The official blog of Féile Derry, where we document the events, productions and activities that we’re involved in.
Join us on Thursday 30th November for the online premiere of the Féile’s documentary ‘Freedom & The Sesh: A Squarebear Joint’ detailing the work and process of acclaimed local artist Squarebearderry on
https://www.youtube.com/@FeileDerry/
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ONLINE PREMIERE – Freedom & the Sesh: A Squarebear Joint
Thursday 30th November at 7pm
In 2023, Féile approached acclaimed artist Squarebear to take part in a documentary film with Féile’s Ruairi Campbell. The result was ‘Freedom & the Sesh: A Squarebear Joint”, a film that follows Squarebear’s day to day habits and the creative contributions that come from that.
Squarebear said of the documentary:
‘I found the practice challenging and a test of the intellectual validity of my work as opposed to it somewhat being a source of humour solely. In committing to this documentary I have found new questions I must answer myself because of it, as I transition from sesh culture into adulthood and also develop my voice as an artist beyond that. I hope the viewer can find a richer understanding of why I do what I do and getting an insight into the life I lead in my pursuit for art, while also giving an insight into my life as a Bogsider who to some degree has beaten those cultural labels.’
The film will be premiering online on ours & Square’s YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday 30th November:
https://www.youtube.com/@FeileDerry/
Féile Derry were delighted to support New Gate Arts and Culture Centre on their brilliant event, Conquer The Dragon, as part of Derry Halloween Awakening The Walled City! Thousands of people from across the city converged on the Fountain neighbourhood over the last three nights to see dancers from Sollus Highland Dancers tame a huge dragon that had invaded the city.
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages and Derry City & Strabane District Council.
A fantastic afternoon of faceprinting, arts and crafts, games, performances and all kinds of fun at Féile and SureStart Edenballymore‘s Halloween family fun day in Long Tower YC!
Photography by Jim McCafferty.
A Streets Alive project funded by Urban Villages.
(Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Volunteers from the Volunteer Investment Project helping out.
(Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Féile Street Art Festival, 2023
During the Summer of 2023, Central Drive in Creggan has been transformed into an outdoor gallery featuring works by students from St Cecilia’s College, Derry, St Joseph’s Boys’ School, St Mary’s Youthclub, Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit, Peaball, FRIZ and EMIC. This clip shows the transformation of the shops in Central Drive, Creggan!
A Communities In Transition project funded by The Executive Office.
We’re hiring! We have a new job opening available. Féile are looking to recruit a new Finance & Administration Officer!
Please see the link below for the job description and application form.
Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested!
Féile Film Screenings at Culture Night
This Friday as part of the annual Derry City & Strabane District Council culture night, Féile Derry will be screening a selection of films that we have produced over the last couple of years in association with local schools, youth clubs, local figures, filmmakers and community organisations.
The screenings are free and will take place in the Nerve Centre this Friday 22nd September from 5pm onwards. Everyone is welcome!
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!
‘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.