august

In 1988, West Belfast was portrayed as a broken, crime-ridden community by international media. After the foundation of the festival over two decades ago, the television and radio stations that once gave the slanted portrayals now celebrate this area of the city as the strongest cultural, historical and social area in the north of Ireland.

Féile an Earraigh exceeded all expectations since its beginning, with events such as the Lúnasa and Kíla concerts, and the multi-cultural fayre. the Éamonn Maguire walk. Each year since its launch, Féile an Earraigh has been a fun-filled success right through to the Féile Finale which attracts only the best in local and national talent for an evening of exhilerating music which annually makes hairs stand on end.

An Draiocht

A magical fortnight of activities for children and young people aged 3-18 years. The festival began its first few years in March of the year, but now takes place in October, around Halloween. With dramas, arts and crafts, puppet shows, multi-media workshops, sports events and competitions plus much more!

Draíocht’s programme of activities expands each year increasing the number of children who participate and enjoy Draíocht Children’s Arts Festival events; we encourage children and young people from across the city and beyond to join in our activities. Along with the fun and the frolics comes success, self-esteem and personal achievement, Draíocht Children’s Arts Festival really is a magical time!

The Draíocht Children’s Arts Festival Programme of events is available from this page now and further information is available from our events calendar.

Oscailt Disability Development

Oscailt is Féile an Phobail’s Disability Awareness Project. Oscailt (‘Open’) is about equal opportunities and access to all forms of the arts for people with a disability, and strives to promote disability awareness. Féile encourages people with disabilities to attend our events and also to organise their own as part of our annual programme.

Highlights throughout the year include dramas, music events, dance events and art and craft workshops through its work with schools and disability groups in Belfast. Work which takes place on continuous basis all year round is showcased within all of our three festivals.

“Having worked with disability groups not only in Belfast but the rest of Ireland and the in the UK, I know just how important this project is to all those who have been involved in it. There is a surprising lack of awareness in society as a whole surrounding disabilities and the Oscailt programme aim’s to promote the abilities, as appose to the disabilities of the groups, which we work with. We provide the groups with a voice and a platform to showcase their endless talents and achievements.

“Oscailt is a powerful catalyst in inspiring confidence and independence in people who can sometimes underestimate themselves and who are more often than not, underestimated by society. Anyone who has been in the audience at any of the Oscailt performances should be left in no doubt or confusion about the ubiquitous talent and abilities of the groups which take part.” – Margaret McKernan, Disability Development Officer.

For further information about any aspect of Oscailt please contact Margaret Mc Kernan (Disability Development Officer) on 028 90313440 or email her. The Oscailt Project is supported by North and West Health and Social Services Trust and Arts Council Lottery Fund.

Youth Arts Annual Programme

This new Féile an Phobail project will be co-ordinated by the Youth Arts Development Officer. Féile will be working in partnership with youth providers across West Belfast in order to develop the medium of arts as a vehicle for providing a diverse range of opportunities for young people, e.g. drama, dance, mural painting, accredited training, literacy skills and youth achievement awards. All Féile events will be a showcase the skills and talents gained through this project. This year round project will serve to engage more directly with youth on a year round basis.

“West Belfast is a vibrant and very skilful society with immense potential throughout its community, but none more so than its youth. The energy and curious enthusiasm of our youth needs to be positively harnessed and opportunities provided for them to express themselves, learn, develop, and show what they have the capability to produce.One way for young people to articulate their emotions and their talent is through the medium of art. Art often appears to be outside of the realms of young people, particularly those living in areas of economic and social deprivation, but when presented with opportunities young people excel, with some amazing results.” – Kevin Morrison, Youth Arts Development Officer

For further information about any aspect of Féile’s Youth Arts Development Project please contact Kevin Morrison (Youth Arts Development Officer) on (028) 9031 3440 or email him.