The wait is finally over… Foyle Maritime Festival 2026 Programme
The bi-annual Foyle Maritime Festival will return to Derry from Thursday 25th until Sunday 28th June, jumpstarting the summer season with a packed programme of events the whole family can enjoy. In anticipation of the 2027 opening of a £15 Million investment, Derry North Atlantic Museum, DNA Museum, the theme of this year’s festival is ‘Forged by the Foyle: It’s in Our DNA’.
The riverfront will come alive daily from 12 noon to 11pm with visiting ships, water activities, live music, animation, festival bars and food experiences. Highlights include the Sails of Solas Lighting Experience from Thursday to Saturday and a fireworks finale over the River Foyle on Sunday night. For the latest festival announcements, tickets, water activity bookings and surprise programme updates, follow the festival website and social channels.
Thank You to Our Funders & Sponsors
A special thanks for all of our funders, sponsors and volunteers for their support for the Foyle Maritime Festival.
The Dock; Our Fleet of ‘26
Maritime enthusiasts of all ages will be captivated by this year’s festival fleet. Discover ships from distant shores, each with their own seafaring stories, and step into a world of maritime adventures at The Dock and North Pontoon.
The Galeón Andalucia
Derry City and Strabane District Council is honoured to welcome this stunning replica 16th–17th century Spanish galleon to this year’s Foyle Maritime Festival, the only sailing vessel of its kind in the world.
Visit this incredible ship and be transported back to the Age of Exploration, when galleons ruled the seas and maritime adventure shaped history.
Venue, Dates & Times
Dates: Wednesday 24th – Sunday 28th June
Opening Times: 10am – 8pm daily
Online Ticket Offer:
Regular: £12 (age 10 +)
Child: £6 (ages 5-10)
Family: £30 (2 adults & 3 children)
Children under 5 free
Onboard Tickets: £15 / £7 / £37
Location: The Docks
Tickets available onboard and online: ticket.velacuadra.es
The Galeón Andalucia is attending the festival independently of Council and is trading strictly as an independent commercial venture.
The Dock
Our Fleet of 2026
The Phoenix: The Dock
A movie star in the Tall Ship world The Phoenix, is now owned by a French company who are touring Europe to showcase the magic and splendour of this magnificent Tall Ship.
The ship wowed spectators with her cannon salutes and majestic sails in 2024 and we’re honoured to have her take a break from an intense film schedule to drop anchor at the festival once again.
The Dock
Our Fleet of ‘26
Eabora: North Pontoon
Le Dundee mutin : North Pontoon
The festival is honoured to welcome the French Ecole Navale and their sail training vessel, Mutin which is part of the Marine Nationale. This ship played an undercover role as a spy-boat during the second world.
Taking cover in Plymouth when the Germans bombed her port town of Brest, she was requisitioned to the British Secret Services for the remainder of the war carrying out special missions for British agents as far as the Adriatic coasts before returning to the French Navy in 1945.
Built in Crosshaven, Cork in 1956 as a naval tender, this remarkable vessel was later converted to sail by renowned Scottish novelist Alistair MacLean, famous for bestselling novels and films including Where Eagles Dare and When Eight Bells Toll.
MacLean purchased the boat as part of his research for When Eight Bells Toll, immersing himself in life at sea to bring authenticity to his writing. The vessel remains closely linked to the adventurous spirit and maritime legacy. We’re thrilled to welcome it to the Festival this year.
The Dock
Our Fleet of ‘26
The Klevia: North Pontoon
Built in Denmark in 1936 for fishing in the North Sea, this ship has been restored and traditionally rigged as a Gaff Ketch and is registered as a sailing vessel in the UK.
Sea Snail : North Pontoon
Making its debut at this year’s festival, the “Sea Snail” is a classic 56ft Danish schooner, originally built in 1932 as a North Sea fishing vessel with a seawater-filled hold to keep fish alive.
Converted for sail training in 1980, she now offers traditional, hands-on sailing experiences and is based in Co. Down.
