One of Northern Ireland's most iconic landmarks, the Free Derry Wall in the Bogside, has been painted pink in preparation for the gay and lesbian Foyle Pride Festival next month.
The words "You Are Now Entering Free Derry" were first painted on the then gable end wall by local resident James Casey in January 1969 as a symbol of resistance against the then RUC and B-Specials.
Yesterday, members of the gay men's health promotion agency the Rainbow Project painted the wall pink in the run- up to the festival which starts on August 13th. Festival organiser David McCartney said the idea came from the 07 Féile committee, whose members include members of the wall's management committee.
"It is a very positive and visual gift from them to us. Some people may criticise it, but the wall has always been about civil rights and civil liberties. The theme of the festival is 'Free To Be Me' and people from all over Ireland will be attending it.
"The last time the festival was held in Derry, five years ago, there were 93 homophobic attacks in the city that year. This year there have been just two, which shows how the people of this city have changed their attitudes towards members of the gay community," he said.
Meanwhile, Jim Collins of the Féile 07 committee said the wall would be restored to its original white colour after the festival.
"We are aware of the sensitivities of people in relation to the wall, but it has been utilised for various messages for many years. It is a live monument, it's not static and it's used in a creative fashion to make it relevant to issues which are both thought provoking and at times controversial," he said.