The Féile Blog
16th August 2023
‘Be Yourself?’ Premiere Photos 
On the 16th August in the Nerve Centre, Féile screened a premiere of ‘Be Yourself’, a film by Féile which follows Dee McLaughlin, a youth worker from Creggan, as he meets with a range of members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Derry to share stories about the issues they have faced in the past, those they face today and their hopes for the future.
Thank you to everyone who came along on the night or helped with the film!
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
5th September 2023
From the 12th – 19th August 2023, Féile returned for its 31st year with a packed programme including music, literature, film, sport, history, comedy, art, carnival, fun days, health, discussions, tours and events and programmes for children, young people and older people. What began as a one day festival in 1993 has since grown into the biggest community arts festival in the North West, attracting over 20,000 people annually to the programme of events.
Féile 2023 would not have been possible without the support of our funders at The Executive Office, (Urban Villages & Communities In Transition), Department of Foreign Affairs and the collaboration of our many partners, groups, initiatives, volunteers and residents from throughout the Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan, Bishop Street and Fountain areas who came together to shape and manage this year’s programme of events!
30th June 2023
Great feature on BBC Newsline tonight on Féile Derry Graffiti On The Walls initiative on Central Drive in Creggan featuring contributions from Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit, St Cecilia’s College, Derry, St Joseph’s Boys’ School and the ladies from Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership!
28th June 2023
Tonight, a new photographic exhibition, Juvenilia, will open on Fanad Drive, Creggan as part of Féile Derry‘s Graffiti On The Walls initiative.
Award winning photographer Megan Doherty worked with a group of young women from Stmarys Youthclub, Creggan and Long Tower YC, Brandywell to produce a new exhibition ‘Juvenilia (works produced by an artist while young), documenting shared experiences between members of both these groups. The work explores adolescence, friendship, community and girlhood, captured through the lens of the observer, as well as the intimate and unique point of view of the girls themselves who created the work.
A Communities In Transition Project funded by The Executive Office.
27th June 2023
Central Drive in Creggan is turning into an outdoor gallery as part of Féile Derry‘s Graffiti On The Walls project.
The latest exhibition ‘Palette of Promise’ opened today at Creggan Library and features stunning artworks by emerging artists from St Cecilia’s College, Derry and St Joseph’s Boys’ School.
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
26th June 2023
As part of Féile’s Graffiti On The Walls project, a number of new art exhibitions will be erected on Central Drive in Creggan.
Students from Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit have produced a beautiful exhibition which is now open for viewing on Central Drive. Children were asked to create artworks on what they love about Holy Child & Creggan and their hopes for the future.
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
23rd June 2023
In spite of the rain today, we are making more progress on the new artworks at Creggan’s shops as part of Féile’s Graffiti On The Walls project!
Keep an eye on our page for updates with Peaball.
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
21st June 2023
Féile’s Graffiti On The Walls project has been continuing on Central Drive with students from Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit working on a new artwork across from the school entrance. Keep an eye on our page for updates!
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
20th June 2023
Something is happening at the Creggan Shops as part of Féile Derry‘s Graffiti On The Walls project with Peaball!
19th June 2023
Tonight, Creggan’s finest, James McClean, will become only the 7th Irish man in history to play 100 times for his country when he captains Ireland against Gibraltar. What an achievement!
Congratulations James!
16th June 2023
Street Art Workshop 
Today pupils from St Joseph’s Boys’ School were putting their skills to good use in another street art workshop with Peaball
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
15th June 2023
Street Art Workshop
Pupils from Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit were outside on another beautiful day taking part in a street art workshop with Peaball showing off their skills!
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
13th June 2023
Follow the progress of street artist Emic working on his mural for Féile’s ‘Graffiti On The Walls’ project. “Younger Days” sits on Central Drive in Creggan! 
The artwork features a young person walking in nature. The figure blends together with the foliage to represent growth with birds taking off into the sky to represent achievement. The dusky colours are intended to be warm and peaceful.
