'Derry's own vision for Ebrington must be achieved with regularly scheduled events'

Local campaign group 'Your Ebrington' will hold its fourth rally in Ebrington Square this weekend.

It comes as local elected representatives meet with The Executive Office (TEO) to discuss reinstatement of events for 2024.

Speaking to Derry Now, a spokesperson for 'Your Ebrington' said, "We know all too well that there are a great many things sorely lacking in our beautiful city. The prime example being a bustling University, the graduate level jobs that come with it, the infrastructure to bring people to us, the nightlife that thousands of students attract and the dedication and vision that is required to see all that through.

"The one thing that we punch above our weight on already - events. In the next few weeks thousands of people will descend on Derry from all over Ireland, and further afield, to celebrate on our streets. And this has been the case for decades.

"More than 100,000 people turned out last year for the four day Halloween festival in this city which brings desperately needed revenue to local businesses and desperately needed smiles to local peoples faces for at least a few days of the year.

"So when we hear civil servants currently in charge of our governance tell us that our event offering will be less going forward, we rightly get angry. There isn't a lot to cheer about on a daily basis for many people in our city due to unemployment, underemployment, poverty, mental and physical ill health, addiction and high levels of suicide. But we still manage to plaster on a smile when required and enjoy ourselves when we can.

"We aren't asking for much. In fact, all we're asking for is that their own vision for Ebrington be achieved with regularly scheduled events in the Square. We don't want another Fort George with promises unfulfilled and space utilised for offices instead.

"We will continue to fight for this as long as people stand with us. We're gathering again this Saturday, October 7, at 2pm in Ebrington. We will have a little surprise for people this week mainly to thank them for their continued support for the issue and to remind them what we're doing it for. Everyone welcome."