Northern Ireland

Imelda May, Paul Brady and Damien Dempsey to headline Féile

Dublin-born singer Imelda May
Dublin-born singer Imelda May Dublin-born singer Imelda May

PAUL Brady, Imelda May, Damien Dempsey and west Belfast rap trio Kneecap are among the headliners at this year's Féile an Phobail.

Féile, the biggest community arts festival in Ireland, will return for its 34th year next month.

It will feature more than 300 events including open-air concerts, comedy gigs, lectures, debates, a 10k run and a carnival parade.

The annual James Connolly lecture will be presented by John Samuelson, International President of the Transport Workers' Union in US, which represents more than 150,000 members.

Comedian Shane Todd will headline two sold-out shows at The Devenish on August 12 and 13.

Tickets for comedian Paddy McDonnell's show on August 5 are also already sold-out, although a few are available for the August 4 gig.

Renowned DJ Timmy Trumpet will headline the Féile dance night on August 8.

On August 12, Imelda May will headline a concert in Falls Park, supported by Damien Dempsey and Irish language hip-hop band Kneecap.

The following evening, a Back to The 80s concert will also be held in the park.

Féile an Phobail director Kevin Gamble said this year's festival will see its largest-ever carnival parade.

"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," he said.

"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," he said.

To view the full programme visit www.feilebelfast.com

Meanwhile, thousands of people are expected to attend the final two days of the Stendhal Festival near Limavady, Co Derry.

Singer Bronagh Gallagher headlined the first night of the three-day festival at Ballymully Cottage Farm last night.

Villagers will headline tonight, with legends Sister Sledge performing tomorrow.

It will also feature comedy performances, a drumming workshop for children and a story-telling session by drag artist Demi Detourne.