Republican News · Thursday 31 January 2002

Welcome to the 10th Gasyard Wall Féile

A wander through the last ten years of the Gasyard Wall Féile is a walk through the social, political, economic and cultural changes in the life of Derry City's community.

It is an open and honest commentary on the changes in our lives from our musical tastes, to how our children play, to our responses to a developing peace process.

It is a history of recent change that we have written, presented and recorded ourselves and it is one to be proud of.

The clear message coming from Féile is that when communities rally together, positive change is inevitable and we all have a responsibility to effect that change. The Féile remains a platform to showcase all that is good about us and a forum to explore change and new ideas.

Local resident and former Minister of Education, Martin McGuinness is looking forward to this year's festival.

"The festival has been going ten years now and I remember well the beginnings of an idea formulated by a number of local community activists concerned at the lack of amenities and entertainment for people of the area during the holiday period," he said. "Out of this evolved the international standard festival of today and the community development that has accompanied it such as the wonderful Gasyard amenities. All concerned are to be congratulated at their outstanding successes. I wish the Féile even bigger success this year and in coming years."

This year's festival programme is a feast fit for anyone.

The hottest competitions in town The Gasyard Cup and The House in the Wells pool Competition are in their third year. The annual Family Fun Day promises to be more exciting than ever and children will have to get into training to keep up with the number of activities, especially the Blazin Hot Summer Party, which sees the Gasyard Park turned into pop heaven.

With over 80 events to be enjoyed, the tenth Gasyard Wall Féile is a festival to be enjoyed by all, including fun and sports days, exhibitions, drama, debate, music, art and more for all ages.