Altan to headline vibrant evening programme at Foyle Maritime Festival
18 June 2026
Visitors are being encouraged to make a night of it at Foyle Maritime Festival next weekend, with an exciting programme of free live music, extended bar facilities, late-night markets and a welcoming riverside atmosphere designed to suite audiences of all ages.
Leading the evening entertainment line-up will be internationally acclaimed traditional Irish folk group Altan, whose headline performance is expected to draw music-lovers from across the region for a memorable night on the banks of the River Foyle.
Festival organisers are inviting people to embrace a ‘holiday at home’ experience with the city’s waterfront transformed into a vibrant destination where visitors can enjoy live music, food, drink and entertainment long into the summer evening.
Festival Co-ordinator at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Helena Hasson, said the team were really excited to see the quay transform into something magical next week.
“We are so excited to see things kick off next week – the programme is jam-packed from day to night with fantastic entertainment for all the family to enjoy. We’re delighted to bring back the original bar set up along the quay this year, which lends itself really well to creating that complete festival experience.
“Between the evening entertainment, the bar facilities and the late-night markets, people will really get that holiday atmosphere, and we cannot wait to experience it. We would encourage everyone to plan ahead, use public transport and enjoy this international festival while it is here on our doorstep.”
To compliment the festival’s popular artisan and food markets, extended bar licensing arrangements will add to the enjoyable festival experience with a full festival bar offering refreshments until 11pm.
Music lovers can enjoy big hits from Altan, as well as local musicians Reevah, We Love Sax, George Houston & Band as well as Portabello, Stevie and the G’s plus many more.
As night descends on the riverfront, our festival audience will be treated to an enchanted walk along the riverfront as ship sails catch their reflections on the water alongside those of giant water lilies, while a family of sea lions and gigantic whale watch over the trail. Entitled the ‘Sails of Solas’ the experience will run from dusk until dawn, Thursday until Saturday evening.
The festival will come to an end with a spectacular fireworks display on Sunday night at 11pm on the river. 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 Foyle Maritime Festival takes places from Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th June 2026 and is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council in close partnership with the Foyle Port and Loughs Agency, with funding from Tourism NI and Diageo.
For more information and to download the full programme, please visit www.foylemaritime.com or follow along on social media.