Londonderry plans to build six new hotels, upgrade its rail services and revamp cultural venues in preparation for becoming a City of Culture in 2013.
It has unveiled a programme of events throughout the year, including a music and dance festival, contemporary visual art events, theatre productions, and a comedy festival.
The city will also host the Turner Prize, The Stirling Awards and is on course to hold both WOMAD (World of Music and Dance) and FLEADH, Ireland’s biggest Irish and Celtic music festival.
Martin Bradley, chair for the City of Culture, said: "It will tell a new story and completely regenerate the city. We can celebrate the history and give young people a whole new outlook."
He reassured visitors about the safety of the city following an incident last month when a bomb was left outside the City of Culture offices. It followed a similar attack on the offices in January.
"Unfortunately there was one small incident, but because events are so seldom here they make the headlines," he said.
"It is an extremely safe city. We have a very low crime rate compared to other UK cities."
by Emma Russell
