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.”
