Highland dancers join Maiden City Festival

Erin has long brown hair. She is smiling with hair tied back. She is wearing a navy dancer outfit and is standing beside Derry's historic walls.

Erin from Isle of Harris in Scotland is one of the dancers taking part in the Maiden City Festival event

Keiron Tourish
BBC News NI north west reporter

Highland dancers from Scotland have been performing on the historic city walls in Londonderry as part of the annual Maiden City Festival.

It features a host of cultural events leading up to the main Apprentice Boys demonstration this weekend.

For the first time, a group of dancers travelled from the Isle of Harris in Scotland to take part in the competition.

Organiser Georgina Kee-McCarter, from the Sollus Highland Dance group, said the event was about much more than just dancing.

Georgina Kee-McCarter has short blonde hair and is wearing a black hooded coat. She is standing beside Derry's historic walls and cars parked on the street.

Competition organiser Georgina Kee-McCarter is from Sollus Highland Dance group

"We're extra excited this year as we've been joined by another dance school from the Isle of Harris and Lewis, which is way up at the top of Scotland," she said.

"They've brought their dancers here to compete alongside our girls.

"They've had little pen pals, they've been sending letters back and forth, and today they're performing together on these city walls.

"It's about real friendships, real connections -and these kids had never met each other before this week."

A number of dancers in colourful costumes. They are all lined up in rows and are standing, some with their hand on their hips, on Derry's Walls

A number of dancers in colourful costume danced on Derry's historic walls

Visitors to the festival can also enjoy historical re-enactments, with actors in period costume sharing stories and yarns from the time of the Siege of Derry.

Festival director Jonathan Burgess said many visitors considered this a highlight of their trip to the city.

"The walls are still very underutilised," he said.

"We think that's probably a legacy of The Troubles.

"You don't get a lot of people up on them, but during this week, we've seen increasing numbers over the years.

"A lot of tourists are coming, especially from overseas and, of course, from down south [of the island] as well."

William Walker is smiling and wearing glasses. He is wearing a red collarette and a grey suit with a red tie.

The Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Walker, says it is a wonderful week that celebrates the story of the Siege of Derry

The Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, William Walker, said it was a wonderful week that celebrates the story of the Siege of Derry, while also offering tea dances, workshops and musical performances.

"I think it's very important that everybody learns the history of why the Apprentice Boys are here," he said.

"It's not just about flags, drums, and bands.

"It's about the significance of what the brave 13 did — what the people endured during the 105 days of the siege."

Jonathan Burgess is in a black hoodie and wearing glasses. He has short hair and is standing behind a white board with information and historical figures on it.

Festival director Jonathan Burgess says it is wonderful to see so many tourists enjoying the programme of events

For some of the young dancers, it's also a chance to build lasting friendships.

"I liked meeting all the dancers and forming new friendships and just seeing all the culture around here," said Eilidh.

Her friend Erin, also from Harris, added: "It's been really good making new friends.

"It's been really fun and I've enjoyed all of it - every bit."

Eight-year-olds Piper and Jamie, who became pen pals before the event, are now close friends.

"We're very excited to meet each other and dance together," said Piper.

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