The mural took inspiration from the poem ‘Blackberry Picking’ by Seamus Heaney, which is a nostalgic look back at his lost youth and growing up.
A Communities In Transition project by The Executive Office.
12th June 2023
Students and teachers from Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit took part in an outdoor art class today on Central Drive, where they drew their own versions of the new murals by Emic and Friz. A great way to spend a Monday morning.
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
9th June 2023
Follow the progress of visual artist Friz working on the latest mural in Féile’s ‘Graffiti On The Walls’ project. “The Derry Dryad” sits on Central Drive in Creggan! 
Dryads were tree spirits in Irish and Greek mythology and were said to be the protectors of the trees and the forests. The mural is inspired by Doire (oak grove) and the sacred position that the oak tree held for Ireland’s ancestors.
A Communities In Transition Project funded by The Executive Office.
6th June 2023
Féile’s ‘Graffiti On The Walls’ project continues with the latest completed mural, The Dryad by Friz, finished today on Central Drive in Creggan!
Dryads were tree spirits in Irish and Greek mythology and were said to be the protectors of the trees and the forests. The mural is inspired by Doire (oak grove) and the sacred position that the oak tree held for Ireland’s ancestors.
A Communities In Transition Project funded by The Executive Office.
5th June 2023
Ireland and Fulham centre half, Shane Duffy, was in Creggan today checking out the progress on the new Friz mural on Central Drive for Féile Derry!
2nd June 2023
Féile’s Bealtaine film is now available to watch online!
1st June 2023
TOMORROW, FRIDAY 2ND JUNE AT 7PM
BEALTAINE – ONLINE FILM PREMIERE 
As part of Féile’s Communities In Transition project, Féile worked with schools, sports clubs, youth clubs and community organisations across Creggan to produce Bealtaine, a new cultural festival for the area.
Tomorrow night at 7PM, we premiere a new film which captures the build up to the event and the magic that happened on the streets of Creggan on Wednesday May 3rd!
Tune in here or on our YouTube channel to watch! 
A Communities In Transition Project funded by The Executive office.
30th May 2023
‘Younger Days’ by Emic, Central Drive, Creggan.
Féile’s ‘Graffiti On The Walls’ project is back for 2023, and the first artwork has just been completed!
The artwork, ‘Younger Days’ by Emic, has just been completed on Central Drive, Creggan.
The artwork features a young person walking in nature. The figure blends together with the foliage to represent growth with birds taking off into the sky to represent achievement. The dusky colours are intended to be warm and peaceful.
The mural took inspiration from the poem ‘Blackberry Picking’ by Seamus Heaney, which is a nostalgic look back at his lost youth and growing up.
A Communities In Transition project by The Executive Office.
25th May 2023
Féile’s “Graffiti on The Walls” initiative is back for 2023! More progress on a new mural for Central Drive in Creggan today. A Communities In Transition project supported by
24th May 2023
Something is happening on Central Drive in Creggan. 👀
Féile’s Graffiti on The Walls initiative is back for 2023!
11th May 2023
Over the last number of weeks, young women from Long Tower YC and Stmarys Youthclub have been working with the acclaimed photographer Megan Doherty. Together, they will produce a photographic exhibition documenting young women in the Brandywell and Creggan neighbourhoods which we can’t wait to see!
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
5th May 2023
On Wednesday morning at 9am, we got a phone call to tell us that there was rain and high winds forecast for our Bealtaine event that was due to take place on Thursday 4th May. There was the potential it could be cancelled or be severely affected by the adverse weather. Following a few calls, a collective decision was made to bring the event forward 24 hours to when the weather was due to be much more favourable.
What we witnessed between 10am and 7pm in Creggan was truly remarkable as teachers, community workers, youth leaders, sports groups, families, residents, children and young people, all pulled together and worked at breakneck speed to ensure Creggan’s first Bealtaine event went ahead.
The Event
On Wednesday night, the streets of Creggan were filled with colour and noise as over 1000 people of all ages made their way round the streets of the estate, before ending up at Greenwalk for the fire finale which saw a willow structure constructed by local young people, The Cauldron of Plenty, containing the hopes/dreams and wishes residents, set ablaze.