Another stunning vessel, we can’t wait to welcome back this beautiful boat into Foyle Port.
In Your Space presents: Carnival of Colours
Derry’s boldest and brightest Circus kapee, Brain Fools, Tumble
Circus & Street Arts Festival
25-28th June @ Foyle Maritime Festival 12-6pm
On the River On the River
No maritime festival would be complete without a full programme of activities on the river. First port of call is the Water Registration Tent, managed by the Loughs Agency who have curated a packed itinerary that caters for all ages and abilities and will delight participants and spectators alike.
The tent is located beside the South Pontoon entrance, where all taster sessions and tours depart. A changing tent is also available in the family festival hub for anyone taking the plunge and needing to dry off.
Experienced providers will offer inclusive, bespoke experiences for all abilities. Please see our website to book tickets. Some sessions require booking, while others are available for walk-ups where possible.
CHECK OUT ALL THE FUN INCLUDING TIMES AND TICKETS ON OUR WEBSITE
LA Marine Machines & VR Experience
Join the Loughs Agency at a bespoke marine-themed zone and enjoy a range of immersive activities for all the family.
Explore the ‘Marine Machine’, where you can meet live marine creatures, try angling skills, explore biodiversity and conservation, and test your ocean knowledge.
Immerse yourself in underwater landscapes using VR headsets, diving into the world of marine life around us.
Lough Lookout! Keep your eyes peeled for water species hidden throughout the festival. Learn if they are ‘Friends’ who help keep rivers and oceans healthy, or ‘Foes’ who can cause harm to our marine life.
The Edge Wakeboarding Returns
Crowds at the Foyle Maritime Festival 2026 are set for another adrenaline-filled spectacle as The Edge Wakeboarding Team returns to the River Foyle with a daily programme of high-energy wakeboard performances.
Featuring riders David Coates, Robin Coates, Nicolas Sweeney, and Nicole Carroll, the team is renowned for delivering thrilling jumps, precision tricks, and crowd-pleasing stunts that captivate audiences of all ages.
Their performances have been a standout attraction at previous editions of the festival, drawing large crowds to the riverfront and creating unforgettable moments on the water.
This year’s displays promise even bigger tricks, more action, and even more excitement as the team showcases the very best in wakeboarding entertainment.
Further details and performance times will be announced closer to the event.
Venue, Dates & Times
Dates: Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th June
Performance Times:
These vary daily as tide dependant, keep an eye on socials and festival website
Location:
Best viewing is along Thompsons’ Quay
Festival Feasting & Markets
LegenDerry Food Village
Coppins Quay, opposite North Pontoon
12 noon to 11pm
The LegenDerry Food Village is the place to soak up the festival atmosphere, surrounded by serene ships on the Foyle, the smell of incredible food in the air, and the chance to sip a locally brewed beer. This is where good times are served!
Whether you’re craving street food with big bold flavours or want to discover the best of our local produce, you’ll find it all here. The LegenDerry Food Village brings together outstanding local businesses using the finest seasonal, sustainable ingredients and fresh local catch to create authentic dishes inspired by flavours from around the world - all with a LegenDerry twist.
From wood fired pizzas and slow smoked barbecue to sweet treats and festival favourites, enjoy a one of a kind food adventure along our iconic riverfront.
Come join us and taste what makes this city truly LegenDerry!
Watt’s Warehouse
Festival Village 12 noon to 11pm (last orders 10.30)
Back by popular demand we’ve installed two stretch tents in the festival village to house a range of beers and spirits any pirate would be proud to plunder!
Named in honour of Andrew Watt, a prominent 19th and early 20thcentury whiskey distiller who owned Watt’s Distillery on Abbey Street, one of Ireland’s largest distilleries at the time.
There’s more than spirits stirring in Watt’s Warehouse!
You never know who might pop in for a dram! Step into Watt’s Warehouse and you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with a few of the DNA Living History Characters!
