August Féile is launching! (07/07/2009)

Today sees the launch of Féile 09, the West Belfast Festival which holds the title as the largest community arts festival in Ireland. Now in its 21st year the August Féile is the highlight of the summer festival calendar in Belfast. This year isn’t set to disappoint; today sees the unveiling of a hundred-page-strong programme of over 250 events which will take place over ten days, culminating with Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon taking centre stage for the festival finale.

Launch of Féile ’09 is around the corner!
The West Belfast Festival
31st July – 9th August

Launch 8th July 1pm, Falls Library

Liam Bradley, manager of the Antrim football team who are currently preparing for the Ulster Final officially launches the festival today at Falls Road Library. Féile 09 runs from Friday 31st July to Sunday 9th August. The line up is as impressive as ever; the President of Ireland, President Mary McAleese will deliver the annual P.J. McGrory Human Rights Lecture, Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon will make a welcome return to our shores, Stereo MCs are set to dish out the old skool tunes. Chumbawumba lead the ‘Love Music Hate Racism’ night, the coveted London Community Gospel Choir are billed to rock Clonard Monastery. The challenging and hilarious Mark Steel will headline the hugely popular comedy night, with Dublin’s favourite – Willa White providing support. Alexei Sayle and Pauline McLynn take part in the ‘Scribes at the West‘ literary event. The Drive-In Movies are back too, screening Ghost, The Omen and Trainspotting. The discussion provoking West Belfast Talks Back brings Sinn Féin, the DUP and others together for panel debate.

Director of Féile an Phobail Sean Paul O’Hare is overflowing with enthusiasm for the festival which lies ahead. He says: “the line-up this year is second to none. We’ve programmed a rocking festival over ten days, which has something for everyone to be part of. We’re proud to be showcasing such talent and creativity.”

Roisín McDonough, Chief executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “Over the past 20 years the festival has successfully established itself as a key cultural event, annually drawing audiences from across Northern Ireland and beyond to engage in the arts. As a key funder of the festival, the Arts Council recognises the importance of an arts event such as this which is driven and supported by the local community. This year’s programme once again features a fantastic line up of local and international names. With a broad range of events, from talks, to panel debates, music, drama, dance and comedy, there really is something for everyone – a perfect calendar of events for Féile an Phobail’s 21st anniversary celebrations.”

West Belfast is the heart of the festival’s stomping ground, but Féile ’09 will also see four nights of headlining music at their city centre festival marquee in Bank Square.

Click for programme

The festival sees more than 200,000 festival goers each year. It plays host to major headlining music and comedy acts, plus a diverse range of dance, literature, drama, family fun, sport, tours, discussions and debates. What makes this festival so unique is the phenomenal programme of community led events. The August Féile takes place over two weekends. It is the heartbeat of the city and West Belfast during August, and offers unrivalled entertainment quality for all the family.

Interestingly, one of Féile’s raisons d’etre, way back in the troubled eighties was to bring events and entertainment to the community that could be afforded by all. Féile has never let go of this ideal, and all tickets are priced at £10 of less, with most events being entirely free of charge. In today’s environment this ideal is again as relevant as it ever was, with Féile 09 offering a world class festival at prices that only shake the piggy bank!

Féile an Phobail was initially established in 1988 as a direct response to the conflict in the north of Ireland. Its purpose was to celebrate the positive side of the community, its creativity, its energy, its passion for the arts, and for sport.

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