Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Uí Niallais, toured the Foyle Maritime Festival on Friday afternoon, accompanied by her young son Faolán. She met local traders, exhibitors, charities and members of the public along the city's waterfront and encouraged everyone to attend the festival over the weekend.

During her visit, the Mayor stopped at a range of food and craft stalls, including Lo & Slo, Wild and Fired, Mena’s Woodfired Pizzas, Redgate Cider, Notorious Street Food, Exchange Alfresco, The Sandwich Co., Sukhi’s Kitchen, Walled City Brewery, Cloud Wine Cooler, House of Scents, Stix and Patricia’s Coffee Shop. She said the event offered a valuable opportunity to support local businesses while sampling produce from across the district.

The Mayor also visited the DNA Museum marquee with historical displays, the City Deal Fest tent showcasing regeneration projects linked to the Derry and Strabane City Deal, and The Loughs Agency tent where visitors could learn about the natural environment of Lough Foyle. She met representatives from Hive Cancer Support, AWARE and the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Research and Development team.

Adding to the afternoon, the Mayor and her son encountered roving pirates provided by In Your Space and tried activities from Stix. She reminded anyone planning to attend to use available parking at Fort George, check weather forecasts and dress appropriately.

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