New mural to Nell McCafferty to be unveiled during Femme Sesh 2025

Derry woman Shá Gillespie has organised the annual Femme Sesh event to celebrate International Women's Day for the last 15 years.

Speaking to The Derry News she said: "Femme Sesh is a very special night of music and poetry by performers from Derry/Donegal who give up their time and talent for free to play at this special event. And that talent is incredible.

"The event, upstairs at Sandinos in Water Street, is one of the biggest in the Derry calendar, this year we have 13 fantastic acts plus a good old disco to finish on. 

"It's a lovely night to hang out with friends you haven't seen in a while, everyone you've spent time with, or meant to, since last year will be there.

"Money raised will be donated to Alliance for Choice Derry to help support women in crisis. Everyone is welcome and you are advised to buy your tickets online or get there early, not only to catch all the incredible acts but because every year the event has been a sell out," said Shá.

New mural to Nell McCafferty to be unveiled during Femme Sesh 2025.

All the acts are listed on the poster and we will start the show at 8pm, doors open at 7pm.

"We look forward to welcoming you all," added Shá. "This year's Femme Sesh will be dedicated to the late Nell McCafferty, who left us in August last year.

"Nell was an Irish journalist, playwright, Civil Rights campaigner and feminist. Nell was a proud daughter of Derry, so we have also commissioned a new mural in the Bogside in her memory.

"The unveiling of the mural will also take place on March 8, at 3.30pm,at Lisfannon Park opposite Free Derry Corner, with speakers and music to which everyone is very welcome."