As the programme for the famed festival explains: "The Maiden City Festival is a flagship celebration of diversity in Northern Ireland.

"The Maiden City Festival 2009 combines favourites and friends, alongside new shows and new ideas. We have been able to expand elements of the festival this year and believe the line-up provides a home for all those who wish to celebrate music, song or dance - just for the love of it, in a politics-free, baggage-free environment."

The festival offers something for everyone, and works hard to bring pride and tourist trade to the City of Londonderry. It is being billed as the highlight of the city's August holiday period and a major visitor attraction on the North West's summer calendar.

"We have organised the programme to offer ideas for days out that explore every aspect of the City. The experience of visiting the City will be enhanced with our new Siege Heroes Trail, aimed at casual visitors taking a walk around the historic Walls," the programme reads.

Revellers can either print the map and tour guide before they leave home or follow the trail with their web-enabled mobile phone.

"The Maiden City Festival is a showcase for Protestant culture of tolerance and openness, and for the heritage that is entrusted to the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

"The Maiden City Festival is the way in which the Protestant community of Londonderry, a minority community, is able to make a contribution to the life of the city and to the diversity of cultural expression."

Among the events is the Apprentice Boys Museum and Exhibition that runs in the Memorial Hall Museum for the duration of the Festival, from 10am-5pm daily.

Or why not learn about the history of the Guns Of Londonderry in the Memorial Hall Garden in Society Street today and throughout the week from 11am-2pm daily and by request.

The Old Fountain Tour is also a must and will be presented by the Bob Harte Memorial Trust Thiepval Gallery, George Street from Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7 at noon.

Local historian William Temple takes a walk down memory lanes and streets of the old Fountain, pointing out how it would have been in past times.

There is no charge for this event, but a small minimum donation of £1 to the Bob Harte Memorial Trust would be appreciated.

And last but not least, The Siege Story will be told at St Columb's Cathedral today and from Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7 at 1pm and 3pm.

The Siege Story is a series of five monologues that each explore different aspects of the Siege Story 1688-1689. The story is of the young apprentice, of the military man, of the people, of the church, and of life and love in war.

The performance starts at the main entrance door of the Cathedral, moves through the Cathedral and lasts approximately 45 minutes.