Festival fun ready to rev
Féile an Phobail 2-9 August
Monday 29 June saw the launch of Europe's biggest and brightest
community festival. The launch of the 11th Feile an Phobail (West
Belfast Community Festival) was attended by Gerry Adams MP for
West Belfast and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor David
Alderdice.
Once again, people from all communities are invited ``Into the
West'' to join in an historic and unrivalled celebration with a
unique people of diverse ages and talents. Major events on the
programme this year include the Opening Day Carnival, major art
exhibitions, plays, orchestral recitals, comedy nights, lectures
and cultural evenings and a huge outdoor concert featuring Brian
Kennedy, Mary Black, and Shane MacGowan and The Popes as well as
many old festival favourites.
There are some new events and concepts including the first West
Belfast Festival Campsite at Pairc Lamh Dhearg that will not only
provide camping facilities for visitors but will also provide
marquee entertainment nightly.
Throughout the week prioners in Long Kesh, Maghaberry and
Portlaoise will also be celebrating Feile week. There will be a
sponsored Fun Run, music sessions, poetry reading and discusions
and debates around the theme 1798 and prisoners will be taking
visits from a wide range of delegations. Prisoners on parole will
also attend events in West Belfast.
Speaking at the launch, Gerry Adams said ``The past 12 months have
been action-packed and the work has never stopped and I would
just like to thank all those who worked on the committee.''
Caitriona Ruane, Director of Feile an Phobail added ``Feile an
Phobail has gone from strength to strength by positively
embracing the winds of change, continually evolving through the
celebration of our historical and cultural existence as we
approach a new millennium.''
In the coming weeks we will preview many of the Féile
highlights.
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