Concert launches Derry City of Culture

Londonderry is gearing up for up for a major one-day music concert launching the build up to City of Culture 2013.

The free concert, which will take place next Thursday, will see top acts including Pixie Lott, Imelda May and Newton Faulkner, the critically acclaimed Guillemots and local rising stars Wonder Villains all perform, with appearances from Peace One Day ambassador Jude Law and Peace One Day founder Jeremy Gilley.

The concert will be the first major event to take place in the former army Ebrington Parade Ground, situated in the city's new cultural quarter and is the first event in the build up to Derry's City of Culture 2013.

Film producer and entrepreneur, Michael Hamlyn, has been a long-term fan of the city and its vibrant cultural life and as a benefactor has ensured that thousands will attend the event for free.

Entrance to the concert is by ticket only however, and tickets have all been snapped up.

The concert will mark the three-month countdown to Peace Day 2012, the largest ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence taking place on Friday 21 September.

Video statements from international figures including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, artist Yoko Ono and Chairperson of the African Union Jean Ping will be featured at the event and will culminate in a spectacular pyrotechnic display from a barge on the River Foyle.

The event also marks the start of 12 weeks of celebrations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, featuring leading artists from the UK and around the world.

The concert will add to the 10 million free UK-wide opportunities to get involved in the London 2012 Festival already announced.

Ruth Mackenzie, London 2012 Festival Director, said: "The Peace One Day Global Truce 2012 concert in Derry/Londonderry will be a spectacular opening for the London 2012 Festival in Northern Ireland, bringing together chart-topping and critically acclaimed acts with the best of local rising talent.

"It will mark the start of twelve weeks of cultural celebrations for this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games and highlight the key theme of how sport and culture can resolve conflict. We are really grateful that thousands of lucky people will now be able to join in the celebration for free."

Pixie Lott has said she is excited to be part of the lineup at Ebrington Square: "I have heard that Derry crowds are fantastic so I can't wait to get on stage and perform."

Guillemots said: "Ebrington Square is a fantastic venue for what will be a really special night and we have a great show planned. Derry, you are in for a real treat."