Festival

Féile Derry unveil biggest ever programme of summer events 

Féile 2025, Derry’s largest community arts festival is back with its biggest ever programme featuring over 150 events from 6th to 15th August 2025. 

The events will be held at over 60 venues across the Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan, Bishop Street, and Fountain neighbourhoods and the city centre. 

Launching the festival’s 33rd edition, a spokesperson for Féile said:

“There’s always a real buzz in the community when Féile starts and this year we’re really excited to launch our biggest ever programme of events.

“These will bring families and neighbours together to celebrate all that is good about our communities and showcase the city’s incredible talent.

“We have headline music events and sporting events, award-winning films, art exhibitions, debates and discussions, lectures, parties in the park and family fun days, alongside major community celebrations.

“Féile will once again welcome Ireland’s finest musicians. Traditional music master Martin Hayes – one of the most celebrated fiddlers in the world today – will bring his unique sound to St Columb’s Hall.


“Meanwhile The Gathering returns to Sandino’s with a lineup of the island’s most exciting folk, trad and electronic artists – including Palestinian and Irish artist, Róisín El Cherif.

“Derry artist SOAK will perform an intimate set at Orchard Cinema at St Columb’s Hall. And Féile will also collaborate with Celtronic to bring Glasgow’s Optimo (Espacio) to perform a unique set which will exhibit a complete disregard for genres and musical restrictions.

“Féile is renowned for bringing together relevant and powerful political debates and discussions and 2025 is no different. 

“This year will feature several events on constitutional change and eyewitness accounts of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a headline conversation with veteran BBC journalist Peter Taylor and a tribute lecture to Donncha Mac Niallais delivered by newly elected Conradh na Gaeilge president Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin.

“We will showcase an exciting lineup of award-winning films and documentaries throughout the festival. These include GAZA, a documentary by Garry Keane and Andrew McConnell, and Gerry Adams: A Ballymurphy Man, offering an in-depth look at the republican leader’s life.

“We Only Want the Earth, a new film on the life and ideas of socialist and republican leader James Connolly, is another not to be missed.

“We’re also delighted to announce more community gatherings and family celebrations than ever before with fun days and social events, while the Greatest Show returns with circus performers and magicians popping up across the neighbourhood’s parks and green spaces.

“Sport and games are once again central to Féile with the return of the much-loved Colm Quigley Jog in the Bog. Derry City FC is holding an open training session at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to give young fans the chance to meet their football heroes for a selfie and a signature!

“There’s been a massive amount of work behind the scenes to bring this 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 2025, as we celebrate the 33rd year of the festival and showcase everything that’s great about our neighbourhoods, celebrate the city’s very best creative talent, and what makes our communities the very best place to live, work and play.” ENDS 

For the full programme of events, visit feilederry.com/feile-2025

By Féile Derry, ago

Hundreds celebrate Valentine’s Day at Féile’s family celebration

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.

Photos: Event Images Derry

By Féile Derry, ago

January 2025: Féile celebrates North West Carnival Initiative

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.

Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0rzYRSbiDM

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 nwcarnival@gmail.com.

The film was produced as part of Féile Derry’s Communities in Transition project, funded by The Executive Office.

By Féile Derry, ago