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 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.
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.
Féile will host the Derry premiere of Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, a powerful new documentary about a Palestinian photojournalist later killed by Israeli missiles, at the Nerve Centre on Monday 8 September.
The film is an intimate, first-hand perspective of life in Gaza, told through a series of video calls between filmmaker Sepideh Farsi and young Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona.
Just a day after the film was selected for screening at the Cannes Film Festival – one of the most renowned platforms for international cinema – Fatma was tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike on her home.
The film portrays the stark realities of daily life during conflict in Gaza, seen through the eyes of those trapped in an endless cycle of war and living under siege and military occupation.
Hundreds of people from across the Bishop Street, Bogside, Brandywell and Creggan came together for two processions celebrating the neighbourhoods as Féile’s biggest ever programme of events drew to a close on Friday night.
Residents, sporting clubs, community groups and young people led both events, which were a positive celebration of everything that makes these areas special.
In Creggan, a procession set off from St Mary’s Youth Club, Fanad Drive, led by a life-sized willow bull constructed by local residents and acclaimed artist Brendan Farren at workshops over several days.
The event retold the ancient Irish myth, The Cattle Raid of Cooley, in which Cú Chulainn defended Ulster against the invading Connacht army led by Queen Meadhbh, determined to seize the province’s prized bull.
Lúnasa, a festival inspired by old Celtic tradition through fire, music and carnival, wound its way through the streets of Creggan before a spectacular finale at Greenwalk, where one of the bulls met its fiery end.
In the Brandywell, a candlelit procession illuminated the night sky in celebration of everything that makes the Bogside and Brandywell neighbourhoods special.
The Solas Dhoire – or Light of Derry – procession left Long Tower chapel on a lantern-lit journey through the streets of the Brandywell, carrying candles, lanterns and symbols celebrating the area’s history and its many talented figures, before closing with beautiful song at the grotto on the Lecky Road.
The two processions brought Féile 2025 to a close, following a record-breaking programme that saw thousands of people attend more than 150 events across local neighbourhoods – the biggest Féile in its 33-year history.
This year’s programme included headline music performances from Ireland’s leading artists, award-winning films, sporting events, art exhibitions, debates, older people’s events, discussions and lectures.
It was inspiring to see young people and families from across the area coming together to enjoy community gatherings, including magic and circus performances in local green spaces and parks.
Solidarity with the people of Gaza was a running theme throughout Féile 2025, including a major kite art exhibition at Fahan Street which gained international attention.
A donation from our film events will be made to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) to support vital healthcare for people living under Israeli military siege.
A spokesperson for Féile said: “We would like to express sincere thanks to the more than 60 organisations who came together to shape this year’s programme.
Their hard work and dedication, along with the support of countless volunteers, helped make Féile 2025 such a major success.
“We would also like to have our funders who included Derry City & Strabane District Council, Department for Foreigh Affairs and The Executive Office’s Urban Villages programme.”
Derry’s leading community arts festival, Féile Derry, has launched its biggest ever programme of events which will feature music, family gatherings, award-winning films, discussions, sport, exhibitions, older people’s events and much more.
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane Ruairí McHugh officially launched this year’s programme which includes over 150 events taking place at 60 venues across the Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan, and Fountain neighbourhoods and the city centre.
A Féile spokesperson said 2025 is one of the most exciting editions in the festival’s 33-year history.
“We’re delighted to launch our biggest programme of events for Féile 2025.
“This year’s line-up offers something for everyone, bringing families and neighbours together to celebrate what’s great about our communities and the city’s immense talent.
“One of Ireland’s great musicians, Martin Hayes, and local sensation SOAK will headline our music line-up alongside award-winning films, discussions, our biggest ever programme of family celebrations, and a wide range of events for all ages.
“There’s been a huge amount of work behind the scenes from our community partners and volunteers whose commitment make Féile a special event every year, and ensure the festival continues to grow stronger.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Féile 2025 as we mark 33 years of the festival – it’s a chance to come together and celebrate our neighbourhoods, our creativity, and what makes our communities great places to live, work, play and visit.”
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh said:
“I’m really pleased to launch the biggest ever programme of Féile events in the city. It’s always a real highlight of the summer across the neighbourhood.
“Féile continues to lead the way in bringing our communities together, creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, celebrate, and look forward through arts, sports, family gatherings, music, discussions and more.
“This year’s line-up is really exciting and reflects the positive work that is happening right across the city to highlight everything that is good about our communities and the people who live in them.
