Derry Feis organisers and volunteers congratulated on successful event

The organisers of Derry’s iconic Feis Dhoire Cholmcille have been congratulated on the success of this year’s event.

The City’s premier arts showcase which took place this Easter saw an estimated 4,000 children and young people competing in St Columb’s Hall and the Playhouse.

Speaking at April’s full meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Aisling Hutton said she wanted to take the opportunity to “warmly commend all those involved in the recent Derry Feis”.

“For more than a century, the Feis has been a gathering and a stage where our music, our dance, our drama, our language and our story are celebrated with passion and pride,” Cllr Hutton said. “It is more than just a Feis, it is a living testament to Derry itself. It shows resilience, creativity, pride and is full of promise.

"The dedication of the organisers, the countless hours given by the volunteers, the unwavering support of families and above all the extraordinary courage and talent of the participants, young and old, all brought joy to thousands of people both physically present at the Feis and watching online.

“The Feis really does shine a bright light on our cultural heritage. Every performance, every step, every note was a reminder that the soul of our city beats strongest when we come together to celebrate who we are. So, on behalf of Sinn Féin and indeed this Council, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved, especially those brave young people who took to the stage and entertained us the whole week.

“I was lucky enough to be at the Feis and some days we laughed, some days performances brought us to tears but I was privileged to witness first hand the hard work and determination of everyone involved.

“The legacy that the Derry Feis builds will echo far beyond these days and into the hearts of future generations. The Derry Feis is a gift to our city and we cherish it and long may it continue to thrive.”