‘Sure What’s the Problem?’ Relations Week 2011.

This year the theme being taken locally is “Sure What’s the Problem?” The events are organised by Derry City Council’s community relations team and by various community and voluntary sector organisations locally.

Mayor Colum Eastwood said: “This year’s Community Relations Week is bigger and better than before with something for everyone. I will be actively encouraging people to come along and attend the events that have been organised and help us to work together so that we can help build a future that is better for everyone.

“This year’s campaign is about making people really think about their perceptions and how we become so used to divisions in our society and accept them without challenging or questioning them.

“It is hoped that through the range of events taking place in the city over Community Relations Week that we will help make people aware of these issues and create a better understanding of them.

“Among the highlights are a series of family events and workshops as part of the Foyle Days Maritime festival taking place along the Queen’s Quay on 20 and 21 May – they include Chinese maritime workshops and performances by Different Drums.

“There will be football blitz events for school children, Irish and Ulster Scots traditional dancing and music performances, an international conference featuring representatives from cities emerging from conflict situations, a Community relations cultural quiz, a mystery tour, a series of fun days for families across the city and a range of exhibitions across a range of venues throughout the region.”

Council Community Relations Officer Sue Divin said she hoped the events will help to raise awareness of some of the issues facing local communities and some of the solutions that are in place to combat them.

“It’s an exciting week in the city and this year its even more action packed than before, there really is something for everyone and we are delighted to offer a range of events that highlight the real differences that organisations across the City Council area are making to society by promoting good relations and encouraging everyone to work together towards a better future,” she said.

Full details of what is happening in the Londonderry area are available on the Council website at www.derrycity.gov.uk/goodrelations.