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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

Amelia Earhart's landing in Derry to be remembered 90 years on with special festival

Next week will mark 90 years since Amelia Earhart touched down in a field at Ballyarnett in Derry.

The famous aviator took off from Newfoundland in Canada in a bid to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.

Ms Earhart originally had plans to land in Paris, but bad weather and technical problems altered her course and she landed in Derry.

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Local community group Shantallow Community Arts have organised a weekend long festival to mark one of the city's most unique and memorable moments.

The festival will run from May 20th to 22nd and will feature a wide range of events including an Aviation flypast, world premier of ‘Amelia’s Story’, Earhart Vintage Ball, Earhart Art Prize, and a fashion show among others.

Speaking at the launch of the festival, Mayor Graham Warke said: “I’m delighted to support The Amelia Earhart 90th Anniversary Arts Festival 2022 which will celebrate one of the most unique and memorable moments in our city’s local history.

"Amelia Earhart has a valued legacy in this area ever since that fateful day in 1932, and it’s only right that we mark this historic occasion. I am pleased to have played a part as Mayor in this festival and well done to Studio 2 and all the partners involved.

"I am really looking forward to all the amazing events that are planned.”

Ballyarnett councillor Sandra Duffy, who put a motion forward in 2021 asking for the council to appropriately mark the occasion, said it was "vitally important" that ties between the city and Ms Earhart were explored further.

The Sinn Fein councillor added: “The story of Amelia Earhart's epic journey is known throughout the world. I feel we need to recognise the huge visitor potential the Amelia Earhart legacy holds for our city and district.

"Promoting stronger links with the USA and building on them, be they tourist, educational or business can only be beneficial."

You can check out the full programme for The Amelia Earhart 90th Anniversary Arts Festival 2022 at HERE

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