A ‘Bright Brand New Day’ for Derry?

A truly united city may be the best legacy from Derry’s year as City of Culture. Michael McKernan reviews a successful year of events and celebrations in the Maiden City.

Historically, Derry/Londonderry has suffered more than most areas, from both the long term impacts of the ‘Troubles’ and from a sustained lack of investment due to its relative economic isolation within Northern Ireland.

The city still has one of the highest rates of unemployment in Northern Ireland and many districts of Derry could be defined as among the most socially deprived areas in the North if not in the whole of the UK. There has always been a widespread feeling among the local population that the city has been short-changed, when it came to the sharing out of infrastructure, roads, universities, railways and, importantly, Invest NI jobs.

Add to all that the deep community divisions within the city, symbolically represented by Catholics and Protestants living on different sides of the river, and there seems little prospect of anything much changing for the better, anytime soon.

Yet this could all be set to change.

Anyone who knows Derry will know that the ancient walled city enjoys a beautiful setting where the expansive river Foyle flows out to the sea; it is a place steeped in history and symbolism and it possesses a people who remain irrepressible in the face of adversity.

And there is no doubt that there is a palpable, growing, sense of optimism now gripping Derry/Londonderry and much of it relates to the ongoing 2013 cultural celebrations flowing from its status as the first UK city of Culture.

UK City of Culture

Back in July 2010 after an intense and energetic bid, Derry/Londonderry emerged as the winner of the competition to become the first UK City of Culture. The achievement united local politicians who had worked closely together on the bid, and won the full support of the wider community. What was proposed was a year-long celebration which would be rich and diverse and high-quality but which would also give a platform to the unique cultural qualities of the city itself and its hinterland.

At the same time, top of the agenda would be inclusiveness: the programme of events must reach all communities, including the most marginalised. An example of this approach was one unique proposal to give every single child in the city a musical instrument and an opportunity to learn to play it.

A huge amount of preparatory work was undertaken by the principal stakeholders in Derry/Londonderry in order to produce an ambitious cultural programme for the year. Equally importantly, work got under way to ensure that the city could actually physically accommodate all of the events and the big numbers of anticipated visitors.

A culture company was established to get on with the programming and by May 2012, it had produced the most comprehensive programme ever seen in Northern Ireland:

• concerts for all tastes;

• drama, new and old;

• a jazz festival, a film festival and a dance festival;

• poetry, literature, heritage events;

• music of all kinds; and

• visual arts exhibitions (including the hosting of the prestigious Turner Prize).

The city would also play host to the Radio One ‘Big Weekend’ and, for the first time ever, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann would come North – to Derry.

Urban regeneration

The big question now was: “Would the city be ready?” In preparation, the established regeneration agencies in the city (Derry City Council, Department for Social Development, OFMDFM and regeneration agency ILEX) had ensured that the new foot and cycle bridge across the Foyle was completed on time.

As well as providing a physical connection, the ‘Peace Bridge’ has come to symbolise a new beginning for the city with the two communities increasingly coming together. The bridge also connected the city centre with the regenerated Ebrington Barracks with its impressive parade ground – tailor-made for major outdoor events. A new indoor arena,‘The Venue’, was erected adjacent to Ebrington which could accommodate large indoor concerts.

Everywhere else in the city, the various agencies did their best to deliver improvements. This included:

• major public realm improvements in the city centre;

• restoration of significant historic buildings including Derry’s signature building, the Guildhall;

• initiatives to spruce up areas suffering from urban blight;

• improvements to transport provision including the railway and parking provision;

• fast-tracking of planning consents for tourism accommodation; and a cranking up of the Derry ‘Walled City’ signature project by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

All in all, a relative whirlwind of activity by governmental standards. Although at time of writing the Derry/Londonderry year of culture is just reaching its climax, it has already surpassed all expectations. In overall impact, in visitor numbers and in a growing sense of togetherness across the city, it has surprised even its most ardent supporters. It is estimated, for example, that upwards of 400,000 people attended the Fleadh in August just past, and that thousands more than expected have turned out for some of the flagship outdoor events such as the ‘Return of Columbanus’. Many of the programmed events, including the ‘Sons and Daughters’ gala concert which kicked off the year of celebration have sold out well in advance.

Bringing Derry/Londonderry together

The success of the City of Culture in Derry/Londonderry and the spirit of celebration and optimism that has now gripped the city raises the obvious question: “Why can’t it be like this all the time? Or at least more of the time?” There is the feeling that the city is finally getting the recognition it deserves for its many attributes, not least the talent, creativity and generosity of its people. It is a good feeling and people do not want it to go away.

In the aftermath of major events there is much talk about ‘legacy’. Normally, this means the productive future use of the assets like buildings and facilities and the prolongation of the benefits of the enhanced branding that may have accompanied the event. But in Derry/Londonderry there is, in addition, a much bigger prize to grasp.

There is a chance that for the very first time Derry/Londonderry, despite its historic political, religious and cultural divisions, could come together as one city. This is not just wishful thinking. It is remarkable that while parts of Belfast were in flames over parades disputes this summer, the often controversial Apprentice Boys’ parades round Derry’s walls passed off without any trouble.

It is clear that in Derry, dialogue engagement and compromise has replaced confrontation and stand-off. People from different sides are making room for each other and they are beginning to show the rest of Northern Ireland the way. They also have an economic regeneration plan, the ‘One Plan’, which has painstakingly won the endorsement of all leaders and communities across the city

So there is little doubt that the various elements are in place. If the people of Derry/Londonderry truly come together, for the first time, they will have the ability to generate a new era of peace and prosperity in their city and beyond. Derry’s ‘Bright Brand New Day’ may be just around the