Last night’s event proved again what we all already know. Creggan is a brilliant place to live, work, study, play and visit. A resilient, special place filled with the best people who will always go that extra mile to support their neighbours, friends and family.
Bealtaine would not have been possible without the support of Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit North West Youth Service, Brendan Farren, Trojans YCG, St Mary’s Scouts Creggan, Rath Mor Warriors – K1/Kickboxing & Fitness Gym. Sean Dolans Gac, St Joseph’s Boys’ School St Cecilia’s College, Derry, OLT HLC DEEDS – Dementia Engaged and Empowered in Derry & Strabane, Luxe, Pains Fireworks, Volunteer Investment Project North-West Carnival Initiative, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District, Community Restorative Justice and Surestart Edenballymore.
2nd May 2023
The schedule for our Bealtaine event including times and the parade route can be found below:
21st April 2023
BEALTAINE – Wednesday May 3rd 2023 🔥
Don’t miss Féile’s Bealtaine event on 3rd May 2023! In the Celtic calendar, Bealtaine marks the midpoint between the Spring Equinox in March and the Summer solstice in June. Bealtaine was often the first chance for neighbours to greet each other after the long winter months and great celebrations ensued including feasting, dancing, music, tournaments and trade.
Our event in Creggan will be the first of its kind and will include a carnival parade featuring schools, sports clubs, youth clubs and community organisations from across the neighbourhood and will culminate in a fire display.
More details will be coming soon!
20th April 2023
BELTAINE – a new event for Creggan on Thursday May 3rd 2023
Bealtaine marks the beginning of summer and is one of the four major Irish Celtic annual festivals along with Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasa.
Bealtaine was often the first chance for neighbours to greet each other after the long winter months and great celebrations ensued including feasting, dancing, music, tournaments and trade.
This year’s event in Creggan will include a carnival parade featuring schools, sports clubs, youth clubs and community organisations from across the neighbourhood and will culminate in a fire display.
Keep an eye on our page for more info! 👀
7th April 2023
This Easter marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. As part of Féile’s Film Collective work, we spoke with students from St Joseph’s Boy’s School and St Cecilia’s College in Creggan to gauge their knowledge and views on the conflict, the Good Friday Agreement and the current political landscape.
25th March 2023
Spring in the Park Video! 
We had so much fun at our Spring In The Park event at Jon Ugg Clifford Bull Park today – Bull Park was so lively! That was all thanks to everyone who came along, and to our outstanding entertainment from Thunder Action SportsJitterbug Jackson & Frankie Magilligan! Thanks also to our partners SureStart Edenballymore and Volunteer Investment Project for helping out on the day.
A Streets Alive Project funded by Urban Villages.
23rd March 2023
Check out the full length video of all the action of the 5K Dash yesterday! 
Congratulations once again to St Eugene’s Primary School for winning this year’s race and a huge thank you to Long Tower Primary School, Nazareth House Primary School and Nursery Unit, Model Primary and Nursery School, Fountain PS, St. John’s Primary School & Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir for taking part and all the support your pupils showed!
Video shot and edited by Ryan Vail.
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
19th March 2023
Happy Mother’s Day! 
To celebrate the hard working mothers of Derry, Féile and SureStart Edenballymore have teamed up to place an exhibition of our local mammies and kids on the gates of Bull Park.
Thank you to all who took part in the “My Mammy & Me” exhibition and for sharing your experiences of what it’s like to be a mammy!
Photography by Jim McCafferty.
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages
14th March 2023
Glad to see so many up and enjoying themselves at today’s Spring Dance at the Maldron Hotel!
A Streets Alive project funded by UrbanVillagesNI
10th March 2023
A short video capturing highlights of International Women’s Day in Cathedral Youth Club!
Again, big thanks to:
Jeanette and Cathedral Youth Club Fountain
Triax – Neighbourhood Management Team
Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum
Dr Sandra McNeill
Micky Doherty
Sole to Soul Holistics by Aoife
Phylistic Therapy – Shauna Mullan
and all our contributors.
