Féile 2026 officially gets underway in Derry, with over 150 events taking place over the next eleven days.

Féile said excitement is building across the neighbourhood and beyond as Over 20,000 people are expected to attend what is one of the biggest community and cultural festivals in Ireland’s summer calendar.

Féile aims to be a positive celebration of communities and a unique opportunity to showcase everything that makes our neighbourhoods the greatest place in the world.

This year, Féile said its programme includes some of Ireland’s biggest music acts, award-winning films, headline discussions, family fun days, sport, exhibitions and major community celebrations, with tickets for several events already sold out.

Madra Salach, will make their Derry debut, while David Kitt celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Big Romance and one of the world’s best DJs, Mano Le Tough, returns home for A Summer Dance at the Nerve Centre.

Organisers said that families will be at the heart of the celebrations, with The Greatest Show bringing circus performers and magicians to parks across the neighbourhoods, including Abercorn Park, Deanery Street, Brandywell Park, Bishop’s Field, Magowan Park, Ballymagowan Park and Dove Gardens.

One of Féile’s best-loved traditions returns as the Our People, Our Place carnival parade fills the streets of Bishop Street, the Bogside and the Brandywell with music, colour and performance on Saturday August 15.

Later that day, Field Day will round off the festival in Creggan with a packed afternoon of live music, sport, family entertainment, football tricks from Sam Madden, exhibition matches, fire and circus performances and a huge community celebration at Bishop’s Field.

Féile’s debates and discussions programme will aim to provide space for important conversations on some of the biggest issues facing people today, including Ireland’s future, workers’ rights, ending violence against women and girls and international solidarity with Palestine.

RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey, First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Bernadette McAliskey, Professor Debbie Ging and Dr Susan Lagdon, alongside a live recording of the Stormont Sources podcast, are among the highlights of this year’s discussions programme.

Award-winning films and documentaries will be screened throughout the festival, including Life Support, with surgeon Dr Nick Maynard returning to Derry to discuss his experiences working alongside Palestinian medical staff on the frontline in Gaza’s hospitals.

Sport and games will once again play a major part in Féile, with the return of the Colm Quigley Jog in the Bog, the hugely popular Derry City FC Open Training Session and tournaments and competitions taking place throughout the festival.

Féile said: “We can’t wait to welcome thousands of people to the neighbourhood once again – to take part in Féile, showcase our incredible local talent and enjoy an exciting festival with something for everyone.”

Féile 2026 said the celebrations would not be possible without support from their funders, including The Executive Office, Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the collaboration of the many groups, organisations, volunteers and residents who have come together to make this year’s festival possible.

You can find out more about here: https://feilederry.com/