Festivities drag in the end, unfortunately (5)

I believe the answer is:

galas

'festivities' is the definition.
(I know this)

'drag in the end unfortunately' is the wordplay.
'in the end' suggests the final letters.
'unfortunately' becomes 'alas' ('alas' is used to express regret).
The final letter of 'drag' is 'g'.
'g'+'alas'='GALAS'

(Another definition for galas that I've seen is " Bashes".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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