Féile Derry

A panel of speakers from Unionist and Loyalist backgrounds will take part in a public discussion tonight at the Northwest Learning Disability Centre on Foyle Road, as part of Féile 2025.

The event, which begins at 7pm, will explore whether a conversation on constitutional change is happening within Unionist and Loyalist communities and if so, who is taking part in it?

David Adams, commentator and former loyalist politician, joins political commentator, podcaster and ex-DUP special advisor Tim Cairns, community practitioner Ruth Moore, and Derek Moore, a long-time activist based in the Fountain area. Writer Claire Mitchell will also contribute.

The discussion will be hosted by Catherine Pollock.

The event is part of Féile’s debates and discussions programme, which looks at key issues shaping today’s society, including the future of Ireland.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

Creggan and the Brandywell will come alive on Friday 15 August as two spectacular processions, organised by Féile, will take place simultaneously at 9pm throughout the neighbourhoods. 

Both events are positive celebrations of everything that’s great about the Creggan, Brandywell, and Bogside areas.

Over recent days, residents, young people, and sporting organisations have been working hard in preparation for the processions, which are set to bring hundreds of people together at dusk.

Lúnasa will burn bright in the heart of Creggan in a festival inspired by traditional celebrations, combining sport, music, carnival, and fire for all ages to enjoy.

This year’s festival draws inspiration from the ancient Irish myth The Cattle Raid of Cooley, in which Cú Chulainn – Ireland’s legendary hero – defends his land against an invading Connacht army led by the warrior Queen Meadhbh, determined to seize Ulster’s prized bull.

The thrilling procession will set off from St Mary’s Youth Club, featuring community and sporting groups, alongside two life-sized willow bull sculptures, created by the community working with acclaimed artist Brendan Farren.

The procession will end at Greenwalk, which will come alive with music and a dramatic retelling of The Cattle Raid of Cooley, culminating in a fire finale where one of the willow bulls meets its fiery end.

Solas Dhoire – or Light of Derry – will be a procession of light, celebrating everything that makes the Bogside and Brandywell neighbourhoods so special.

The community is invited to gather outside Longtower Chapel from 8.30pm, ready to begin a lantern-lit journey of light towards the Brandywell.

The procession will see local groups, sports teams, organisations, and residents carrying lanterns, candles, and symbols that celebrate this wonderful neighbourhood.

Along the way, we will reflect on the history of the area, honour the contributions of its many talented figures, finishing with music at the Grotto on Lecky Road.

Both processions will mark the conclusion of Féile’s packed day of family celebrations on Friday 15 August, which begins at 4pm with Wan Big Street Party at Central Drive, featuring amusements, music, inflatables, and more.

A mega fun day will also take place at the Gasyard Centre, with bouncy castles, amusements, arts and crafts, and live music starting from 4pm.

At John ‘Ugg’ Clifford Bull Park from 6pm, Lift Off! will wow audiences with a thunder action stunt show, circus performances, football challenges, and more.

We are really excited about this fantastic programme of events which bring hundreds of families together in a positive community celebration.

Funded by The Executive Office, Derry City & Strabane District Council and Department of Foreign Affairs.

Renowned Irish traditional musician Martin Hayes made a surprise visit to the Bogside today, performing a few tunes in the garden for long-time community activist Mary Nelis ahead of her milestone birthday later this month.

The intimate performance came just hours before his sold-out headline show at Derry’s iconic St. Columb’s Hall as part of Féile 2025.

Mary, a proud Bogside resident, is a founding member of Féile and for her decades has worked tirelessly to better the lives of everyone in the community through leading countless campaigns and initiatives.

Hayes, celebrated globally for his mastery of the fiddle, played a short set in the sunshine over a cup of tea at Mary’s home today.

Speaking after the performance, a spokesperson for Féile commented:

“We were absolutely delighted to bring one of Ireland’s greatest musicians to Mary’s home today as she prepares to celebrate a big birthday.

“Mary has been central to the success of Féile since day one and to the continued growth and regeneration of our community. This was a small way to honour her incredible and extraordinary contribution.

“Lá breithe sona duit, Mary. We hope she enjoyed every note.”

