Maiden City Festival
Date: 2 August 2025 - 9 August 2025
Venue: The Siege Museum, 13 Society Street, Derry~Londonderry, BT48 6PJ
The Maiden City Festival - bringing the old city to life through music, dance, theatre and pageant.
Join us for the 27th Maiden City Festival, a week-long celebration of the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Witness the drama unfold as characters from the famous siege come to life on the city walls. Let the infectious rhythms of traditional pipe bands sweep you off your feet. Discover hidden stories in the hallowed walls of St Columb's Cathedral. And don't forget to dust off your dancing shoes for our unforgettable tea dances! With a packed program of events for all ages, there's never a dull moment.
See below some firm favourites returning this year:-
Ulster Highland Dance Championships | 2nd August | 9am-5pm | Memorial Hall | Admission £3
Come and enjoy a day of fierce competition as Highland Dancers compete for the crown of Ulster Champion
Siege Tales | 2nd & 4th-8th August | 10.30am-4.30pm | Grand Parade
Come and meet the people of the Siege, from heros such as Adam Murray and Govenor Walker to citizens such as the Grave Digger and Grocer's Daughter. Let them tell you their story along the City Walls between Bishop's Gate and First Derry Presbyterian Church.
Story of the Siege | 2nd & 4th-8th August | 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm | St Columb's Cathedral
This promenade performance lasts approx. 30mins and will tell you the story of the Siege from the closing of the gates to the eventual Relief of Derry.
Skirl of the Pipes | 2nd & 4th-8th August | 11am-3pm | Grand Parade
Enjoy highland dancing and bagpipe demonstrations on the hour.
Guns of the Siege | 2nd & 9th August | 12pm-5pm | Society Street Car Park
Enjoy demonstrations from crack gunners as they demonstrate the muskets and cannons that defended the city during the Siege
Siege Pageant | 9th August | 12pm | Carlisle Circus
Enjoy a traditional reenactment of the Siege before the commencement of the 336th Anniversary Parade of the Relief of Derry.
Enjoy this and so much more! Keep an eye on Maiden City Festival socials for further updates!