THE 2026 PROGRAMME
The Maiden City Festival 2026 Programme is available to download here.
Read more about our festival events below.
THE SIEGE TALES
Find characters from the city's past wandering the walls. Stop with each of them to hear their tale.
On the walls from Bishop's Gate to First Derry.
1st & 3rd - 7th August 2026 | 10.00am - 4.30pm
THE SIEGE STORY
Hear the story of The Siege through powerful monologues, set against the historic backdrop of St. Columb's Cathedral.
This is not a ticketed event, and is free to attend.
1st & 3rd - 7th August 2026 | 12pm, 2pm & 4pm
SKIRL OF THE PIPES
Hear the sound of the bagpipes echoing across the walls, as The Sollus Highland Dancers perform!
On the walls outside the Memorial Hall.
3rd - 7th August 2026 | 11.00am - 3.00pm
USA 250 CHARACTERS
Hear stories from the time of the American Declaration of Independence, through the eyes of characters who lived it.
Find them in Guildhall Square.
1st & 3rd - 7th August 2026 | 11.00am - 3.00pm
CULTURE BITES
Enjoy traditional music in cafe venues across the city centre.
3rd - 6th August 2026 | 12.00pm - 2.00pm
TEA DANCES
Come along and enjoy a trip to yester-year when The Mem was one of the hippest dance halls in the city! Relive the memories, enjoy and dance!
Location: The Memorial Hall
3rd - 6th August 2026 | 2.00pm - 4.00pm
GUNS OF THE SIEGE
Come and hear the cannon fired in real life, as well as hearing the history behind some Guns of The Siege.
In addition to the dates below, Guns of The Siege will also be happening on Saturday 18th & Saturday 25th July at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
1st & 7th August 2026 | 11am, 1pm & 3pm
THE SILENCE BETWEEN GUNS
Set during the American War of Independence, this new play explores the human stories hidden behind history's battle lines.
29th July, 8.00pm: New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | Book online or 02871265869
30th July, 8.00pm: Kilkeel Primary School | Please contact the Schomberg Society for ticket information
31st July, 7.30pm: Somme Hall, Newtownstewart | Please contact the Somme Hall for ticket information
OXFORD BULLS VS ABOD SELECT
Join us for the annual football match!
Location: MUGA Pitch, The Fountain
1st August 2026 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
COUNTRY GALA NIGHT
Gary Wilson presents an evening of country music with Hugo Duncan, John Rafferty, Curtis Magee and Country Harmony.
Location: The Memorial Hall
1st August 2026 | 8.30pm - 11.30pm
Tickets: £10 | Ticket Hotline: 07541281744
REUBEN AGNEW TRIO
The Reuben Agnew trio is a dynamic bluegrass group that blends traditional influences with their own distinctive style.
Location: New Gate Arts & Culture Centre
2nd August 2026 | 7.00pm | Book Tickets Here
ANNUAL QUIZ NIGHT
It's an annual tradition - the Maiden City Festival Quiz!
Google is strictly prohibited.
Location: The Memorial Hall
USA 250 LECTURE
An engaging and thought-provoking lecture exploring the links between North-West Ulster emigration and the foundations of American independence. Led by Dr. William Roulston.
Location: The Memorial Hall
4th August 2026 | 7.00pm - 8.00pm
BARRON ACCORDION BAND
Join us for some music from the Barron Accordian Band.
Location: The Memorial Hall
4th August 2026 | 8.00pm - 10.00pm
REFLECTIONS FROM THE EXODUS
A night of reflection through music, drama and visual representation, incorporating human stories and engagement from communities that were impacted,
Location: Tullyally, Newbuildings, Lincoln Courts & Nelson Drive.
4th August 2026 | 8.00pm - 10.00pm
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Come along and show off your talent! Everyone is welcome - singers, musicians, poets, storytellers, dancers... Admission is free.
Location: The Memorial Hall
5th August 2026 | Doors: 7.00pm, Show Starts: 8.00pm
250 YEARS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE: A CELEBRATION
A celebration, featuring the William King Memorial Flute Band and Churchill Band. Hosted by Norman Rosborough
Location: The Memorial Hall
6th August 2026 | 8.30pm - 10.30pm
Tickets: £7, Book: 07541281744
ELVIS TRIBUTE
Continue the party late into the night with Elvis impersonator, Alan Greer.
Location: The Memorial Hall
6th August 2026 | 10.30pm - late