Watch the full video of the visit here:

https://fb.watch/BoytJQcRms/

A vibrant new outdoor exhibition by the Creggan Artists is now on display at John ‘Ugg’ Clifford Bull Park, featuring 60 original paintings by local artists.

The display showcases a rich mix of watercolour, acrylic, and oil works from artists including Jimmy Roberts, Sadie Harrigan, Súin, Andy Doherty, Celine Taylor, Rose O’Hagan, Richard Bradley, Catherine Doherty, Marcella Page, and Veronica Holmes.

The Creggan Artists meet every Friday at the Old Library Trust in Creggan, offering people – especially older residents – a chance to connect, chat over tea, and enjoy painting together.

Féile is proud to help bring this fantastic artwork into the heart of the community.

The exhibition will be on display on the fence at Pilot’s Row throughout Féile 2025, and residents are encouraged to come along and enjoy the work.

A major new artwork has been erected in Derry, made up of thousands of kites in the colours of the Palestinian flag – each one representing a child killed in Gaza.

‘A Kite for Every Child Killed in Gaza’, now on display at Fahan Street in the Bogside, is the result of a collaboration between residents, community organisations, young people, and sporting groups. Together, they’ve created a striking art piece composed of thousands of individual kites.

In recent days, dozens of people from across the neighbourhood and the wider city have come together to help prepare the installation.

Since late 2023, over 20,000 children have been killed in the besieged Gaza Strip by Israeli forces. Thousands more have been displaced, with homes and entire cities destroyed by airstrikes.

In 2011, the children of Gaza broke the world record for the largest number of kites flown simultaneously. On the coast of Gaza, 12,350 children filled the sky with messages of hope.

This artwork is a message of solidarity from the people of Derry to the children of Gaza and the West Bank: we stand with you – for peace, justice, and freedom.

Ceasefire now.

The artwork is a collaboration between Féile Derry, OLT HLC, and SureStart Edenballymore.

Excitement is building across the neighbourhood and beyond as Féile 2025 officially kicks off in Derry – and it’s back, bigger than ever, with over 150 events taking place over ten days.

Over 20,000 people are expected to attend what is the largest community and cultural festival in the north west’s summer calendar.

Féile is a positive celebration of everything that’s great about our communities and the people who live in them.

This year’s programme includes some of Ireland’s greatest musical talent, award-winning films, headline discussions, big family fun days, sport, and exhibitions – with tickets for many events already sold out.

One of Ireland’s best traditional musicians, Martin Hayes, local homegrown superstar SOAK, and rising talent Piaras Ó Lorcáin will headline our music line-up, alongside a special Gathering of emerging local and national talent at Sandinos.

Community spirit will be high in the Bogside, Brandywell and Creggan on Friday 15 August, as residents will come together for two processions at dusk led by sports groups, and youth and community organisations.

Solas will illuminate the Brandywell neighbourhood with a procession of light – a colourful parade through the streets that shines a spotlight on the people and talent that have defined this proud area for generations.

Lúnasa will burn bright in the heart of Creggan, in a festival inspired by traditional celebrations, combining music and carnival. It will be a fiery spectacle like no other.

Both events are about the community coming together for a positive celebration of everything that defines our neighbourhoods – what makes them special, and what makes them great places to live, work, play and visit.

The Greatest Show will be popping up at parks and green spaces across the area as part of our biggest offering yet of community gatherings – with a jam-packed calendar of family fun days and social events for all ages.

Our debates and discussions programme will tackle the key topics facing society today – including the ongoing situation in Gaza, anti-racism and constitutional change and a headline conversation with award-winning former BBC journalist Peter Taylor in conversation with Raymond McCartney. 

Dr Nick Maynard, a surgeon working on the frontline providing life-saving care to people living under Israeli bombardment in Gaza, will open this year’s Féile with a discussion at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin tonight. 

We can’t wait to welcome thousands of people to the neighbourhood once again – to take part in Féile, to showcase our incredible local talent, and to deliver an exciting festival for everyone to enjoy.

Féile 2025 would not be possible without the support of our funders – including The Executive Office, Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs – and the collaboration of the many groups, initiatives, volunteers and residents who have come together to shape this programme of events.