Packed Gasyard Féile 2020 programme launched in spite of COVID-19 crisis

The programme for Féile 2020, the biggest community arts and culture festival in the North West has been revealed.
The 2020 Gasyard File programme has been launched.The 2020 Gasyard File programme has been launched.
The 2020 Gasyard File programme has been launched.

Although, as with many cultural events, the programme has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the objective for the 28th Féile remains the same, namely to celebrate everything that is great about the Bogside, Creggan and Brandywell communities.

A spokesperson said: "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.’

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"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. Féile TV will be streamed via www.facebook.com/gasyardwallfeileand www.youtube.com/gasyardwallfeile."

Programme highlights include ‘Songs, Tunes and Words’ a series of live concerts from some of Ireland’s finest musicians including Damien Dempsey, Keith Harkin and Declan McLaughlin which will be streamed from locations across the district, to be enjoyed at home with family and friends.

As always, Féile has a packed programme of discussions and debates covering some of the pressing issues of the day including the health crisis, Brexit, the return to education of our children and young people, mental health, racism and the Black Lives Matter movement with contributors including Creggan’s finest James McClean, Fintan O’Toole from The Irish Times, leading immunologist Professor Luke O’Neill and interim Mental Health Commissioner, Professor Siobhan O’Neill.

Féile Health Week and A Day For Ryan McBride also move online this year with workshops and activities encouraging a healthy lifestyle while a massive programme of arts & crafts classes will give everyone the chance to get creative and learn new skills.

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The spokesperson continude: "Féile’s ‘Wearing Is Caring’ mask initiative will see face coverings distributed to residents throughout the festival. Streets will be used for exhibition spaces to celebrate our people and their creativity.

"Smaller socially distanced pop-up events will entertain our older people and bring our children together safely to wonder and laugh. Everyone is invited to take part in the Féile Finale on the evening of Saturday, August 15, by placing a light in their window to celebrate our 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 your home, will light up the skies above our neighbourhoods and bring this year’s festival to a close.

"Féile 2020 would not be possible without the support of our funders at The Executive Office, Urban Villages, Co-Operation Ireland, Derry City & Strabane District Council and Department of Foreign Affairs and the collaboration of the many groups, initiatives, volunteers and residents from throughout the Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan, Bishop Street and Fountain areas who have come together to shape and manage this programme of events."

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