21st March 2025
Some very special guests visited us on Thursday 20 March 2025 - Their Majesties, King Charles and Queen Camilla!
We were delighted to meet Their Majesties who were welcomed by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tanya Stirling and Deputy Lieutenant Mr Ross Wilson BEM and then greeted by Pat Mulvenna, Director of Leisure and Development and Desima Connolly, Arts Service Development Manager.
Escorted inside the Arts Centre, Desima introduced their Majesties to four of our most talented creatives in the borough.
Renowned Ceramicist Adam Frew and Willow Artist Louise McLean both demonstrated their creative skills with Adam hand painting some of his acclaimed pottery, while Louise showcased the making of straw bee keeping skeps.
Their Majesties then met with photographer Cathal McNaughton who was previously awarded Royal Photographer of the Year and the Pulitzer Prize for Photography. While glass artist Andrea Spencer, recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust Award in 2022 also showcased her outstanding creations.
The visit to Roe Valley Arts Centre continued as the young winners of the John Steinbeck book cover exhibition were introduced to The King and Queen by Council’s Head of Community and Culture Julie Welsh alongside Steinbeck Festival Director Douglas Bartlett.
Over 20 pupils from local schools currently have their winning designs displayed in the foyer of the Arts Centre and the children and teachers were delighted to meet The King and Queen and chat to them about their winning designs.
As Their Majesties departed, the Conductology Orchestra prepared to play the Londonderry Air in Drumceatt Square.
A fabulous day for the Arts Centre and for Limavady Town!
