Pageant in Guildhall Square

Sound and performance stages will be erected in the heart of the city and spectators will enjoy dramatic re-enactments of famous tales from the life of the saint. The event will also feature live performances from the internationally acclaimed chamber choir Codetta led by Donal Doherty, a children’s drum orchestra led by Ronan McKee and choreographed dance pieces from local Irish dancers.

This cross-community event will feature school children from Lisneal College, Thornhill College, Fountain Primary School and Long Tower Primary School and young people from The YARD Project, Columba House.

The event is organised by the Columba Community, Columba House, 11 Queen St, Derry. This Christian community has worked for over 30 years with those on the margins of society to promote healing, peace and reconciliation. With this event the Columba Community aim to engage young people in a cross-community celebration of the patron saint of our city and provide a spectacle of entertainment for the people of the city and district.

Fr Neal Carlin, spiritual director of the Columba Community said: “St Columba’s day is a big feast day for the people of Derry & Donegal. As we prepare to celebrate the upcoming City of Culture Festival, we want to honour Columba again this year following on from the success of last year’s pageant. We want to invite all communities to come along and enjoy this musical and dramatic retelling of the story of our great patron.”

Marguerite Hamilton of the Columba Community commented: “An event such as this takes an enormous amount of organisation, co-operation and teamwork between numerous individuals and agencies, the majority of whom have contributed their time and talents in a voluntary capacity. The Columba Community would like to thank the pageant director, Maureen Gallagher, Derry City Council and all who have contributed in some way to this event.”