'˜Communities United' at Galliagh' Festival 2016

Organisers of the annual Galliagh Festival maintain that this year's event which occurs later this month, could be their biggest yet.

The ‘Communities United’ annual Earhart Arts Festival will kick off on Monday, July 25th with a week-long array of events culminating in the Grand ‘Building United Communities’ Carnival Celebration on Sunday, July 31st.

Those behind the festival have extended a warm welcome to all groups across the city to come along and join inthe wide array of festivities that will take place during this year’s event.

The invitation has also been extended to all communities across the north-west including the Polish, Filipino, Indian, Japanese and Chinese and others.

Organisers said the week-long programme will see all aspects of ‘Communities Uniting’ incorporating the likes of carnival building, dance performance, costume making, drama and art, as well as the usual “fantastic fun-filled festival frolics.”

AMAZED AT GOODWILL

AND SUPPORT

Speaking ahead of this year’s festival, director and community arts expert, Ollie Green said he remains amazed.

“Once again this year we are amazed at the goodwill and support from every section of the community as well as the generosity of talented artists, performers and community organisations, coming together to ensure that the ‘Communities United’ Earhart Festival sends out a message of hope to the people of Galliagh and the Greater Shantallow area.

“I am looking forward to welcoming so many wonderful cultural diverse community groups from across the city. Indeed, this will give a multi-faceted colourful look to this year’s events and it will be great to see so many cultures on show taking part in the many events including the ‘Big Day’ on Sunday.”

The Grand Finale of this year’s event will see a spectacular parade on the last Sunday of the month leaving GSCA’s new Studio 2 at Skeoge Industrial Estate and making its way into the heart of Galliagh for a cultural carnival celebration at Fergleen Playing Fields.

Mr. Green also put out an appeal for volunteers to come along and lend their support in whatever way possible. “Please contact our Festival office at Galliagh 02871 357443 as any help offered, be it large or small, will be greatly appreciated,” he concluded.