From the fearless Amelia Earhart to the legendary whiskey distiller Andrew Watts, expect surprise appearances, tall tales and healthy dose of maritime mischief as history comes ashore for the festival weekend.
Festival Feasting & Markets
The Edge Wakeboarding Returns
Maritime Market 2026
Various from The Dock to start of Thompsons Quay • 12pm - 11pm
We pride ourselves in the wonderful array of locally produced delicacies, dishes and crafts that we get to enjoy here in the North West.
It wouldn’t be right to keep them all to ourselves so we’ve rolled out some of the region’s finest produce for everyone to enjoy from handmade jewellery to award winning cheeses and chutneys.
Merchants Market
Merchant Market • Running along Queens Quay from Funfair to City Hotel 12 noon to 11pm
A festival favourite, the Merchant Market brings an emporium of continental cuisine and a taste of the exotic to the festival, taking patrons on a culinary voyage across Europe and beyond the Silk Road to experience some of the finest culinary flavours in the world as well as a host of bespoke gifts and surprises.
Boasting not one but two curated dining areas for 2026, we can’t wait to dine al fresco at the Beach Restaurant, salty dishes and sandy toes, what’s not to love?
Forged by the Foyle
The Science of Water
Festival Village • 12 noon to 7pm daily
FUSE arts are set to deliver a dynamic programme of STEAM focussed interactive activities and performances in our SOW tent throughout the festival.
The line-up is suitable for all ages, encouraging intergenerational learning and interaction for everyone. Inspired by the festival theme expect a focus on environmental awareness, local innovation and industry and celebrations on the 15th anniversary year of the Peace Bridge Opening.
Should The Foyle Have Rights?
Friday 26th June 8pm - 9.30pm ‘The Science of Water’ Tent alongside Merchant Markets
Music, poetry, storytelling, song and discussion.
Free, fun and phenomenally inspired investigations, storytelling, future thinking and innovation!
Derry~Londonderry North Atlantic Museum
Festival Village • 12noon - 7pm daily
Welcome to the Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic (DNA) Hundreds of years, millions of stories.
Through hands-on activities and lively encounters with characters from the past, discover how our city and district has been shaped by the landscape and the people who have called it home. Using our collections and archives, maps, and stories, learn about surprising connections as we bring history to life, showing how places, journeys and relationships have shaped who we are today. Discover too what life was like for the many women who worked in our shirt factories…the heartbeat of our city…
Learn more about our DNA Museum (Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic) and explore the stories that connect us all.
Reevah • We Love Sax
George Houston & Band
Donegal Dancers & Líofa Music
John Deery & The Heads • Portabello
Stevie and the G’s • The Hitmen and Her
Conor McGinty • Rebecca Harkin Band • Mood Swings
Jack McGee • Iconic Ladies of Music • Cora Harkin Momentum • The Mindbenders • The Cradleys
Londonderry Musical Society • The Villagers Male Choir
Sollus Highland Dancers ~ Echoes of the Foyle
McCrea Music & Theatre Group • Renegade Zoo (Tuned In Project) FUSE Dancers ~ Ebb & Flow
Maritime Mayhem
Fuse arts presents: Ebb & Flow
Festival Village
A playful and imaginative movement piece inspired by the sea! Ebb & Flow follows a group of young dancers from FUSE arts as they ripple, splash, swirl and drift together like the ever changing ocean.
From gentle tides to rolling waves, the children explore the joy, energy and calm of the sea through creative movement and music - ebbing and flowing through the motions.
Echoes of the Foyle
by Sollus Festival Village
A brand new production by Sollus Highland Dancers, celebrating the global journeys and lasting impact of people from the Foyle.
With over 40 dancers from across the North West this is a vibrant and compelling performance not to be missed.
Everywhere’s a Beach by Hikapee
The Dock @ Carnival of Colours site Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th • 2pm & 5.30pm daily
Join us for a day at the beach unlike any other in this high energy, circus theatre show. Perfect for the whole family, Everywhere’s a Beach is a charmingly ridiculous performance, taking place on a giant revolving beach parasol!
