Thousands of competitors from Derry and further afield will converge on the city during the Easter break to take part in the annual Féis Dhoire Colmcille. Since 1922, Féis Dhoíre Cholmcílle has welcomed thousands of young people and adults through its doors, and in turn sent many of these out into the world with added confidence and expertise. Past competitors include Josef Locke, Dana, Charlie Sherrard/ Patrick O’Hagan, Bronagh Gallagher, Fergal Sharkey, Glenn Simpson, Nadine Coyle, Wendy Ferguson, Cathal Breslin and Ruth McGinley. Thousands of people, many of them children and teenagers, will take part in a range of competitions ranging from traditional events such as poetry recital, public speaking, history, Irish dancing, singing events and classical music to more modern events like hip-hop dancing. This year’s event will feature an all-local adjudication team for the first time ever. Adjudicators include acclaimed opera singer Doreen Curran and director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Mr Paul Murphy. A warm welcome has always characterised the Derry Féis. In 2013, the organisers of the Féis will invite all past competitors to return to a special reception to mark the City of Culture designation on 6th April 2013.