A conference is to take place in L'Derry this week that will consult on how the city can maximise the long-term potential of the UK City of Culture status.

The Legacy Conference will be held on Friday 05 July at the City Hotel and will reflect on the first six months of the City of Culture and how the city has benefited from the accolade.

Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly will be in attendance along with the Chairman of the Culture Company, Martin Bradley.

Derry City Council’s Chief Executive and Town Clerk, Sharon O’Connor, Sir Kenneth Robinson and the BBC’s Peter Johnson will be speaking at the event.

Mayor Reilly said: "This conference is open to anyone and we are really keen to extend an invitation out to the wider public to anyone who is interested in having their say on what they want to see as part of the legacy for City of Culture. This is our city and our once in a lifetime chance to benefit from this fantastic opportunity but we need the support of the local community to ensure we reap the benefits fully and have a legacy that will benefit future generations."

Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy with Derry City Council, added: "We are really keen to hear from all stakeholders on what they want to see for Derry~Londonderry after 2013. We want to get your feedback, to hear about your experiences of the City of Culture year, what you think worked well and what you would like to see in 2014 and beyond. All the information will be collated as part of our final legacy plan which we hope to present in October 2013."

(IT/CD)