Funding Package Announced For Community Festivals

The funding package will be delivered through a pilot scheme designed to promote dialogue, good relations and rights by means of a number of community festivals in the city.

Among the festivals which will benefit from funding are the Maiden City Festival, the Gasyard Wall Féile, Shantallow Area Partnership and the Top of Hill Féile .

The Department's Community Relations Unit will be liaising with Derry City Council and festival organisers to fine-tune the pilot programme details and determine appropriate funding packages.

Unveiling the funding package First Minister Peter Robinson said: "This is a very worthwhile initiative and I have no doubt that it can provide a major boost to the local economy whilst offering everyone in [Derry] an opportunity to celebrate the unique cultural tradition and history of the city."

Mr McGuinness welcoming the pilot scheme said: "The acceptance and appreciation of the cultural diversity is an important dimension of a shared and better future. Derry has been giving a lead in turning cultural events from being divisive to reflecting the diversity which exists in the city and provide a means by which we can promote dialogue, rights and good relations across all sectors.

"I am hopeful that the pilot programme will provide a blueprint and act as a good practice model which can be shared in other areas."