New book and exhibition to be launched next week to tell the story of the life of Derry's world-famous singer Josef Locke

A book about the life of famous Derry singer Josef Locke will be launched in the city next week. Derry Central Library will host the book and exhibition Launch of ‘Josef Locke: The People's Tenor' on Thursday, March 9, at 6.30pm. It will be launched by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock. 2017 marks the centenary of the birth of Josef Locke. To mark the milestone, author Nuala McAllister Hart is publishing a new and detailed biography, ‘Josef Locke: The People's Tenor’, which explores the myths and realities surrounding the man. The book, due for publication on March 1, is packed full of many previously unseen photographs, alongside family letters and other memorabilia and promises to lift the lid on the 'Locke myth'. There will be a ‘Josef Locke, evening of music and memories” on Thursday, March 23, the date of his birth, at 7pm, as part of the celebrations for 'The Locke Centenary'. The Josef Locke Centenary Exhibition comprising of photographs, programmes and memorabilia will also run in Derry Central Library until April 16. Admission to the exhibition is free.