Republican News · Thursday 1 July 1999

[An Phoblacht]

Féile an Phobail `99

West Belfast Festival programme launched

This year's Féile an Phobail, starting 31 July, promises something for everyone - bus tours, music, mountain walks, comedy, an international food fayre, Triple FM (which goes on air next week), drama, community events, more music, street parties, the Into the West gig (featuring Status Quo), Prisoners' Day (6 August), the West Belfast Film Festival (Tel. +1232 325913 for details) and the opening day parade with Samba and street theatre.

New events include the Tír na nOg open air concert, with up-and-coming bands for the youngster in all of us, featuring Westlife, the hot new Irish boy band managed by some fella out of that other Irish boy band, more children's events, and a drama fringe.

There are groups from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Top Cuban band ``Raices Cubans'' and the Afro Celt Sound System will also be there. Unfortunately, Sinéad O'Connor will not be with us but people can console themselves with Belfast's very own and massively talented Rab McCullagh, who joins Status Quo and Midge Ure at the Into the West concert in Beechmount.

The marquee will have top comedians and performers for nine nights, and there will also be a tribute to Rosemary Nelson (3 August). The highlight for many will be the new play from the team that brought you Binlids last year - Dubbeljoint and JustUS community theatres with their new play ``Forced Upon Us'', a dramatic debate about the history and experiences that lie behind the call for the RUC's disbanding. That production opens on Wednesday 28 July. Aisling Ghear presents ``Amedee'' in An Chultúrlann (August 5-7).

There will a number of discussions and debates including the seventh Frank Cahill memorial lecture (2 August, 8pm) given by U.S. State Senator Tom Hayden. On the same day, there will be a day-long public hearing into the Springhill Massacre, when the British Army shot dead five civilians, including three children and a priest.

There will also be a huge number of sporting events, including the Bobby Sands Memorial Cup, the Mairéad Farrell Camogie Tournament and the ever popular Poc Fada.

Local accommodation can be arranged through the tourism office in An Chulturlann (+1232 239303). For further details about all events contact the Féile office and credit card hotline call 209090, for up to the minute information visit the festivals Website at http://www.irish-culture.com.

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