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
1st March 2023
International Women’s Day, 8th March 2023 🙋♀️ #EmbraceEquity
9:30am – 4pm
Cathedral Youth Club, The Fountain
Féile is proud to be working with local community groups and organisations to deliver a range of workshops and discussions for International Women’s Day next week!
These include:
– Yoga 🧘♀️
– Hanging basket workshops ✂️
– Sun catcher workshops ☀️
– Reflexology 🦶
– Menopause discussion by Dr Sandra McNeil, sponsored by the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum Right Time, Right Place project 🗣
– Hypopressive Low Pressure Fitness 🧎♀️
– Massage therapies (FULLY BOOKED)
– Free hot lunch! 😋
Numbers are limited, so please email [email protected] to book a place and get more information!
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
23rd February 2023
Féile is proud to present the online debut of Sanctuary!
In May 2022, Féile led a group of young Creggan men to help build Sanctuary with the acclaimed artist David Best in Bedworth, England, an unforgettable temporary structure and space of healing, built to commemorate the loss during the Covid-19 pandemic. Féile’s videographer, Ruairi Campbell has created a beautiful film that shows the lasting impact of the participant’s experience.
16th February 2023
Following on from yesterday’s post, here are some photos from last night’s exhibition and premiere in St Mary’s Youth Club, Creggan.
15th February 2023
Our premiere of Sanctuary took place tonight in St Mary’s Youth Club, Creggan. We were so pleased with the turnout and how the film and exhibition were received.
Thank you to everyone who came and made it a memorable event – here’s what some of our audience had to say about it! 
A Communities in Transition project funded by the Executive Office.
3rd February 2023
In May 2022, Féile led a group of young Creggan men to help build Sanctuary with the acclaimed artist David Best in Bedford, England, an unforgettable temporary structure and space of healing, built to commemorate the loss during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Féile’s videographer, Ruairi Campbell has created a beautiful film that shows the lasting impact of the participant’s experience.
You are invited to the premiere of ‘Sanctuary’ and an exhibition launch on Wednesday 15th February at St Mary’s Youth Club, Fanad Drive, Creggan. The film screening will begin at 7.30pm. Light refreshments will be served. A Communities In Transition Project funded by The Executive Office.
19th January 2023
In 2022, the Creggan estate celebrated its 75th anniversary. To mark this milestone, Féile worked with partner groups, residents and local young people on a new stage production, “A Green Hill Far Away”.
The aim was to make a play that would give the audience an understanding of some of the events that have shaped Creggan and the resilience and community spirit and brilliant people that make this place such a great place to live, work, play and visit. Featuring surprise performances from some local legends as well as musical performances from Paddy Nash, Daryl Martin and students from St Cecilia’s College.
This never seen before documentary shows the making of Féile’s play ‘A Green Hill Far Away’ over a 3 month period in 2022. Take a sneak peak at the behind the scenes work that went on!
11th January 2023
Triax – Neighbourhood Management Team are running a Warm Hubs programme during this Winter in various locations throughout the city. Be sure to call in for free tea, WiFi, newspapers and hot beverages!
23rd December 2022
Beannachtaí na Nollag / Merry Christmas from all at Féile!
We hope you all have a lovely time. We’ll see you again in the new year!
22nd December 2022
Féile and North-West Carnival Initiative teamed up to bring the Christmas spirit to Free Derry Corner!
20th December 2022
Streets Are Alive Poster competition winners! 
We had so so many brilliant entries for our poster competition this year, but could only pick 2 winners from each school! Unfortunately we couldn’t get a picture of all our budding artists, but we’d just like to congratulate them all here!
Mia McGuinness (P.6)
Nazareth House
Grace Doherty (P.4)
Tim Doherty (P.6)
Fountain P.S
Ella Montgomery (P.3)
Ghana Ataouî (P.6)
Aisling Nic Aodha (P.3)
Fionn Mullin (P.6)
Hannah Wade (P.3)
Lucy McCourt (P.6)
An exhibition of 10 other posters from each school will be on display outside Pilots Row starting from tomorrow.
