ORGANISERS of the Maiden City Festival have breathed a sigh of relief after the OFMDFM offered them £40,000 to help keep their celebrations afloat.
The Apprentice Boys were told about the money for the festival – which has at its core the Relief of Derry celebrations on August 12 – by the community relations unit.
Festival Marketing Manager, David Hoey said: "We are delighted at the recogniti
on by the OFMDFM of the Maiden City Festival."
Mr Hoey said a total of £80,000 is needed to run the festival in its entirety.
"The money from the cross-community unit of OFMDFM will help the Maiden City Festival increase understanding and highlight the tremendous history and heritage of the city."
First Minister Peter Robinson welcomed the commitment to the annual event
"The Maiden City Festival is an excellent example of the good work which the Loyal Orders are engaged in," he said. "This event aims to encourage greater community involvement and wider understanding of the culture and traditions of Protestants in the North West.
"Under the direction and leadership of the General Committee of the Apprentice Boys, an exciting programme of events has been put together, the centrepiece of which is the annual Relief of Derry parade on August 12.
"I am delighted that this year's Maiden City Festival can avail of this £40,000 funding. I have no doubt that this festival can provide a major boost to the local economy whilst offering everyone in Londonderry an opportunity to celebrate a unique cultural tradition and history of the city.
"I pay tribute to the festival organisers and their vision for an event that will draw thousands of people into the city, ensuring that Londonderry moves towards becoming a shared space where everyone is welcome including the minority unionist community."
