Celebrating Japanese Arts, Culture and Community at Foyle Obon 2026

Foyle Obon Festival 2026 was a week-long celebration of Japanese arts, culture and community across Derry-Londonderry, from 31st May to 6th June 2026. 

The support of Radius Housing, Apex Housing, Ark Housing and Choice Housing enabled us to deliver a vibrant programme of community activities that brought together people of all ages and backgrounds through creativity, cultural exchange and participation.

At the heart of Foyle Obon is a belief that arts and culture can create meaningful opportunities for connection. Through workshops, performances and shared cultural experiences, the festival created welcoming spaces where people could learn, participate and build relationships across communities.

The festival was designed to place participation at its heart. Rather than simply presenting performances, events invited people to take part, learn new skills and engage with Japanese culture in an accessible, inclusive way. Community groups, schools, carers and volunteers all played an active role in shaping the festival experience. This approach ensured that local people were not only audiences but contributors, performers and participants.

Our lantern workshop was delivered with the CONNECT group at the Women's Centre Derry. 

Participants created traditional Obon lanterns, learning about the cultural significance of remembrance and reflection within Japanese tradition. They also tried out some calligraphy and were able to put on a traditional kimono. There was a relaxed and supportive environment that encouraged creativity, conversation and shared learning. 

The completed lanterns became part of the festival celebrations, allowing participants to see their work included in a cultural event and strengthening their sense of ownership and belonging. This was an opportunity for participants from diverse backgrounds to connect through a shared creative activity while exploring a different culture.

One of the highlights of the community programme was the Taiko for Carers workshop. 

This session brought together carers who have been participating in taiko drumming activities throughout the year and offered them an opportunity to reconnect as part of the festival programme. The workshop recognised the importance of creativity, wellbeing and social connection for carers, providing dedicated time for participants to focus on themselves through music and movement.

We were particularly honoured to welcome the new Mayor to this event, demonstrating the importance of recognising carers within our community and celebrating their contribution. The Mayor's attendance highlighted the value of inclusive cultural activities that support wellbeing and community participation.

A unique highlight of this year's festival was the Swingposium workshop led by internationally acclaimed San Jose Taiko. 

Participants explored movement, rhythm and storytelling through a workshop inspired by the company's acclaimed production examining resilience, community and cultural identity. The workshop provided a rare opportunity for local participants to work directly with internationally recognised artists and engage in meaningful cultural exchange.

The event demonstrated how arts can be used to tell stories that resonate across cultures and communities, encouraging discussion, learning and understanding.

The Mini Matsuri brought together primary school pupils participating in our Yūjō Taiko cross-community programme.

The event celebrated friendship, learning and cultural exchange through storytelling, performance and participation. Pupils had the opportunity to experience a live performance by San Jose Taiko and engage with Japanese culture in an exciting and accessible way.

Importantly, the Mini Matsuri created opportunities for children from different schools and backgrounds to come together through a shared experience. Through taiko drumming and cultural activities, pupils were able to build connections, develop curiosity about other cultures and celebrate what they had learned through the programme.

Teachers consistently tell us that taiko creates opportunities for young people to connect naturally, and the Mini Matsuri provided a powerful example of this in action.

The festival concluded with "An Evening with San Jose Taiko and Friends", a celebration that showcased not only internationally acclaimed artists but also the achievements of local participants and community groups.

The concert brought together local taiko groups, dancers, volunteers and audiences in a joyful celebration of community and culture. Community performers shared the stage alongside professional artists, creating a memorable experience that recognised the talent and commitment of local participants.

The evening embodied the core values of the festival: participation, inclusion, cultural exchange and community celebration. Through music, dance and shared experiences, people from a wide range of backgrounds came together in a welcoming and positive environment.