A killer whale who swam into Derry 45 years ago is set to be celebrated at this year's Maritime Festival.
The whale - which came up the River Foyle in 1977 in pursuit of salmon - was nicknamed "Dopey Dick" by the locals. In 2016, experts discovered that at the age of (at least) 58 the famous whale was still living off the west coast of Scotland.
Derry City and Strabane District councillors were told at a meeting last week that the Maritime Festival, which returns on July 20 for five days, will focus on the natural beauty of our oceans, rivers and lakes, in a celebration and awareness of our underwater world. The internationally acclaimed Foyle Maritime Festival makes its highly anticipated return to the banks of the River Foyle next month, alongside the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet.
READ MORE: New mural of Derry City legend James McClean unveiled
The story of Dopey Dick will reappear to 'spread a very important message', local elected reps were told. Meanwhile, a giant shark's mouth, titled ‘Walk Through Arco’ will make an appearance, while visitors will also be able to gather and watch 'Hakim the ancient Sea Turtle' while it takes a stroll along the river-front.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the festival, with the landmark event set to take place from 20 - 24 July 2022 following a three-year hiatus. Visitors from across the world will descend on Ireland’s only Walled City for a programme packed with entertainment, activities, and interactive events.
The theme for this year’s festival is 'What Lies Beneath', which focuses on the natural beauty of our oceans, rivers and lakes, and the responsibility we have to protect this aquatic wonderland by shining a light on critical environmental issues and the impact of climate change. The festival itself will feature spectacular large-scale props including an 18-metre-long whale, illuminated jellyfish, and giant sea urchins. Punters can also look forward to an awe-inspiring display of light, sound, and performance, as well as a thrilling explosion of fireworks across the River Foyle.
The Queen’s Quay will be transformed into a hub of maritime magic, with various water activities, boat tours, food trails, workshops and live music planned for the influx of excited visitors. Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Heaney shared his delight that the whale's story would make a return.
He said: “As someone who is old enough to remember watching the original from the roof of Nazareth House Primary School, I look forward to seeing that attraction and what he has to say.”
SDLP Councillor Rory Farrell added: "I can confidently say that my experience of the Maritime Festival and Halloween have been second to none. They are fantastic showcases for the city and district so it’s great to see the Clipper Race is going to be here in five weeks time. [And] like Councillor Heaney, I’m looking forward to seeing the return of Dopey Dick, Derry’s favourite whale!
“The buzz, the excitement, the atmosphere, the spectacle, it’s quintessential Derry. Something we haven’t seen before is Arco and his mouth so I’m looking forward to walking through that and I’m looking forward to seeing Hakim the ancient sea turtle.”
READ NEXT:
- NI city to be reimagined with outdoor seating, road closures and dining areas
- New mural of Derry City legend James McClean unveiled
- Charity gets funding to help 'transform' people recovering from addiction
- Multi-million redevelopment of NI college campus marks completion
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
