Hazelbank neighbourhood ‘Rooted in Wellness’ as Farland Way community spirit shines at annual Big Lunch

Neighbours young and old embraced the health-themed event and availed of a variety of wellness stalls in addition to the annual community feast.

"It went exceptionally well,” said Woven Housing Association officer Margaret Cunningham.

“There was really something for everyone. We had a few new born babies up to the oldest person there who was my own mother who is 90 years of age!”

Margaret has been organising the Farland Way Big Lunch for a decade and a half now and spent much of the past year planning the annual street party.

And a few thundery showers on Tuesday didn’t stop the 2026 edition passing off as a great success.

“The rain didn't deter anybody. When the heavy showers came people just made their way to the marquee.

“The conversations were really good. Mickey Doherty was great. He had the crowd going and, as Mickey does, he was on top of the tables and chairs. Everyone loved him!,” Margaret reflected.

Fun and games were enjoyed by all ages.

"For the children we had the pets farm and it was the deluxe package so we had the pony and trap. People were able to get a wee trot around the street. I even got a wee try myself!

"We had a lady doing flower arranging and making up bouquets with people.

“The food was exceptional. It was provided by Tom, the buffet man,” added Margaret.

This year’s event was organised in partnership with the Ballymagroarty Hazelbank Community Partnership and Derry City and Strabane District Council with health and well-being the overarching theme.

“We had health checks provided by three nurses, my daughter, my sister and my niece. The Mayor, Colr. Ruairí McHugh was there and got his health check done. It was great to see him along with some of the councillors.

"Initially we thought people were queueing for food but they were actually going in for their health checks. It is nearly reflective of people finding it difficult to see their GPs or maybe they are working, or they wait until something happens to them. This is a way of getting checked. It's not always about finding something. It can be just about the reassurance of knowing everything is OK. The nurses were very busy,” Margaret reflected.

Last year Margaret had planned on reducing the scale of the annual big lunch but told the ‘Journal’ that this year’s event was bigger than ever.

"The community spirit was fabulous. There was a lot of happy people. The phone was still hopping late that night with people telling me how much they enjoyed the day. It's just lovely when it all comes together and people get together that sometimes you don't see people over a period of time. When you get everyone together it makes it all worthwhile.

"When I first started this I was a wee bit trepidatious about how it would go but year-on-year it has grown. It has just been expanding.

“I'm very happy with how it went,” she said.

Margaret thanked the Woven Housing Association, DC&SDC, BHCP and everyone who supported the event and helped out on the day.