FÉILE NEWS

Award-winning journalist and author Peter Taylor will take part in a special evening of conversation as part of Féile Derry 2025’s debates and discussions programme on Monday 11th August at 7pm at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. 

He will be joined by former political prisoner, hunger striker and Sinn Féin elected representative Raymond McCartney for an in-depth conversation about the story behind the headlines.

The two first met in 1990 in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh during the filming of ‘Enemies Within’, a documentary by Steve Hewlett that featured interviews with both republican and loyalist prisoners.

Peter Taylor has spent over five decades reporting on the conflict in Ireland, documenting the people, the politics, and the long path to peace. 

His acclaimed trilogy – Provos, Loyalists and Brits – is widely seen as a definitive account of the conflict from all sides. His reporting for ITV’s This Week, Panorama and other BBC programmes brought deeper understanding to many of the key events in our recent history.

His connection to Derry goes back over 50 years. He first visited the city on the night of Bloody Sunday in January 1972 and became a frequent visitor in the decades that followed, developing close relationships with figures such as Martin McGuinness and Brendan Duddy.

This conversation with Raymond McCartney is one of the key highlights of Féile 2025’s biggest-ever programme, with hundreds of events taking place right across the city from 6th to 15th August – the full programme can be viewed at: feilederry.com/feile-2025

Tickets are FREE and can be accessed here: eventbrite.co.uk/e/peter-taylor-in-conversation-with-raymond-mccartney-tickets-1478091364059

Féile Derry will host the Derry premiere of Gerry Adams: A Ballymurphy Man, a new documentary by filmmaker Trisha Ziff.

The film, which had its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh last week, picked up the award for Best International Documentary at the festival.

Directed by Trisha Ziff and produced by Ross McDonnell, the feature-length film reflects on Adams’ 60 years of activism – from growing up in Ballymurphy in West Belfast, to prisoner, to peace negotiator and political leader.

Interwoven with Adams’ own words and archive imagery, the film offers unique insight into one of the most recognisable figures in Irish political life over the last five decades.

The Derry screening will take place on Wednesday 13 August at 8pm in Brunswick Moviebowl. All proceeds from tickets sold will be donated to Palestinian charities.

Tickets: https://brunswickmoviebowl.admit-one.eu/details/?eventCode=100540

A new cross-community street art project led by Féile is set to bring five walls across the Moor area to life with new street art pieces focusing on local sporting heroes and health and wellbeing.

This project which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), aims to bring people together by using art to positively reimagine public spaces in the city.

Participants will explore the history of murals and street art in Ireland, take part in hands-on workshops, and visit other areas to see how public art is being used to transform streets and public spaces. Each mural will be shaped by those taking part who will have the opportunity to work with our island’s top street artists.

A spokesperson for Féile said:

“Féile is really excited to launch this project. It’s a brilliant opportunity for people to gain new skills and contribute to bringing the walls of our communities to life through street art.

“Participants will come together to learn about the history of murals and street art across Ireland, attend beginner hands-on workshops, and visit other places to see how other places are using art to bring spaces in their communities to life.

“We’ve seen the power of street art over recent years and how it can positively change the feel of a place. This project is about building on that work and giving more young people the chance to shape what their area looks like and to work with some of Ireland’s best street artists. 

“The artwork will celebrate local sporting heroes and open conversations around important social issues that are impacting all communities, including mental health and wellbeing.

“We’re very grateful to the PEACEPLUS programme and our community partners for their support in helping us to deliver this project.”

Mayor of Derry City & Strabane, Ruairí McHugh said:

“I want to commend Féile on this fantastic initiative. It is a brilliant example of the type of positive change that is possible when creativity and community come together.

“It’s great to see young people from all communities getting the chance to work together and lead the transformation the public spaces.

“Support from the PEACEPLUS programme has been absolutely vital in helping local areas thrive and creating opportunities for people to come together and make them the best places to live, work, play and visit.”

The project is being delivered by Gasyard Wall Féile with support from PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and is funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan under the ‘Community Regeneration and Transformation’ theme.

Funder information:

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of PEACEPLUS is €1.14 billion.

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.

Palestinian DJ and producer Sama Abdulhadi got a special welcome at the final edition of Ireland’s longest running electronic dance festival, Celtronic, lighting up a sold-out Nerve Centre with a special party that had the whole place bouncing.

A powerful display of solidarity greeted Sama as a massive Palestinian flag was draped across the entrance of the venue and behind her on the stage, symbolising the strong connection between Palestine and Derry.

Sama, the first internationally recognised Palestinian DJ, has been an unwavering voice against the ongoing occupation and genocide in her homeland. Through her music, she is a beacon of hope for millions around the world.

Féile Media caught up with Sama to discuss her journey through music, the historic ties and solidarity between Derry and Palestine, and the impact her work continues to have on both local and international stages.

Sama’s career began when she left Palestine for Beirut, immersing herself in the city’s emerging techno scene. It was in Lebanon that she honed her unique sound, blending Berlin techno with the rhythms and emotions of her Middle Eastern roots.

Her journey led her to the legendary 2018 Boiler Room set in Ramallah in the Occupied West Bank, which quickly became a milestone in her career, amassing over 12 million views and solidifying her status in the global electronic music community.

In the years since, Sama has performed at some of the biggest stages worldwide, all while remaining deeply committed to her activism. A fearless cultural advocate, she continuously speaks out on the horrific onslaught against the people of Gaza and works to amplify the voices of the marginalised through initiatives such as Union in Ramallah and Resilience.

Her mission is clear: to put Palestine on the musical map and promote international solidarity, offering a more nuanced understanding of the Middle East through the unifying power of music.

For a deeper insight into Sama’s musical journey and the special connection between Derry and Palestine, check out the full video interview here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIrdcXIyq_Z

https://www.facebook.com/feilederry/videos/1233993794808684?