This year was great; let’s kick on in 2014: Mayor

Mayor Martin Reilly, has used his Christmas message to hail UK City of Culture 2013 for bringing a new air of confidence to Londonderry and promoting the city to an international audience whilst acknowledging we’ve always done ‘culture’ right anyway.

The Mayor said his favourite event was Music City, during which he floated over his city in a hot air balloon at dawn on the summer solstice.

He said: “The City of Culture title has brought a new air of confidence and pride to the people of this city, filling us with a great sense of achievement and giving us all new hope for the future .

“A tremendous amount of work and effort has gone into making 2013 the huge success that it is and I would like to acknowledge the role everyone has played in contributing to that success.”

The Mayor said “over £100m has been invested in capital infrastructure in the run up to the City of Culture year with the transformation of Ebrington, the restoration of the Guildhall and the new lighting strategy and the recent investment to regenerate the Brandywell Stadium to name but a few.”

He added: “There are plans afoot for a new multi-purpose arena at St Columb’s Park and, following the increased demand for accommodation, there are two planning applications for new city centre hotels. One of the most exciting legacy plans is the new national storytelling centre and maritime museum planned for 2016.”

He flagged up the Return of Colmcille Pageant, the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, Lumiere and the Turner Prize as key events but said Music City was a personal favourite “when I had the