Thousands of people expected to attend Derry Féile

Local singer-songwriter SOAK is set to perform at this year's Derry Féile

About 20,000 people are expected to attend this year's Derry Féile, which will have its biggest-ever programme of events, organisers have said.

Now in its 33rd year, it will feature more than 150 events across more than 60 venues, including the Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan, Bishop Street, Fountain neighbourhoods, and the city centre from 6 to 15 August.

Organiser Gareth Stewart said it offered something for all age groups to enjoy.

"We have events for children and young people, older people; we've got music events, sporting events, lots of discussions, debates and films," he said.

Dr Nick Maynard, a UK surgeon, opened this year's Derry Féile with a talk on his first-hand experience treating Palestinians in the hospitals of Gaza

"It's all about celebrating the Bogside, Brandywell, and Fountain neighbourhoods," Mr Stewart told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme.

Mr Stewart said a huge team of people was behind the event programme.

"The programme wouldn't be possible without the collaboration of the many groups, organisations, volunteers, and residents that come together to shape the whole thing," he said.

"This is the 33rd year, and the reason for its longevity and success is because of that buy-in from everyone in those areas."

Dr Nick Maynard, a surgeon who has worked in Gaza, opened this year's Féile on Tuesday evening at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin with a talk on his first-hand experience working inside hospitals.

Traditional Irish musician, Martin Hayes, local singer-songwriter SOAK, and rising talent Piaras Ó Lorcáin headline this year's music line-up, alongside emerging local and national talent.

One of the most popular events to take place on 11 August is League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City FC's open training session, which organisers said had sold out in hours.

Mayor Ruairí McHugh says the festival reflects the positive work that is happening right across the city

Mr Stewart said the Féile was started back in 1993 by a group of community workers and has continued to grow year after year.

"All we are trying to do is provide something for every member of the community to come out for and enjoy with their neighbours," Mr Stewart said.

"The neighbourhoods are great places to live, work, and play in - so we want to simply reflect that."

A large proportion of those attending events will be residents of the city, but Mr Stewart said the festival has seen a real growth in international visitors.

"We are expecting about 20,000 people, and while the majority will be from the city, over the last number of years we've noticed a growing proportion coming from across the country and beyond."

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh said the festival was "a real highlight of the summer across the neighbourhoods".

"This year's line-up is really exciting and reflects the positive work that is happening right across the city to highlight everything that is good about our communities and the people who live in them," McHugh said.

"Derry is a city bursting with endless talent, creativity, and energy and events like Féile are crucial in showcasing that to the world, helping our city reach its full potential and thrive."