Community leaders in the Creggan estate in Derry have hailed Féile as a 'glowing success' as it helps shine a light on the positive work happening within local communities.
Derry Féile, the North West’s biggest arts festival, has returned for its 30th year with a packed programme including music, literature, film, sport, history, comedy, carnival, fun days and much more.
The aim of the festival is to celebrate everything that is great about local neighbourhoods within the city where 'people live, learn, play, work, and visit'.
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MyDerry visited one of the 100+ events happening across Derry until August 20, with the 'Wan Big Street Party' event happening in the Creggan estate.
Tina Burke, from Triax Management Team, said that the event helped showcase the 'best of the positivity' that the city's working-class neighbourhoods had to offer.
"There is loads here for the children to do and the whole family, we try and cater for everybody so it's just a big family fun day," said Ms Burke.
"What Féile does and what a lot of these events do is allow us to showcase the positivity of the area, and particularly around the Triax area.
"You can see that people come out to help, we have volunteers and staff and it gives you an insight into what communities are like. The volunteers are the backbone of the events and without volunteers, a lot of our events wouldn't be able to take place.
"Féile is going from strength to strength every year and the programme this year is jam-packed and it's bigger than it's ever been and we'll keep trying to build on it."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein councillor for the area Emma McGinley, who also grew up in the local estate, said events like Féile made her proud to be from Creggan.
"Féile has always been part of the community when I've been growing up and it brings the community together in a positive way and it's incredible the work staff and volunteers do to make it happen.
"I am proud of being from Creggan and nobody will ever tell me any different. I think Creggan is a fantastic community and I think events like this really do showcase how good a community it really is.
"No matter what bad rap is, that's a minority and it's to the side and as a whole, this is a fantastic community and this is what the real Creggan is all about.
"The work that goes into this is a testament to the Féile team and it branches out to all sections of our community."
You can find a full list of Derry Féile events HERE.
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