Women from across the Bogside, Bishop Street, Brandywell and Fountain neighbourhood gathered with Féile on International Women’s Day to share their stories and recognise the inspirational women who make a real difference in our community every single day.
A group of formidable women from different backgrounds and generations came together to reflect on their journeys and speak about the activism and community work they have been involved in over the years.
The event was inspired by the memory of Roisin Barton, whose lifelong commitment to social justice, equality and compassion left a lasting mark on so many.
During the gathering, women spoke in groups about their own experiences, the projects they have been part of, and why they continue to stand up and work to make life better for others.
Féile would like to thank all the women who continue to make a difference in our community and across society and recognised the important role they play in helping to build a brighter future for everyone.
The event formed part of Féile’s Connect:Interact:Create Programme, funded by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund.
A new mural has been added to Creggan’s now-famous ‘outdoor gallery’ on Central Drive, completed by Féile in partnership with local street art collective Peaball.
The latest artwork features the traditional Irish Claddagh ring, representing love, friendship and loyalty, accompanied by two native birds.
It joins together two existing pieces completed in 2023 by acclaimed street artists Emic and Friz.
‘Derry Dryad’ was inspired by ‘Doire’ (the oak grove) and the tree spirits in Greek mythology, said to be protectors of trees and forests.
‘Younger Days’ features a young person walking in nature and draws inspiration from the poem ‘Blackberry Picking’ by Seamus Heaney.
Several new nature and environmental murals have also been completed in recent months with the creative help of local primary school children, sparking conversation in the community about Creggan’s wildlife and natural heritage.
Residents have spoken about the “transformation” of walls, electric generators and community and play facilities across the neighbourhood, with bright, modern artwork replacing unsightly graffiti.
The project forms part of Féile’s Graffiti on the Walls initiative, funded by the Executive Office’s Communities in Transition programme, which supports improvements to the physical landscape in Creggan and the Brandywell.
The Swingtime Starlets entertained a packed room of older people at New Gate Arts Centre with all the hits from the 40s, 50s and 60s.
‘Cabaret in the Day’ was the latest event in Féile’s Connect: Interact: Create programme, bringing together people from the Bogside, Bishop Street and Fountain areas.
It was a fantastic afternoon, with people up on their feet dancing to the classics while enjoying a lovely lunch provided by The Tasty Reel.
“I thought it was absolutely brilliant. The harmonies and the singing were fantastic. It was the best two hours I have had in a long time,” said one participant.
Another commented that it “was a lovely way to spend a Monday afternoon and a great way of bringing people from all communities together. We came in here as strangers – we’re leaving as friends.”
‘Cabaret in the Day’ was part of Féile’s Connect: Interact: Create project, supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund.
Electricity generators across Creggan have been transformed with stunning new nature-inspired artworks designed by young people from St John’s PS.
Féile Derry and local street artists Peaball worked with the children on ideas for colourful new designs, which are now completed at Iniscarn Road, Linsfort Drive and Greenwalk.
A spokesperson for Féile Derry said:
“We are delighted that the new nature-inspired artworks on electricity generators in Creggan are now completed and have given the area a new lease of life.
“Having spoken to residents, the clear view was that these generators, which are in prominent locations used by thousands of people every day, had become an eyesore due to unsightly graffiti.
“Féile worked with the wonderful children of St John’s PS and local street art collective Peaball to explore imaginative ways of mixing art and education, and using it to make a positive difference in their community.
“The young people carried out research on nature and the environment and helped shape the colours and words that make up these beautiful new artworks, which were completed by artists from Peaball using spray cans.
“Over the last three years, Féile has worked with some of Ireland’s leading artists to transform walls and spaces throughout the neighbourhood, creating world-class murals that promote street art as a force for good.
“These new artworks are the latest development in that work, and we look forward to the completion of more murals in the months ahead.”
This project is part of Féile’s Graffiti on the Walls initiative, funded through the Executive Office’s Communities in Transition programme, which supports improvements to the physical landscape in Creggan and the Brandywell.
Children at St John’s Primary School got a real insight into the world of work during an inspiring Careers Day organised as part of Féile’s Inspire project.
