Other Voices festival's return to Derry 'a dream come true'

The founder and director of an internationally-acclaimed music festival has said its return to Londonderry is "a dream come true" and will help make the city "visible and audible" on the global music stage.

Other Voices, which is marking its 25th anniversary this year, is a two-day celebration of music, art and culture, with performances streamed globally online.

About 24,000 people are expected to attend events in person, generating an estimated £1.5m for the local economy.

This year's Other Voices line-up includes a mix of established artists and also emerging talent, with a strong focus on musicians from the north west. BRIT Award-winner Kate Nash is among the headline acts.

Other Voices founder Philip King said it is a "pure delight" to be coming back to Londonderry after more than a decade away.

"When we went to Derry 13 years ago as part of the UK City of Culture programme, it was a revelatory experience," he told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today.

"There was something magical about taking the Other Voices circus to Derry and getting such a welcome, such warmth, such hospitality and such fantastic music in the city and to come back is really a dream come true."

Londonderry was chosen as the UK's inaugural City of Culture back in 2013 and went on to host more than 140 events, including the prestigious Turner Prize and the Royal Ballet's first visit to Northern Ireland in 20 years.

King said this weekend's events mark the beginning of a three-year stint for Other Voices in Derry.

"We believe that if we can build on the legacy of 13 years ago, we can turn that into something really positive.

"Coming back to Derry, I guess it will make Derry audible and visible on a world stage, and we're thrilled to be able to do that."

Siânna Ní Laithbheartaigh is from the band Tramp, who have previously played at two Other Voices events in Cardigan, Wales, and Dingle, County Kerry.

Formed in 2020, the four-piece, whose members come from Donegal, Tyrone and Derry, describe their music as a mix of indie, rock, punk and folk.

They will perform at Derry's Playhouse on Saturday as part of Other Voices, as well as many others.

Siânna said it is significant for the band to perform on a platform with global reach.

"It can feel like there aren't many opportunities in Derry to perform as a band beyond an open mic night or a bar," the lead singer said.

"It is so valuable when you have something that has a reach beyond the island of Ireland.

"Promoting yourself as a band can be really difficult, so it's extremely helpful to have an established festival like Other Voices back you."

Performances will take place across two days in some of Derry's most popular spaces and venues, including St Columb's Hall, New Gate Arts and Culture Centre, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, the Nerve Centre and the Playhouse.

Donegal blues musician and singer-songwriter Muireann Bradley will perform, alongside Brògeal, Derry band The Marra, UK soul artist Debbie and Dublin group Basht will also take to the stage.

Dublin four-piece Bleech 9:3, whose music has been described as '90s-infused heavy alt-grunge, will also perform at the Nerve Centre, alongside Manchester-based quartet Westside Cowboy.

The wider Music Trail will feature almost 50 live performances across the city.

The St Columb's Hall performances will be streamed globally on the Other Voices YouTube channel, with the performances also filmed for television.

King believes there may have been missed opportunities following Derry's 2013 UK City of Culture year, particularly in terms of its legacy, but is hopeful for the future.

"I think there was a palpable sense of excitement that this was the beginning of something and, unfortunately, for whatever reason, that promise or that legacy did not materialise in as enriching a way as it could have.

"I felt in 2013 and 2014 there was something in the offing, and it wasn't realised. But I think there is also something in the offing now."