Féile an Phobail, the biggest community arts festival in Ireland, is ready to welcome visitors from across the world to its 2024 Féile from 1st to 11th August with over 350 events in total at over 50 venues across the city.
The official launch of this year’s Féile programme took place today in St Mary’s University College on the Falls Road.
The main speaker was the First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA.
Féile an Phobail Director Kevin Gamble gave a rundown of the highlights of Féile 2024.
Kevin said:
“In the city of Belfast, the month of August means it’s Féile time!
“Over the years, Féile an Phobail has developed enormously and is now the biggest community arts festival in Ireland, with over 350 events taking place this August.
“We have concerts and major sporting events, drama, art exhibitions, debates and discussions, lectures, carnival parades, parties in the park, and visual arts.
“We are delighted that the First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA was the main speaker at our launch event today, with Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray, Arts Council Director of Arts Development Gilly Campbell, and Tourism NI Chief Executive John McGrillen also speaking.
“Our debates and discussions programme will take place at St Mary’s University College, and we have a whole host of prominent speakers and panellists confirmed to take part including Trade Union leader Mick Lynch, Diane Abbott, and Joe Brolly.
“On Saturday 3rd August we have an 80s and 90s Night with Holly Johnson formerly of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, 90’s dance artists 2 Unlimited, former Smokey singer Chris Norman, D-Ream, DJ Johnny Hero, and Bruce Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac tributes all appearing live. This was an incredible night last year which sold out in record time, and tickets are selling really well for this concert.
“On Friday 9th August we have our first ever Way Out West Féíle Country Fest in the Falls Park, headline by Nathan Carter, with The Whistlin’ Donkeys, All Folk’d Up, and more. This concert will sell out and we advise people to get their tickets now.
“We will also be having our biggest ever Féile Carnival Parade and Party in the Park on Saturday 3rd August.
“One of Ireland’s most popular singers Frances Black will be appearing live at St Comgalls on Tuesday 6th August.
“Comedy nights in The Devenish include Andrew Ryan, Neil Delamere, Paddy Raff, and Mickey Bartlett.
“Féile, from its outset in 1988, has sought to display and showcase the positives of West Belfast and the incredible talent and creativity that comes from that.
“We want to thank all our partners, funders, sponsors, and stakeholders, and most importantly our local community for their continued support.
“We hope you can all join us, enjoy, and celebrate the fantastic atmosphere and community that we have.
“Ticket sales for this year’s concerts and comedy shows have been incredible so far, so we are advising you to get your tickets now. Don’t leave it until the last minute. When they are gone, they are gone!
“Let’s show the world why this is very much a Féile an Phobail – a festival of the people!
“Féile 2024 runs from 1st to 11th August and you can view the full Féile events programme at www.feilebelfast.com. So come and join us as we celebrate our community celebration of global culture.
“Onwards and upwards!”
FÉILE 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
SPORT
Féile 10K + 5K Run
Sunday 4th August 9am
With over 2,000 runners taking place, it’s going to be huge!
Fee £19.95 includes T-Shirt, Timing Chip, Race Number and Medal
CONCERTS
80s and 90s Night
Falls Park, Belfast
Saturday 3rd August
Tickets £20 + Booking Fee online from Ticketmaster.ie
Frances Black
St Comgalls, Divis Street
Tuesday 6th August
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.ie
Way Out West Féile Country Fest
Falls Park, Belfast
Friday 9th August
Tickets £20 + Booking Fee available from Ticketmaster.ie
DRAMA
Anthem for Dissatisfaction
Roddy McCorley Heritage Centre, Glen Road
8pm on Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th, Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th, Friday 9th, Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th August
Tickets £13.70 available from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anthem-for-dissatisfaction-tickets-877338532167
COMEDY
Neil Delamere
The Devenish, Belfast
Saturday 3rd August
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.ie
Andrew Ryan Comedy
The Devenish, Belfast
Wednesday 7th August
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.ie
Paddy Raff ‘Gimme a Minute’
The Devenish, Belfast
Saturday 10th August
Tickets available via paddyraffcomedy.com
DEBATES AND DISCUSSIONS
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh in Conversation with Pádraig Ó Muirigh
Thursday 1st August 2pm
St Mary’s University College, Falls Road
Blinne is a world renowned barrister who represented South Africa at the International Criminal Court in proceedings accusing Israel of genocide in Palestine.
Annual James Connolly Lecture
Thursday 1st August 5pm
St Mary’s University College, Falls Road
By Mick Lynch, General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT). One of the most recognisable trade union leaders in Britain, Mick Lynch has championed the rights of workers.
The Economics of Irish Unity
Friday 2nd August 3pm
St Mary’s University College, Falls Road
Professor Séamus McGuinness and Professor John Fitzgerald will debate the politics of Irish unity.
Diane Abbott in Conversation
Friday 2nd August 4pm
St Mary’s University College, Falls Road
Diane Abbott, one of the best known figures in British politics, will reflect on the challenges facing left-wing politics, and the evolving relationship between Ireland and Britain in the context of constitutional change.
Let’s Talk Politics
Monday 5th August 3pm
St Mary’s University College, Falls Road
Panellists – David McCann, Freya McClements, Gavan Reilly, and Lee Reynolds will discuss the political issues of the day.
West Belfast Talks Back
Wednesday 7th August 7pm
St Mary’s University College, Falls Road
Chaired by RTE Northern Correspondent Vincent Kearney
Panelists are Joe Brolly, Amanda Ferguson, Paul Maskey, and Allison Morris.
FAMILY AND CHILDREN
Féile Carnival Parade and Party in the Park
Saturday 3rd August
Carnival Parade – 12pm – Meet at Dunville Park to parade to Sportlann na hÉireann at 1pm
Party in the Park- 2-4pm Sportlann na hEireann
The Féile Carnival Parade ranks as one of the most colourful and inclusive parades in Ireland. Circus performers, music bands, street artists and more! This year’s Party in the Park will bring a mix of local and international music and dance, inflatables, party games, sporting activities, and more!
Free Entry
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Sunday 4th August 12-3pm
Falls Park, Belfast
We’ll have the usual chaos of inflatables, arts and crafts, petting farm, climbing tower, archery, with a few other surprises thrown in! Just make sure you grab a packed lunch, a blanket, Teddy Bear, and of course its owner.
Free Entry
COMMUNITY
International Food Fayre and Music
Friday 9th August 12pm-1.30pm
Conway Mill, Falls Road
Our newcomer and ethnic minority communities deliver an exciting cultural experience with food, music, dance, and art. Featuring foods from Syria, Palestine, Poland, Albania, Greece, Nigeria, Mongolia, Ireland and China.
Free entry
LITERARY
Scribes at the Rock
Thursday 8th August 4pm
Rock Bar, Falls Road
Contributions from Michael McKernon, Fiona Gault, Katriona O’Sullivan, Jan Carson, and Ali Dunsworth.
Admission £6 at Door