The event brought together a range of local role models, professionals, and former pupils who have gone on to build successful careers in fields such as nursing, firefighting, football coaching, art, community work, and filmmaking.
The young people were able to ask questions and hear first-hand about the journey from school to the careers these role models now enjoy – learning about the hard work, determination, and life choices that helped them get there.
Commenting on the event, Féile’s Ruairí Campbell said:
“We were delighted to host the Careers Day at St John’s PS. It really shows the impact of bringing positive, relatable role models into schools to speak to young people.
“Hearing directly from people who grew up locally and have built fulfilling careers helps children in the Creggan, Brandywell and surrounding areas to start exploring the paths that they could take.
“Féile would like to thank everyone who took part and shared their stories and the fantastic young people from St John’s PS for their curious and thought-provoking questions.
“Events like this give young people a real sense of the the talent and opportunity that exist right here in their community – and what they can achieve.
“Through our Inspire project, we’re focused on raising aspirations, building confidence, and supporting young people to make positive choices about their future.”
Amanda Murphy, Vice-Principal of St John’s Primary School added:
“It was an excellent event, really well organised from start to finish, and our children gained so much from the information sessions. They were engaged throughout, asking questions and clearly inspired by everything they heard.
“The role models were patient and kind, which made a real difference on the day. It was wonderful to see so many pupils leaving inspired and full of ideas and talking about their own futures and the opportunities that exist for them.
“The feedback from both the children and the teachers has been extremely positive. Teachers valued how the Careers Day gave pupils practical ideas about different jobs, particularly hearing from role models who live and work in our community. We are very grateful to Féile for making this possible.”
Careers Day is part of Féile’s Inspire project, which also includes literacy and numeracy support, careers advice, employment schemes, and programmes raising awareness of risk-taking behaviour, as well as support for parents and carers.
The project is delivered under Communities in Transition, funded by The Executive Office.
Role Models: Aisling Hutton (Community Health Worker), Seán Coyle (Filmmaker), Katie McLaughlin (Nurse), Michael Houston (Firefighter), Mo Mahon (Football Coach) and Jane Kalnberza (Artist)
Children from four local primary schools came together for a magical Christmas carol performance in front of a packed Main Hall at the Guildhall.
More than 60 children from Nazareth House Primary School, Fountain Primary School, Long Tower Primary School and St Eugene’s Primary School formed one big choir to perform festive favourites including Silent Night, Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells and more.
Féile’s Eibhlín Morrison said the event showed what can happen when young people come together at Christmas.
She said: “Our Christmas Wish was fantastic and it’s an absolute credit to the young people and their schools who put on such an amazing performance.
“It is an amazing glimpse of what is possible when young people from all communities come together, and to put on a show like that on the big stage is an incredible achievement.
“People walked away from the Guildhall with extremely high levels of Christmas spirit after the amazing songs and music from the very talented children.”
Féile would like to thank the schools for taking part, along with the children’s families, friends, school staff and the many members of the public who came along to support the performance and Deputy Mayor Alderman Niree McMorris for opening the event.
Our Christmas Wish is part of Féile’s Connect-Interact-Create project, supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund.
The entrances to Bishop’s Field have been brightened up with stunning new artworks celebrating Creggan’s ancient wildlife history.
The project was delivered by Féile in collaboration with local artist collective Peaball, with support from children at Holy Child PS.
As well as transforming the approach to one of the area’s main play and sports facilities, the murals have sparked people’s imaginations about what the neighbourhood might have looked like hundreds of years ago.
The artwork features striking portraits of two birds of prey believed to have lived in the area – the kestrel sparrowhawk and the peregrine falcon.
Commenting on the completed artwork, Féile’s Ruairí O’Connell said the new murals have helped transform the main gateway into Creggan.
He said: “Peaball has done an amazing job capturing a sense of how our neighbourhood looked when it was full of wildlife, nature, and different beautiful animals centuries ago.
“We’re delighted to have local primary school children at the heart of the design work and learning more about their community. More importantly, seeing their ideas brought to life will help them take real pride in where they live.
