THE programme for Limerick's reign as national City of Culture 2014 will be unveiled today by Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan.

The 20th anniversary world tour of Riverdance will form the centrepiece of the €6m programme which is hoped will result in a massive spin-off for the Limerick region.

Other highlights will include performances from James Galway and a film festival in honour of one of Limerick's most favourite sons, Richard Harris.

The unveiling of the programme has been long awaited since it was announced that Limerick would be the first designated national City of Culture in in July 2012.

Karl Wallace, artistic director, said recently: "We are producing an exciting programme which will be 60 per cent produced by cultural groups locally, there will be a huge offering of cultural activity and we are inviting people to come and see that from outside Limerick."

Street events will include performances by the UK’s leading contemporary circus company Nofit.

Riverdance, will kick off its 20th anniversary world tour at the University of Limerick Arena from January 16th-19th.

Acclaimed flautist James Galway will perform at the UL Concert Hall on June 21st and will be joined by the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra.

Cranberries musician Noel Hogan will participate in 'Pigtown Fling', which will tour the city in a bus.

Another highlight will be the Irish premiere of the sellout London show, Fuerza Burta.