Republican News · Thursday 8 August 2002

Féile kicks off in colour as sun comes out

BY LAURA FRIEL

After weeks of persistent rain, sunshine greeted the thousands of people who turned out to participate in or enjoy the spectacle of the opening parade of Féile an Phobail on Sunday.

In a year in which nationalist communities across the north continue to be subjected to a concerted campaign of loyalist violence, both the change in the weather and the delights of the Festival provided literally and metaphorically a welcome break in the clouds.

Diversity and tolerance was the theme underpinning many of the carnival floats. Among floats promoting community-based projects and initiatives, dancing dragons, gigantic lions, fish stilt walkers and 20-foot tall puppets paraded to the sounds of jazz, samba and salsa as well as the music of more traditional bands.

In the Falls Park, the grass might have been still wet underfoot but nothing could dampen the spirits of the crowd as they picked their way through the stalls and enjoyed the music and bands.

On Friday night, the normally tranquil Clonard Monastery had rocked to the sounds of the world famous Harlem Gospel Choir. Founded in 1985 and drawn from some of the finest singers and musicians from Harlem, the choir brought its message of tolerance and understanding into the heart of West Belfast and an audience that included people from many diverse faiths and communities from throughout the city. Local MP Gerry Adams and the city's Mayor Alex Maskey were among the audience.

Accompanied by drums and keyboard, the voices of the singers filled the perfect acoustics of the monastery's vault. As the chapel resounded with the sound of human joy and endeavour, the audience clapped and danced their way through the evening.

Earlier, they had listened to a showcase of local talent, including traditional Irish music, dance and song. And after such an evening of cultural exchange, when the Harlem choir concluded with a rendition of 'We Shall Overcome', there was hardly a dry eye in the house.