Féile’s Family Valentine’s Day event was a fantastic success, with hundreds of people and families enjoying a fun-filled afternoon at the Gasyard Centre.
There was plenty to keep everyone entertained, including performances from Caolan the Magician and Kazoo the Clown, along with music from Ciara, Ramon and Marty Healy.
For the younger ones, SureStart Edenballymore provided entertainment with Mini Melo Beats and Tricia’s Time to Rhyme. There were also arts and crafts, face painting, and balloon modelling, plus food from Gather at the Gasyard.
Thanks to everyone who attended ‘Love, Laughs and Magic’ to celebrate Valentine’s Day together with Féile and to all the volunteers and performers who made the event a huge success!
The event was part of Féile’s Connect-Interact-Create project, funded by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund.
Féile Derry teamed up with Creggan-based primary schools, Holy Child PS and St John’s PS, along with local DJs, to offer an exciting opportunity for children to explore electronic music, beat-making, songwriting, and hip-hop production.
The six-week programme’s goal was to inspire young people to tap into their creativity and develop skills for the future in music production.
A video documenting the workshops and featuring testimonials from the young people that took part can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/CdJMEMYGRg4
Reflecting on the programme’s success, a spokesperson for Féile Derry said:
“We were delighted to work with Holy Child PS and St John’s PS on this fantastic project. It was wonderful to see such enthusiastic young people come together to explore the world of electronic music and production.
“These workshops helped them learn valuable skills in DJing, songwriting, and beat-making, as well as working together to create good music. We’re excited to see how they continue to develop their creative talents in the future.”
Shay Whelan from Celtronic Studios describes the students’ hands-on experience:
“The students had the opportunity to learn how to DJ and work with a range of cutting-edge music production equipment. From beat-making to mixing sounds, they explored the fundamentals of songwriting and hip-hop production, writing their own songs and recording their voices.
“They gained valuable hands-on experience that will serve them well in the future. I hope we have inspired Derry’s next generation of young DJs.”
Principals of the schools who took part in the programme comment on the students’ experiences:
Pat Concannon, Principal of Holy Child PS, shared her thoughts:
“Our students had an amazing time working on this project, and we can’t thank Féile enough for making it happen! It was a fantastic way for them to unleash their creativity and learn new skills in music production. The energy, teamwork, and collaboration throughout the project was just brilliant to see.
Geraldine O’Connor, Principal of St John’s PS, also expressed her appreciation:
“The project was a huge success with our children. It allowed them to engage with music in a new and exciting way, and they loved working together to create their own tracks. It was a perfect blend of creativity and fun, and I hope we can take part in similar programmes in the future.”
This programme was part of Féile’s Imagine-Create project, a Communities in Transition initiative funded by The Executive Office.
Féile Derry recently premiered its latest film, A North West Carnival Story – Engage, Inspire and Celebrate, which highlighted the work of the Creggan-based North West Carnival Initiative (NWCI) and its significant role in the growth of major community and cultural events in the city, such as the Spring Festival and Halloween.
The film featured interviews with key figures, including Project Manager Jim Collins, Ollie Green from Studio2, and volunteers, artists, and organisations like Kabalikat in NW, Destined, City of Derry Rugby Club, and Rainbow School of Dance, all of whom took part in the city’s carnival parades.
A spokesperson for Féile Derry said: “For over 20 years, the North West Carnival Initiative has been central to Derry’s carnival celebrations, helping generate interest in carnival arts and producing the iconic Spring Carnival and the world-renowned Halloween event. This film celebrates the hard work and dedication that have made the NWCI a cornerstone of Derry’s cultural life, reflecting the commitment of the Creggan-based team who transformed our city into a vibrant centre of creativity.”
Féile Derry has worked closely with the NWCI on several major projects, including the successful Lúnasa event and parade through Creggan.
The film also highlighted the growth of Halloween in Derry, with the Carnival Initiative playing a key role in turning a small community event into a world-renowned celebration. Today, Derry attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the top Halloween destinations globally.
“Carnival parades have not only become a key part of Derry’s identity but have also reinvigorated the city’s arts scene and revitalised the city centre,” the spokesperson added. “This film captures that journey and the people behind it.”
Jim Collins, Project Manager at NWCI, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate and promote the creativity of the community. The film captures this journey, and we hope it encourages people to continue supporting the volunteers and organisations that make it all happen. We’d also like to thank Féile Derry for their support in bringing this film to life.”
Looking ahead to the Spring Carnival in March, he called on individuals and groups to get involved and help make the St Patrick’s Day parade a huge success. “Volunteering with the North West Carnival Initiative is a fantastic way to contribute to your community, and we would love to welcome new faces to help with preparations. Whether you’re interested in costume making, event coordination, or taking part in the parade, there’s something for everyone.”
The North West Carnival Initiative can be contacted at 028 7141 4243 or by emailing [email protected].
The film was produced as part of Féile Derry’s Communities in Transition project, funded by The Executive Office.
Féile Derry released two impactful short films focusing on important issues in Derry’s communities, particularly in the Creggan, Bogside, Brandywell, Bishop Street, and Fountain areas.
The first film, Good Tidings We Bring, was created in collaboration with IFTA-nominated filmmaker Sean Mullan. The poignant Christmas story follows a pregnant mother searching for shelter as the birth of her child nears, exploring themes of immigration, housing, and community struggles. Featuring local actors such as Shannon Wilkinson, Shoma Hasan, and Shimin Hasan, the film highlights the power of community and compassion during times of crisis.
A spokesperson for Féile said, “Good Tidings We Bring is about highlighting the resilience of people who, despite adversity, find support and kindness in unexpected places. The film explores the very real issue of housing, especially in the run-up to Christmas, while reinforcing the power of community spirit in times of need.”
The second film, Home Time, addresses the growing issue of emigration among young people in the Creggan area. It follows Kevin, a young man returning from Australia after three years, who faces a tough decision between his life abroad and helping his friend Jack, who struggles with a gambling addiction. Home Time explores the tough choices young people face when deciding whether to stay in their community or leave in search of better opportunities.
The spokesperson added, “Home Time is about the tough choices young people face when pulled between home and the promise of a new life elsewhere. It’s a story of personal conflict and loyalty, where the decision to stay or leave isn’t just about opportunity—it’s about the deep connections that tie us to our community.”
Home Time was created with support from local actors and community organisations, including Oakleaf Boxing Club, Rath Mór Warriors Kickboxing Gym, and Holy Child Primary School.
Both films are part of Féile’s ongoing commitment to creating films and sharing narratives that reflect the experiences, struggles, and aspirations of the people of Derry. Through these stories, Féile hopes to encourage dialogue, understanding, and action on the challenges facing communities across Ireland.
Good Tidings We Bring is part of Féile’s ‘Connect-Interact-Create’ project, funded by The Executive Office. Home Time was also funded by The Executive Office as part of Féile’s Communities in Transition project.
