FOCUS ON THE GREAT NORTHWEST
A LEGENDERRY EXPERIENCE!
013 promises to be a momentous year for the city of Derry~Londonderry as it celebrates its year as first ever UK City of Culture which promises new infrastructure development, additional creative arts and event venues, new visitor attractions, increased accommodation and of course an action packed year of festivals and cultural events. A teaser of what is in store for 2013 was announced recently and will feature a plethora of music, drama, dance, literature, film and visual arts including the prestigious Turner Prize. This title is now the catalyst for the transformation and regeneration of Derry, with plans to invest more than £100 million in its infrastructure and the estimated media value of City of Culture for Derry~Londonderry already stands at more than £10 million.
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The new Parade Ground at Ebrington (former Military site) aims to create a ʻdestination spaceʼ for a range of cultural, leisure and business tourism activities with an outdoor standing capacity of up to 15,000 people. The space is similar in size to Trafalgar Square and will host a number of key events in 2013. Ilex (Urban Regeneration Company) are working closely with the Culture Company to source an architecturally designed, iconic semi‑ permanent installation with a proposed capacity of 4500 standing, 2800 theatre style and 800 for banqueting which will significantly enhance the cityʼs capacity to host larger scale events. There is no doubt the city is in the midst of a transformation and the positive effects are already extremely evident, notably from the Business Tourism industry. The City of Culture accolade has given Derry~Londonderry a unique recognition and since it the announcement was made in July 2010 there has been a significant increase in conference enquiries and successful bids, notably from the GB and ROI Association market. .
Nowadays there is as much focus and emphasis on unique evening events and social programmes as there is on the actual conferences and meetings. Derry is home to many quirky venues and unusual historic connections ‒ the city is one of the finest examples of a Walled city in Europe and 2013 celebrates the 400th Anniversary of the17th Century Walls which were built and are still owned by the Guilds of London. These Walls are the perfect backdrop for animation, period re‑enactments and outdoor theatre to enhance delegate social activities. Northern Ireland is renowned for its outstanding cuisine and lively entertainment so ʻA Taste of Northern Irelandʼs Famous Exportsʼis a popular and memorable social event where delegates can enjoy sampling the local produce, crafts and entertainment.
Derryʼs melting pot of history and heritage coupled with an idyllic location between the stunning landscape of
Co.Donegal and the Giantʼs Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is perfect for encouraging delegates to extend their stay or return as leisure visitors to experience all of what the region has to offer. In the current economic climate, budget conscious meeting and event planners are searching for better value for money plus new and exciting locations, yet not compromising on quality.
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As the first ever UK City of Culture and the only completely Walled City in the Ireland the vibrant city of Derry can offer an unrivalled conference experience, packed with options to suit every client and budget!
So add a little Culture to your Conference and ensure you and your delegates enjoy a
LegenDerry experience in the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry! For further information please contact Aoife Thomas, Business & Leisure Tourism Executive at the Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau on
(028) 7137 7577 or email
aoife.thomas@
derryvisitor.com
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