Slide On:Londonderry street becomes giant water slide

The ‘Slide On’ event, which takes place both today (Saturday) and on Sunday, has attracted big crowds to the heart of the city centre.

Throughout Saturday, scores of lucky participants hurtled down the water slide to loud cheers from the hundreds of people who lined the length of Shipquay Street.

Among those first down the slide were local politicians Mark Durkan and Mark H Durkan.

Also taking part was local priest Fr. Paddy O’Kane, who donned a wetsuit and a large hat for his go on the slide.

A contingent of doctors and nurses from Altnagelvin Hospital also got a good soaking on the slide.

Derry Mayor Brendan Stevenson is due to take part in the event on Saturday afternoon.

Sharon Arbuckle, Cancer Research, said: “It’s one of Europe’s steepest streets. When you say to people, ‘imagine Shipquay Street, imagine a waterslide’, people immediately say, ‘I want to do that!’

“It’s a slippery street to slide upon. It’s about taking part in something that’s amazing fun for a great cause.”