“Derry is a city bursting with endless talent, creativity, and energy, and events like Féile are crucial in showcasing that to the world, helping our city reach its full potential and thrive.
“I want to wish the team at Féile Derry every success for this year’s festival, and I hope everyone attending the events has a fantastic time.”
Féile 2025 would not be possible without the support of our funders, including The Executive Office, Derry City & Strabane District Council, 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.
Newly elected President of Conradh na Gaeilge, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, will visit Derry in August to deliver the Donncha Mac Niallais Memorial Lecture as part of the Féile 2025.
The event will take place in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin on Tuesday 12 August at 12.30pm.
Announcing the event, a Féile spokesperson said:
“We’re absolutely delighted that the President of Conradh na Gaeilge, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, will deliver a lecture in memory of Donncha Mac Niallais during Féile 2025.
“It’s the first time that Ciarán will speak in Derry since becoming President of the island’s leading Irish language organisation, and we’re excited to welcome him to the city to remember Donncha and look at the future of the language across Ireland.
“Ciarán will also outline the current challenges facing Conradh na Gaeilge and the wider Irish language community in Ireland, north and south.
“Donncha Mac Niallais was a key figure in spearheading the growth of the Irish language, so this is a special moment – especially with the event taking place in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, a space he helped bring to life.
“It’s an exciting time as the language continues to thrive in the city, we’re seeing huge growth in the number of adults learning the language, while our local Gaelscoileanna are experiencing unprecedented demand for places.
“This growth is thanks in no small part to the work Donncha, along with others, put in over many years, playing a central role in building the Irish language movement in the city.
“As well as being a keen Gaeilgeoir, he was a community leader and someone who worked hard to bring people together. Through events like this, we want to keep his memory alive and have positive and constructive discussions on the future.
“This is an Irish language event that is open to every, and will include simultaneous translation into English for those who may need it. (DOES THIS READ OK??? Want to ensure people know this)
Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin is a long-standing activist for the Irish language and language rights. Originally from west Belfast, he has worked with Conradh na Gaeilge for almost two decades and played a leading role with Dream Dearg in the campaign for Acht Gaeilge and the North’s first ever Irish language legislation.
His recent election as President of Conradh na Gaeilge marks a new chapter for the movement and comes 30 years after the late Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, another towering figure in the language community, became the last Belfast native to hold the post.
The Donncha Mac Niallais Memorial Lecture takes place in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin on Tuesday 12 August at 12.30pm, as part of Féile 2025. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. This is an Irish language event with a simultaneous translation into English.
Féile 2025 has announced an exciting line-up of music for this August, featuring some of Ireland’s greatest musicians, including Martin Hayes and Piaras Ó Lorcáin, alongside Derry’s own SOAK and a range of emerging local talent.
With a mix of traditional, electronic and contemporary sounds, this year’s programme includes headline shows, intimate performances and workshops with young people.
Regarded as one of the most significant talents in Irish traditional music, fiddler Martin Hayes brings his unique sound to the historic St Columb’s Hall for an unforgettable night.
Hayes is known for his soulful interpretations of traditional Irish music and his ability to place the tradition within a wider contemporary context.
Over his career, he has collaborated with extraordinary musicians such as Dennis Cahill, Bill Frisell, and the RTE Concert Orchestra, and he is a founding member of The Gloaming, who won the Meteor Prize in 2014 for their debut album.
SOAK returns home for an intimate performance at Orchard Cinema, sharing their powerful indie sound that blends raw emotion with ethereal atmospheres. Opening the evening is George Houston, a genre-bending singer-songwriter from Donegal
Traditional music fans can also enjoy an evening at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin with sean-nós singer Piaras Ó Lorcáin and multi-instrumentalist Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, both known for their expressive vocals and strong ties to Irish musical traditions.
The Gathering, a one-day festival at Sandinos, features a mix of folk, trad and electronic acts including electronic producer Daithí, Americana-folk duo DUG, and Irish-Palestinian singer-songwriter Róisín El Cherif.
Young people can get involved in hip-hop workshops led by drill artist Sello and enjoy the Our Space Summer Music Showcase at the Nerve Centre, featuring local bands and special guests.
Advance tickets for all events are available now via Eventbrite.
Now in its 33rd year, Féile 2025 has launched its biggest ever programme of events this summer and will feature some of the island and the city’s greatest musical talent – alongside family celebrations, films, exhibitions and much more. You can view the full list of events at feilederry.com/feile-2025
