskey distiller Andrew Alexander Watt; shipbuilder William Coppin; and a shirt factory worker representing the women who powered the city’s textile industry. The new DNA Museum, under construction at Ebrington Square, will house a state-of-the-art heritage experience.

The festival is delivered in partnership with Foyle Port and the Loughs Agency, with funding from Tourism NI and Diageo.