FÉILE an Phobail returns to west Belfast for its 34th year next month, bringing the usual eclectic selection of arts and culture to the city between August 4 and 14.
Speaking in advance of the 2022 programme launch, Féile an Phobail director Kevin Gamble gave us a run-down of what the highlights of this year's Féile are going to be.
"Over the years, Féile an Phobail has developed enormously and is now the biggest community arts festival in Ireland, with over 300 events taking place this August," he said.
"We have concerts, drama, art exhibitions, debates and discussions, lectures, carnival parades, parties in the park, sport, and visual arts.
"This August, our debates and discussions programme will return to its long-standing home at St Mary's University College, and we have a whole host of prominent speakers and panellists confirmed to take part.
"We will be holding four open-air concerts at our Falls Park event space. We will also be having our biggest ever Carnival Parade and Party in the Park."
Kevin continued: "On Monday August 8, we have a massive Féile Dance Night taking place, headlined by world renowned DJ Timmy Trumpet.
"On Friday August 12, Imelda May will be live in concert at the Falls Park, supported by Damien Dempsey and the phenomenon that is Irish language Hip-Hop band Kneecap.
"On Saturday August 13 we have the return of our Back to The 80s concert with major acts appearing live. This was an incredible night last year and tickets are selling really well for this concert.
"Singer and songwriter Paul Brady will be appearing live at The Devenish on Sunday August 7.
"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.
"Ticket sales for this year's concerts and comedy shows have been incredible so far, with many events sold out. So come and join us for our community celebration of global culture.
"Let's show the world why this is very much a Féile an Phobail – a festival of the people!"
Speaking at the official launch of the Féile an Phobail 2022 programme on July 1 at St Mary's University College on the Falls Road, Michelle O'Neill MLA praised the event for providing affordable community-orientated events and entertainment at a time when families are under great financial strain.
She said: "Féile provides an outlet for everyone, but by remaining true to its core aims it is providing a safe, accessible and affordable programme which allows families, friends and neighbours to come together and entertain, to be entertained and, for 11 days of the year, allow some let up.
"Over 90 per cent of Féile events are free and we should not underestimate the importance of this to the wellbeing of the community.
"The wider contribution of Féile to the cultural fabric of Belfast, the arts and tourism sectors and to the local economy is also quite significant. While Féile clearly caters for the local community audience, it also attracts significant numbers of international visitors who stay in the city and who spend locally, bringing economic benefit to Belfast."
:: View the full Féile events programme at feilebelfast.com.
