Féile 2026, Derry’s biggest community arts festival, will return from 5th to 15th August with its biggest ever programme of over 150 events.
Now in its 34th year, Féile will bring music, films, political discussions, sport, family events and community celebrations to the Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan, Bishop Street, Fountain neighbourhoods and Derry city centre.
Launching the programme, a spokesperson for Féile said:
“There is always a real buzz across the community when Féile begins, and this year we are really excited to launch our biggest ever programme which will feature 150 events at over 40 venues across the neighbourhoods.
“Over eleven days, Féile will bring families, neighbours and visitors together to celebrate all that is good about our communities and showcase our city’s incredible talent.
“We have headline music events and sporting events, award-winning films, art exhibitions, debates and discussions, lectures, and family fun days, alongside major community celebrations.
“Children, young people and families will once again be at the heart of the festival, with summer schemes, fun days, family gatherings and The Greatest Show bringing circus performers and magicians to parks and green spaces across the neighbourhoods.
“On Saturday 15th August, ‘Our People, Our Place’ will bring a huge community carnival parade through Bishop Street, the Bogside and the Brandywell.
“Led by residents and filled with music, colour and performance, the parade will tell the story of these neighbourhoods, from St Colmcille and the civil rights struggle to the local people whose talent and achievements are the fabric of this community.
“Bishop’s Field in Creggan will host ‘Field Day’, a big family gathering featuring Thunder Action BMX Show, live music, Tailteann Games, exhibition matches, arts and crafts, face painting and family entertainment throughout the day.
“This year’s music line-up will feature one of Ireland’s most exciting new bands, Madra Salach, who are making their Derry debut at Féile following a sold-out tour of Ireland and Britain.
“David Kitt will perform at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin to mark the 25th anniversary of his landmark debut album The Big Romance, while one of the world’s best electronic artists Mano Le Tough returns to Derry for a DJ set at Nerve Centre.
“Paddy Raff and friends will bring an evening of laughter to Seán Dolans GAC, with the sharp wit, storytelling and much-loved characters that have made him one of Ireland’s most popular comedians.
“Féile is renowned as a space for political debates and discussions. This year’s programme will challenge racism and the rise of the far right, continue to stand with the people of Palestine and provide space for important conversations about Ireland’s future.
“RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey will speak on workers, class politics and trade union organising, while the programme will also feature a live recording of the Stormont Sources podcast and a discussion with newly appointed Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds.
“There will also be a day of events marking the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War and Derry’s connections to the fight against fascism in Spain, alongside discussions on constitutional change and the campaign to end violence against women and girls.
“Féile will also feature award-winning films and documentaries throughout the festival, including Life Support and Celtic Utopia, alongside screenings on Palestine, Irish politics, history and the climate emergency.
“Life Support documents the experiences of international doctors who entered Gaza during the Israeli genocide. Dr Nick Maynard, who features in the film, returns to Derry to discuss his experiences working alongside Palestinian medical staff in Gaza’s hospitals.
“Sport and games are once again central to Féile, with the return of the Colm Quigley Jog in the Bog, tournaments and competitions throughout the week, and the return of the hugely popular Derry City FC Open Training Session.
“There’s been a massive amount of work behind the scenes to bring this programme together, with so many organisations and volunteers playing a huge part. It’s their energy and commitment that make Féile a huge success every year.
“We can’t wait to welcome you all to Féile 2026, as we celebrate 34 years of the festival and showcase everything that’s great about our neighbourhoods, and what makes our communities the very best place to live, work, play and visit.”
For the full programme of events, visit feilederry.com/feile-2026
