Mickey Joe Harte with members of the Féile Carraig team.
LOCALS and tourists gathered in Carrigart last weekend to enjoy workshops, exhibitions, music and talks at the third annual Féile Carraig Arts & Culture festival.
The core objectives of the festival to boost community morale by promoting social inclusion, raising the profile of local artists and to boost the local economy through arts.
Over the weekend hundreds of people visited the Hay Hall where local artists displayed their finest work for the duration of the festival; such a variety of artistic talent was seen and highlighted just some of the hidden talent that lies within the parish of Mevagh.
With all workshops free of charge it was inevitable they would fill up quickly. Participants enjoyed creative writing, song writing, outdoor photography, Irish dance/hip-hop, drawing, salsa, arts and tin whistle workshops at Teach John Mickey Bans, the Mevagh Family Resource Centre, the Parochial Hall, the Old Downings Boatyard and at Mulroy Estate.
The festival finale took place in Logue’s Bar where local band In Their Thousands played in the crowded yard to new and old fans.
The festival committee was overwhelmed with attendance at this year’s festival. Awareness of the festival appears to be growing year on year and they are very excited about how big the festival could become.
Locals are beginning to take more interest in the festival and the committee would like to invite any feedback or people wishing to get involved to contact them either on Facebook or by calling Áine Doherty on 087 786 3929.
Áine said: “We rely on volunteers to make the festival happen and with a small committee of just five people there is only so much we can do. We appreciate how busy everyone is these days, but if you have an hour or two spare every few weeks and would like to get involved please get in touch with us.”
The festival committee have expressed their gratitude to everyone who participated, volunteered or donated to this year’s festival; they sincerely hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend in Carrigart and look forward to seeing you all again next year.
In Their Thousands play on the final night of Féile Carraig.