The Foyle Maritime Festival opened Thursday along Londonderry’s quayside, drawing crowds to a four-day celebration of the city’s maritime heritage under the theme ‘Forged by the Foyle’. Organisers expect more than 100,000 visitors by the time fireworks close the event on Sunday night.

Visiting vessels include the Galeón Andalucía, a replica 17th-century Spanish galleon that arrived on Tuesday and is open for public deck tours. Project manager Lupo Bathke described the ship as a copy of those that sailed between Manila and Spain. Also moored are the tall ship Phoenix, the 90-year-old Danish fishing boat Klevia, and the French World War II spy vessel Le Dundee Mutin.

Mayor Grace Uí Niallais said the festival allows the city to share its maritime legacy in a way that is both educational and entertaining for all ages. Festival organiser Helena Hasson noted the 2024 edition generated more than £7 million for the local economy.

The quayside is transformed into a walkable festival village with food stalls, markets, and a vintage funfair featuring the Earhart Eye, named after aviator Amelia Earhart who landed near Derry in 1932. Living history interpreters portray figures such as shipbuilder William Coppin and distiller Andrew Watt. Musical acts include Altan and George Houston, and a rock choir precedes the Sunday fireworks finale. After dark, the tall ships are illuminated in a display called ‘Sails of Solace’, designed by Visual Spectrum as a tribute to the city’s working-port past.

Accessibility enhancements this year include dedicated parking on Strand Road, a quiet space, and accessible toilets. Stewards and signposted information points are stationed along the quay.

Road closures are in place: Queen’s Quay is shut from the evening of 22 June until the morning of 30 June. Daily closures from 11:00 to midnight affect Baronet Street, Fletcher Avenue, and McFarland Quay during the festival. Queen’s Quay car park is unavailable, with additional spaces at Fort George and paid parking at the Magee university campus. Police advise the public to expect larger pedestrian numbers and for motorists to drive with caution.