Overwhelming response to Clipper Festival

Now at the mid point of the events, and with a huge farewell party and two concerts to look forward to, she said she personally felt ‘quite overwhelmed’ by the success of the events so far.

“I am delighted that we have done all this work because it all seems to have paid off and we are now looking forward to the next few days ahead,” she said, continuing: “The highlight so far, for me ha been the Derry-Londonderry coming in to the marina, even though the weather was not that great. Even so to me that was the highlight, and just to see the reaction of the friends and family of those onboard, and the excitement of the thousands of people who turned out to see the Clipper come home.”

Ms Whoriskey said people were starting to realise the significance of the event and its importance to the city: “People are connecting to it, which is great for us as the events connected with the festival are starting to sell themselves and we do not have to promote the activities . It is obvious from the numbers of people that we are doing well. We had planned for around 10,000 to attend each day, but our ‘guestimates’ are that around 20,000 are here each day, and on Friday I know we were extremely busy.”

With two concerts ahead this weekend, Jacqueline urged people to note that the Thursday night concert was an early start - 6pm to 9pm at Ebrington - and to make suitable travel arrangements.

On Friday the concert is a little later and the line-up will include the Saw Doctors and a few surprisees, as well as a fireworks display.

“On Saturday the big highlight of the day will be the departure of the 10 Clippers, with a Parade of Sails at 1pm, which should be spectacular and it is followed by other river-based events on Saturday and Sunday to keep the excitement going,” she said.