Thanks so much to everyone for entering!
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
19th December 2022
The Together Again Carol Service in the Guildhall was such a beautiful event that got us all the Christmas spirit! Thanks to Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum and all the teachers and children from St Eugene’s P.S, Nazareth House P.S, Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir, Long Tower P.S and Fountain P.S. for their weeks of hard work. Also big thanks to Sandra Duffy Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District for coming and speaking too!
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
16th December 2022
We received so many fantastic entries for our Streets Are Alive Christmas Poster Competition! While we could only pick a few winners from each school, we truly appreciated all the effort. Here’s a quick look at all the posters from the schools!
Fountain P.S
Merry Christmas!
15th December 2022
GASYARD CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS
How brilliant to see so many enjoying the wreath making, pebble frame making and plush toy making workshops at the Gasyard Centre today! There will be plenty of unique presents around the tree this year for sure!
Thank you to Joanne of Crafty Teddies, Bracken and Birch and all our workshop coordinators for their time and materials!
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
12th December 2022
MALDRON HOTEL DINNER DANCE
It was brilliant to see so many out enjoying themselves yesterday at the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum dinner dance in the Maldron Hotel! (Galway Girl was clearly the undeniable dance floor favourite) 
Triax – Neighbourhood Management Team
New Gate Arts and Culture Centre
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
9th December 2022
CHRISTMAS GROTTO IN BISHOP STREET COMMUNITY CENTRE
Big thank you to Triax – Neighbourhood Management Team, Bishopstreet Youthclub and Kidz Farm for coming together to deliver a wonderful Christmas Wonderland event on Friday afternoon! Oh, and big thanks to Free Derry Coffee for helping to keep everyone warm! 
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
TREE OF HOPE IN BRANDYWELL GROTTO
Huge thanks to Long Tower Youth Club & Voices of the Foyle choir for braving the elements and delivering the intimate Tree of Hope event in the Brandywell Grotto!
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
8th December 2022
‘Seán Dolans – More Than A Club’, a new film by Ruairi Campbell. 
Sean Dolans Gac is one of Derry’s leading sporting and community organisations. The club is about to enter a new era with the opening of their new flagship facility in Creggan later this year.
Over the last six months, Féile worked with committee members, players past and present, and residents of Creggan to learn more about the history of Seán Dolan’s and the club’s vast contribution to community life in Creggan and beyond.
Watch the premiere of ‘Seán Dolans – More Than A Club’, a new film by Ruairi Campbell, this Thursday 8th December at 8pm on Féile’s facebook page and YouTube channel!
A Communities In Transition Project funded by The Executive Office.
7th December 2022
It was great to see al the ladies get stuck in to the Christmas Wreath making workshop in Pilots Row Community Centre today! They should be proud of how they turned out!
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
6th December 2022
It was great to see so many residents and staff enjoying themselves at the House in the Wells Christmas event today. Free pizza and live music – you can never go wrong with that!
5th December 2022
Together Again Carol Service! 
Join us at 1.30pm on 19th December for our jolly carol service in the Guildhall from five of our local primary school choirs and a visit from the Mayor! Featuring singing from St Eugene’s P.S, Nazareth House P.S, Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir, Long Tower P.S & Fountain P.S.
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
2nd December 2022
We all had a lovely morning at the family photoshoot and rhyme time event in Bishopstreet Youthclub on Friday!
Thanks so much to SureStart Edenballymore for working with us on this event and to Jim McCafferty for photography. 
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
27th November 2022
Parents of Ward’s 6 & 16 Christmas Event in the Everglades Hotel
On Sunday 27th November, volunteers from the Féile and VIP took part in the Parents of Ward’s 6 & 16 Christmas event in the Everglades hotel, Derry. This was a beautiful event for Families who have children with life-long or life-limiting medical conditions and are regulars on the Children’s Wards in Altnagelvin Hospital, as well as the team from the Wards and their families.