This dynamic, dizzying and downright daft show will leave you dancing with delight!
You’ll be swept away as this show embraces everything we love about the beach. Our spinning parasol creates the perfect setting for our eccentric beach loving characters. Watch as their world collides with yours, as sophistication turns to chaos in this aerial circus performance.
Proudly presented by Carnival of Colours, in partnership with Foyle Maritime Festival 2026.
Sails of Solace
South Pontoon, North Pontoon & The Dock
Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Saturday 27th June • 11pm – 4am each night
Step back in time and enjoy a breathtaking illuminated riverscape, with masts and beams stretching into the night sky reminiscent of days when the Derry Docks were home to a fleet of working ships.
For 2026 Visual Spectrum will transform our visiting Tall Ships into a unified artwork of light and reflection, presenting them in a new light that celebrates their grandeur and majesty while the timing of the display invites visitors to revel in a private viewing as the city and ships sleep.
Some special installations from Wonderlights will enable a family of seals and the ghost of Dopey Dick to appear under the cover of darkness, look to the horizon and see golden sails stretching towards the night sky.
This curated experience invites visitors to come at their leisure outside the trading hours of the festival and enjoy the space and time to take in the festival riverscape with the masts of visiting ships and their illuminated reflections creating a temporary but beautiful experience that disappears with dawn each day.
Maritime Mayhem
Graffiti and Street Art
Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Saturday 27th June
FMF is delighted to welcome the return of ‘Get Up’ Graffiti & Street Art Initiative, following its debut in 2024.
Enjoy a street spectacle of outstanding calibre as 26 local, regional, national and international street artists captivate your imagination on a larger than life scale. Various locations throughout Coppins and Thompsons Quays daily.
Three mermaids caught in a storm, have found themselves washed up on the banks of the River Foyle with no way home! What will they do?
Join Pearl, Coral and Bubbles as they try and navigate their way home. With the help of a friendly Sailor, who tells them tales of a Dopey whale from Derry’s past, they sing and dance their way to a solution in this charming tale of magic, mischief and friendship.
Festival Finale
Fireworks & Dusk Chorus
Sunday 28th June from 10.25pm with Fireworks at 11pm
The festival will come to a spectacular close with a synchronised fireworks display on the river around 11pm on Sunday night. An enchanting Dusk Chorus will be delivered by NI Rock Choir who will sing a moving and uplifting ensemble of songs inspired by the occasion.
The performance will begin at approximately 10.25pm in The Dock, alongside Tall Ship, The Phoenix and Spanish replica vessel The Galleon Andalucia, setting the scene that will close four days of maritime magic, beautifully.
Old Seaside Funfair
Foyle Maritime Festival
25th ~ 28th June 2026
12noon ~ 11pm Daily • Thompson’s Quay
Special Sensory Opening: Friday 26th June, 10am ~ 12 noon
Quiet performances across the site for tours, ships, funfair & markets.
Vintage Funfair with the Amelia Earhart Wheel
Step back to the charm of old seaside promenades with a vintage funfair experience along the banks of the River Foyle. Enjoy classic attractions, grab an ice cream, and soak up the atmosphere of a perfect traditional seaside escape. Take a spin on the Amelia Earhart Wheel and enjoy stunning views across the river and festival grounds.
Beyond Blue ~ Be The Change
We’re steering our ship towards a GREENER horizon.
We have made a commitment to Plastic-Free Celebrations with:
• A complete ban on single-use plastics
• One water station to quench your thirst sustainably
• A cup deposit and return scheme at festival bars
• Mindful Management
• Strict waste management and recycling guidelines for all traders
• No printed programmes ~ all information is available digitally
• A reduction in our carbon footprint with the introduction of new Festival logistical initiatives
• More eco-friendly energy sources
• Curtailing international participation by 60% to reduce overseas travel emissions.
