19/04/2011

WOMAD To Celebrate City Of Culture

A major music event is on the way to the North West with news that the WOMAD international music festival is to be held in Londonderry.

It is to be part of the UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations and will be a four-day festival attracting about 30,000 people.

The concert celebrates the World of Music Arts and Dance and has won a reputation as a festival for the whole family.

Since the first WOMAD festival, there have been more than 160 events in 27 countries.

SDLP Foyle Assembly candidate Mark H Durkan has welcomed the announcement as a boost for Derry.

He said high profile events linked to the City of Culture 2013 are key "to fully harness the economic and tourism potential that can be sustained long after 2013".

The nationalist politician said: "The WOMAD Music Festival is another welcome addition to this city and already, people are excited at the prospect of seeing world renowned, iconic musicians in their home city.

"The signature projects and themes around City of Culture have the capacity to take the tourism industry forward in Derry into the next decade.

"This is another positive step, coupled with the 400th anniversary of the walled city, the Clipper Yacht Race and the possibility to bring the all-Ireland Fleadh Ceoil to the city, as well as the world police and fire games we have the right ingredients to make Derry a tourism centre and a driver to help the entire north-west against the recession.

"These events are vital to attracting people here and will play a key role in realizing growth within the tourism industry," he concluded.

(BMcC/GK)

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