‘West Belfast Talks Back’ Line-up revealed (05/08/2009)

(Live updates from West Belfast Talks back on Twitter: @feilebelfast & @stratagemni)

The panel for this year’s ‘West Belfast Talks Back’ debate, sponsored by Stratagem, has been revealed. The public debate, which forms part of Féile an Phobail, is taking place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 5 August at St. Louise’s College.

The event, which has become a key fixture in the political calendar, will be introduced this year by comedian Tim McGarry and chaired by journalist William Crawley.

The speakers will be Martina Anderson MLA of Sinn Féin, Simon Hamilton MLA of the DUP, Auxiliary Bishop of Down & Connor Donal McKeown, and Patricia McKeown, President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Sean Paul O’Hare from Féile an Phobail said: “We are delighted to have such a high calibre panel for this year’s ‘West Belfast Talks Back’. Each year, the debate is of an extremely high standard and this time around promises to be no different.

Quintin Oliver of Stratagem added: “We are proud to support ‘West Belfast Talks Back’ again this year, as it provides an excellent opportunity for members of the public to meet politicians and senior public figures face-to-face and discuss the issues that matter. Yet again, there is a fantastic line-up and some great debate is bound to be sparked.”

This year Féile an Phobail have added an additional ‘talks back’ event to the programme specifically for youths as part of their Féile Youth Fringe Festival. The event is entitled ‘West Belfast Youth Talks Back’. It takes places earlier in the day at 2pm at the same venue (St Louise’s College) and offers Belfast youth have the opportunity to quiz leading political, community and policing figures.This year’s talk will also focus on how republican and loyalist communities and the PSNI address youth issues including crime, sectarianism, racism, health, education, employment and community relations. The Panel line-up is equally dynamic with Sean Murray, Belfast Reconciliation Network, Jackie McDonald Community Development Worker with Belfast South Community Resource, Chief Superintendent Mark Hamilton, PSNI and Lord Mayor of Belfast, Naomi Long (awaiting confirmation). The event will be chaired by journalist Anne Cadwallader. This youth event is funded by Peace III Building Positive Relations at the Local Level.

Féile an Phobail, 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; with a hundred-page-strong programme of over 250 events which will take place over ten days, at 80 venues across West Belfast and the City Centre, culminating with Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon taking centre stage for the festival finale.

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 Rock 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”.

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.

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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