Sails of Solas: Londonderry’s waterfront to glow after dark as Tall Ships become a giant light show

Derry’s iconic waterfront will be transformed into a spectacular illuminated riverscape this month as a brand-new night-time attraction brings glowing Tall Ships, maritime legends and artistic light installations to the banks of the River Foyle.

Visitors to the 2026 Foyle Maritime Festival will be able to experience Sails of Solas, a striking after-hours spectacle that will see the festival’s Tall Ships bathed in light from 10pm until 3am across three nights.

The new addition to the festival programme promises to offer a completely different perspective on one of the north west’s biggest events, turning the sleeping vessels into a dramatic artwork of colour, reflections and maritime storytelling.

Tall Ships transformed into floating works of art

Facilitated by Visual Spectrum and Wonderlights, the display will see illuminated masts, glowing figures and floating floral installations cast reflections across the River Foyle, creating a tranquil night-time experience along the quay.

Festival organisers say the installation is designed to celebrate both the grandeur of the visiting Tall Ships and Derry’s rich maritime heritage, inviting visitors to imagine a time when the city’s docks were filled with working vessels from around the world.

Alongside the illuminated ships, visitors can expect a number of imaginative installations from Wonderlights, including a family of sea lions and the ghostly figure of Dopey Dick, adding a touch of maritime folklore to the experience.

A new dimension to the festival experience

The after-dark attraction is one of the newest elements of this year’s Foyle Maritime Festival and organisers believe it will offer a memorable experience for both residents and visitors.

Events Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said the council was delighted to introduce the concept.

“We are really pleased to add this wonderful new concept to the festival’s programme and give visitors the opportunity to see the River Foyle lit up so beautifully in an incredibly unique experience.

“This will be something really special to witness and I would encourage anyone who is around at that time, to take a walk along the Quay and enjoy the tranquil and serene atmosphere as the lights fall along the riverfront.”

Where and when to see Sails of Solas

The installation will run across three consecutive nights:

• Thursday 25 June 2026

• Friday 26 June 2026

• Saturday 27 June 2026

Lights will be on display from 10pm until 3am each night.

The illuminated route will stretch from the Council Offices along the Quay towards Sainsbury’s, taking in the North Pontoon, South Pontoon and The Dock.

Organisers expect the extended viewing hours to allow visitors to enjoy the experience at a more relaxed pace after the daytime festival programme has concluded.

Festival set to draw thousands to the city

The Foyle Maritime Festival will run from Thursday 25 June to Sunday 28 June 2026, bringing Tall Ships, family entertainment, maritime attractions and cultural events to the city over four days.

The festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with Foyle Port and the Loughs Agency, with funding support from Tourism NI and Diageo.

With the return of the Tall Ships already expected to attract significant crowds, organisers believe Sails of Solas will add a striking new dimension to the festival experience, ensuring the spectacle continues long after sunset and offering visitors one of the most visually memorable moments of the entire event.