IN PICTURES: The real magic of Christmas brought to life at Studio2

If ever there was a place to truly capture the spirit and magic of Christmas, Studio2 Community Arts Centre in Derry is it. This festive season, an extraordinary Christmas Wonderland has transformed the heart of Galliagh, welcoming families and visitors from across the city and wider region to enjoy a unique, fun-filled experience that delights audiences of all ages.

From the spectacular Frozen Forest, where Elsa and Anna arrive in Derry, to the laugh-out-loud energy of Elves Off the Shelves, audiences are treated to enchanting performances that have children and adults alike dancing in the aisles. The magic continues with Mrs Claus’ storytelling sessions, festive arts and crafts, and nightly Christmas carol singing — all combining to create an unforgettable celebration of creativity, joy and togetherness.

Speaking at the event, Oliver Green, Artistic Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has come along and been part of this amazing project. ’Twas a Week Before Christmas is the culmination of our Shared City, Shared Christmas project, which we are delighted was supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and our local Pennyburn Credit Union.

“Their support has enabled us to bring people together from communities right across the city to help build and share this truly unique programme of festive events.”

“We are immensely proud of our talented volunteers, participants, artists, performers and facilitators,” Oliver added, “and of the many school choirs who joined us each evening to make this such a special community celebration.

“Christmas is a time that brings people together in hope, and nowhere was that more evident than in the dedication and creativity of everyone involved — especially our TBUC Creative Christmas Youth Volunteering Camp young participants, who continue to amaze and inspire us all.”

Greater Shantallow Community Arts extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this project such a magical success and wishes all communities a joyful Christmas and a shared hope for a brighter future for all our children.

We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots.

We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community.

To submit:

Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. 

Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. 

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