Excitement is building across the neighbourhood and beyond as Féile 2025 officially kicks off in Derry – and it’s back, bigger than ever, with over 150 events taking place over ten days.
Over 20,000 people are expected to attend what is the largest community and cultural festival in the north west’s summer calendar.
Féile is a positive celebration of everything that’s great about our communities and the people who live in them.
This year’s programme includes some of Ireland’s greatest musical talent, award-winning films, headline discussions, big family fun days, sport, and exhibitions – with tickets for many events already sold out.
One of Ireland’s best traditional musicians, Martin Hayes, local homegrown superstar SOAK, and rising talent Piaras Ó Lorcáin will headline our music line-up, alongside a special Gathering of emerging local and national talent at Sandinos.
Community spirit will be high in the Bogside, Brandywell and Creggan on Friday 15 August, as residents will come together for two processions at dusk led by sports groups, and youth and community organisations.
Solas will illuminate the Brandywell neighbourhood with a procession of light – a colourful parade through the streets that shines a spotlight on the people and talent that have defined this proud area for generations.
Lúnasa will burn bright in the heart of Creggan, in a festival inspired by traditional celebrations, combining music and carnival. It will be a fiery spectacle like no other.
Both events are about the community coming together for a positive celebration of everything that defines our neighbourhoods – what makes them special, and what makes them great places to live, work, play and visit.
The Greatest Show will be popping up at parks and green spaces across the area as part of our biggest offering yet of community gatherings – with a jam-packed calendar of family fun days and social events for all ages.
Our debates and discussions programme will tackle the key topics facing society today – including the ongoing situation in Gaza, anti-racism and constitutional change and a headline conversation with award-winning former BBC journalist Peter Taylor in conversation with Raymond McCartney.
Dr Nick Maynard, a surgeon working on the frontline providing life-saving care to people living under Israeli bombardment in Gaza, will open this year’s Féile with a discussion at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin tonight.
We can’t wait to welcome thousands of people to the neighbourhood once again – to take part in Féile, to showcase our incredible local talent, and to deliver an exciting festival for everyone to enjoy.
Féile 2025 would not be possible without the support of our funders – including The Executive Office, Derry City & Strabane District Council, the 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.
