Galliagh Féile to celebrate 50th anniversary of Derry estate with packed programme
The Galliagh Féile is about to get under way with two weeks of live music concerts, sport events and community celebrations planned from August 4 to August 16.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Galliagh estate with plans to incorporate a celebration the area’s history and its people during the Féile on Thursday, August 13.
Organisers at the festival gathered with partners and funders to launch the Féile programme at Galliagh Community Centre on Friday.
Tommy McCallion, Galliagh Féile Coordinator and Manager of Galliagh Community Centre, told the Journal: "Galliagh Féile is about much more than putting on events – it's about bringing our community together and celebrating everything that is positive about where we live. Every performance, every volunteer, every family who comes along and every young person who gets involved helps strengthen the sense of pride and belonging that makes Galliagh such a special place.
"This year's programme has been designed to provide safe, inclusive and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages to come together through music, culture and community. Events like Galliagh Goes Country, our Youth Music Concert, our annual Galliagh 5k and the Stride for Pride create opportunities for local talent to shine, encourage positive participation among young people and give families the chance to enjoy high-quality entertainment on their doorstep.”
Tommy McCallion praised the commitment of volunteers, community organisations, performers, funders and local residents, ‘whose support continues to make the Féile stronger every year’.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Galliagh this August and showing the very best of our community. Together, we are creating lasting memories, strengthening community spirit and demonstrating what can be achieved when local people work together with a shared vision,” he added.
Aileen Mellon, Programme Planner for Galliagh Féile meanwhile, said: "Planning Galliagh Féile each year is about listening to our community and creating a programme that genuinely reflects the people who live here. We want everyone, regardless of age or background, to find something they can enjoy, whether that's country music, emerging young artists, family activities or a community celebration that brings neighbours together.
“Over the past three years, we've seen the Féile grow from a new community initiative into one of the highlights of the local summer calendar. We've expanded both the number and variety of events, increased community participation and built a festival that showcases the incredible talent, creativity and community spirit that exists within Galliagh.
“This year's programme reflects that journey. From Galliagh Goes Country to our Youth Music Concert and the Community Music Event, to our planned Galliagh Turns 50 Local Celebration Event we've worked hard to create a diverse programme that celebrates local and provides positive opportunities for young people and offers families accessible, high-quality entertainment and community events close to home.
“Seeing thousands of people come together over the past three years has shown what can be achieved when a community works in partnership. Galliagh Féile is continuing to grow because local people have embraced it, volunteered their time, supported the events and taken real pride in creating something that belongs to everyone."
The Galliagh Féile opens with a Football Camp for children aged 9 to 11 taking place from August 4 to 6 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm each day at Leafair Pitches, with pre-booking necessary priced at £6. There will also be a five-a-side for teens on Thursday August 6.
The Galliagh Féile 5K takes place on Tuesday, August 11 at 7pm, entry £10, with the children’s race taking place prior to this at 6.30pm. Registration will open at Galliagh Community Centre from 5pm on the day and there will be a special commemorative T-shirt for the first 150 runners.
The Stride for Pride takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday August 12 moving off from Galliagh Community Centre with refreshments afterwards.
This year there will be an expanded music programme with three live music concerts planned, including the Galliagh Féile Irish Day Trad Concert on August 16 at the Galliagh Community Centre. Gates open at 4.45pm with the line up including bands 2 Men 1 Pint, Gary Lawlor, Paddy McGlinchey and Shaun McCafferty.
Making a return to the festival will be the popular Galliagh Goes Country concert on Friday August 14 featuring Garth Brookes and Ella Langley tribute acts and Off The Cuff live band with Simon Peters and Elaine Boyle on vocals. Gates open at 4.45pm.
There will be food trucks and cowboy hats available on the nights and both concerts are pay at the door.
A number of fun days are planned with inflatables, games and entertainment on August August 7, 10 and 15. There will also be a family bus run to Lurgybrack Open Farm on Saturday August 8.
For more information and to pre-book any of the events see the Galliagh Community Centre social media pages.