We are immensely proud of our volunteers for giving their time to take part in a wonderful event that will have meant the world to the children, parents and staff in the wards.
1st November 2022
Thank you so much to the fantastic volunteers from Volunteer Investment Project for taking part in this year’s Derry Halloween parade! Take a look at this wee video of us getting ready on the night! (The finest Jellyfish you’ll ever see! 
)
28th October 2022
SPOOKY TALES & SCARY TRAILS 
Last night’s trail was a scream! 
Banshees, ghosts and witches were upon us last night as our brave trail go-oers made their way through the Bogside, Bishop Street and Fountain neighbourhoods.
Check out the film from last night’s event! 
27th October 2022
20th October 2022
13th October 2022
22nd September 2022
25th August 2022
Take a look at the highlight video of the events below!
1st August 2022
19th July 2022
18th July 2022
15th July 2022
NASC by Noys
Nasc means ‘link’ in Irish. The artwork represents the way in which we link together through tech and how our digital communication travels through the internet. The two characters depicted in the artwork represent young people from a bygone era before the internet. (If you can imagine such a thing! 
)
14th July 2022
The newest mural by RAZER DERRY has been completed on the Lecky Road as part of our ongoing Graffiti on the Walls project! 
27th June 2022
18th June 2022
Yesterday saw a celebration marking 75 years of Creggan as a neighbourhood! Music, colour and people took to the streets of Creggan to mark the 75th anniversary of this wonderful community. Thanks to all our schools, groups, sports clubs and organisations who showed up and made this possible!
Take a look at some footage of the day:
16th June 2022
James McClean visits home!
Football icon James McClean has returned home to see his family and friends in Creggan today, but also found time to check out the new mural of himself created by the amazingly talented artist Aches!
The day finished with a wee call to his old school, Holy Child Primary School on Central Drive, to surprise the students and teachers!
Check out the video below:
30th May 2022
St Mary’s Youth Club builds Sanctuary with David Best
This month, nine young men from St. Mary’s Youth Club, Creggan, traveled to Bedworth, England to work with acclaimed US artist David Best to construct a wooden monument dedicated to those who lost their lives to the Covid-19 pandemic. A spectacular finale took place a few days after where the structure was set ablaze.
Congratulations to everyone involved in such a creative and inspiring project!
15th May 2022
A Green Hill Far Away
The night of 15th May saw the debut of our stage production of ‘A Green Hill Far Away’, a play celebrating the 75th anniversary of Creggan as a neighbourhood.
Féile worked with residents, young people, schools, youth clubs and community organisations to create a new stage production to celebrate the estate’s 75th anniversary. Massive thanks to St Cecilia’s College, Derry, Stmarys Youthclub, OLT HLC, Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership, Triax – Neighbourhood Management Team, Paddy Nash Music, Porphyry, FRIENDS OF DERRY CITY CEMETERIES-HISTORIC HEADSTONES for all coming together to make this wonderful performance possible!
You can stream the entire play below.
A Communities in Transition project funded by NI Executive Office.
March 17th 2022
Spring Carnival Parade!
We had so much fun today at the Spring Carnival parade! This year, Gasyard Féile and young people from Pilots Row Youth Club took part in the city centre parade for the first time.
Thanks so much to all the youth leaders from Education Authority and North West Youth Service, Caroline Devenney and Ena Quigley for creating the brilliant costumes, the young people from Pilots Row and North-West Carnival Initiative for supporting our group to be part of the parade.
A Streets Alive project supported by Urban Villages.
9th March 2022
International Women’s Day Conference
International Women’s Day Youth Conference.
As part of Féile’s International Women’s Day programme, Education Authority/ North West Youth Service Young Women’s Committee organised a conference at Long Tower YC celebrating and empowering young women!
The event, which was attended by over 100 young women from across the city, featured several presentations, discussions and fun activities. Well done and a big thank you to everyone involved!
A Streets Alive Project funded by Urban Villages.
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