Packed programme for a Féile like no other

The city’s biggest community arts and culture festival in the North West has this year adapted to bring the festival to local people due to the restrictions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

But that hasn’t stopped the organisers coming up with a major programme of events, and everyone from Ireland international James McClean and musicians Keith Harkin, Declan McLaughlin and Damien Dempsey to Irish Times journalist Fintan O’Toole and NI Mental Health Champion Siobhan O’Neill are taking part.

A spokesperson for the Féile said: “It has been 28 years since the first Féile, but our primary objective remains the same - to celebrate everything that is great about this community and its people. This community has confronted massive adversity and hardship together in the past. Over the last few months, the Covid 19 health crisis has been faced with the same love, resilience, selflessness and community spirit. Residents, key workers, community organisations and businesses have come together to support those in need. This massive community effort has resulted in the suppression of the illness locally.

“Féile 2020 will be like no other Féile. While we would love to bring our community together at workshops, discussions, fun days and music events that have characterised previous festivals, it remains unsafe to do so at this time. We all must continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to protect the health of our community.

“Much of this year’s programme will be delivered online. Féile TV will use the latest technology to host several hours of programming each day with something for everyone including live music concerts, health and sport events, debates and arts & crafts workshops. Live concerts from some of Ireland’s finest musicians including will be streamed. Féile Health Week and A Day For Ryan McBride also move online this year.

Discussions this year will include the health crisis, Brexit, the return to education, mental health, racism and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Everyone is invited to take part in the Féile Finale on Saturday evening, August 15, by placing a light in their window to celebrate “family, friends and neighbours and to honour all the keyworkers, the sick and those who have lost their lives and to hope for a bright, healthy future”.

A multi-location fireworks display, to be enjoyed from home, will light up the skies and bring this year’s festival to a close.

For full programme details including information about what’s on and when, see The Gasyard Féile Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gasyardwallfeile/