Derry & Strabane Mayor hosts reception for Féile Derry
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, hosted Féile Derry at a civic reception in the Guildhall this week in recognition of the organisation’s ‘outstanding contribution to the local community’.
Addressing invited guests at the Guildhall during what was one of his final engagements before handing over the chain of office, the Mayor paid tribute to Féile Derry’s continued success in delivering ‘a vibrant and inclusive programme of events that celebrates culture, creativity and community spirit across the city and district’.
Mayor McHugh said: “Féile Derry plays a hugely important role in bringing people together and creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a diverse range of high-quality activities. I had the pleasure of attending a host of events during my Mayoral year and was very impressed at the level of work and commitment that went into organising them all.”
The Mayor also commended the dedication of everyone involved in Féile Derry’s staff, acknowledging their commitment to ensuring the festival continues to grow and thrive.
He said their work has helped establish Féile Derry as a key highlight in the region’s cultural calendar, providing something for everyone to enjoy while strengthening community connections and civic pride.
The origins of Féile Derry, also known as the Gasyard Féile, stretch back to over 30 years ago when residents of the Bogside and Brandywell came together with community organisations to organise the first Gasyard Wall Féile in the summer of 1993.
Since then, the Gasyard Féile has staged its flagship Féile Festival in August every year and this festival has become the biggest arts and cultural festival in the North West, with over 20,000 people being brought to the city during the programme of events.
Féile Derry also organises and run events, festivals, workshops, fun days and creative training programmes throughout the year in a variety of locations in Derry, including seasonal and cultural based events such as Halloween trails, Christmas carol services and Spring carnivals.
It’s diverse events programmes take the form of music, sport, education, literature, visual arts, carnivals, fun days, health, discussions, lectures and conferences, community consultation and tours.