“Over recent years, these entrances had become an eyesore with unsightly graffiti. We’re pleased that they’ve now been totally transformed, and that the hundreds of people who pass by every day will see bright, welcoming art instead.
“This is the first in a series of projects Féile will be leading in the months ahead to improve the physical landscape of our neighbourhoods.”
Residents have welcomed the murals as a great addition to Creggan’s growing collection of vibrant street art. Here’s what they had to say:
“I think they look class, and they really lift the whole area. I live here and pass these entrances every day, and it now looks amazing.”
“They’re really good and people see this as a positive initiative. It’s something that was needed to change attitudes and send out a positive message about this area.”
“Absolutely beautiful. The artists have captured the wildlife in a way that really stands out. It’s very impressive.”
“It makes the area look a lot neater and cleaner. It makes people want to bring their children to the play park because it looks welcoming again.”
This project is part of Féile’s Graffiti on the Wallsinitiative, funded through the Executive Office’s Communities in Transition programme, which supports improvements to the physical landscape in Creggan and the Brandywell.
Young people from across the city are coming together to create two new murals – one celebrating poet and Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, and the other reflecting Derry’s vibrant culture and diversity.
A new street-art programme launched by Féile is now underway with young people taking part in hands-on workshops to research and design the murals alongside Derry street-art collective, Peaball, under the theme ‘Building Bridges’.
The project is delivered by Féile Derry, with support from PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Participants from youth clubs in Bishop Street, Newbuildings, Clooney, Irish Street, and Hillcrest will have the chance to work with Ireland’s leading street artists and explore unique mural art across the island.
Commenting on the project’s progress, Féile’s project co-ordinator Ruairi O’Connell said it’s a perfect example of young people leading the way to deliver positive change.
He said: “This project shows how creativity can bring communities together. Young people from across the city are learning new skills, working side by side, building relationships, and shaping the look of their neighbourhoods.
“The Seamus Heaney mural is especially powerful. His words celebrated hope and unity – now his image will stand in Bishop Street as a symbol connecting future generations with one of Ireland’s greatest cultural figures.
“The mural celebrating diversity reflects our city’s changing landscape and the vibrancy of its many cultures and traditions that make this place special and unique.
“Projects like this prove that when young people are given the opportunity to lead, art can transform spaces, spark conversations, and strengthen pride in the communities where they live.”
An art installation remembering children killed in Gaza will be launched as part of this year’s Awakening the Walls in the lead-up to Halloween in Derry.
But the Monster Came will be located at the New Life Garden at Nailors Row on 28, 29 and 30 October.
Since October 2023, an average of 28 children have been killed every day by Israel – the equivalent of an entire classroom of children lost daily in Gaza.
Féile Derry and Eden Place Arts Centre have created an installation of 28 empty school chairs, each one representing those young lives.
The artwork will also feature statements from Palestinian children about their experiences of life under military occupation and daily bombardment, voiced by students from Holy Child PS in Creggan.
This is inspired by the ongoing HeART of Gaza project, which began as an exchange of artwork between children in Gaza and Ireland, and has since expanded into an exhibition of Palestinian children’s art.
The exhibition provides a platform for the most vulnerable, the most voiceless, and the most impacted by violence to share the reality of enduring a genocide with the world.
Inspired by the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain, the artwork stands as a quiet remembrance to the thousands of children who have died over the last 24 months in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Féile Derry have kicked off a major new youth project aimed at helping young people reach their full potential.
The first event took place today at St Joseph’s Boys School, where students heard from Tony Doherty, Regional Coordinator of the Healthy Living Centre Alliance and Chair of the Bloody Sunday Trust.
A former student at St Joseph’s, Tony – who has written three memoirs, including This Man’s Wee Boy – spoke to the young people about his own journey and the role that education and community have played in his life and development.
The Raising Aspirations for Young People Programme will involve everything from numeracy and literacy support and careers advice to a Saturday jobs scheme, workshops on risk-taking behaviour, college and university visits, and family events to help young people plan for the future.
The programme is now being rolled out across Holy Child P.S., St John’s P.S., St Cecilia’s College and St Joseph’s Boys School.
The programme is funded by the Executive Office through the Communities in Transition initiative.
