Former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and GAA president-elect Jarlath Burns will be among speakers at more than 75 free discussion events taking place at the upcoming Féile an Phobail.
The annual west Belfast festival, which takes place from August 3 - 13 and is marking its 35th anniversary, is hosting the events as part of its Debates and Discussions Summer School programme.
Most of the events will be held at Falls Road's St Mary’s University College, and among the vast range of topics to be discussed under this year's programme include a future border poll, the war in Ukraine, and the history of the Irish Enlightenment.
The annual West Belfast Talks Back will also return as part of the 2023 programme, featuring a panel discussion with guests including former Stormont communities minister Deirdre Hargey and Derry journalist Aoife Grace Moore.
Among other discussions is an exploration of the life and work of late historian and Irish News columnist Dr Eamon Phoenix.
Professor Bill Rolston, who chairs Féile's Debates and Discussions committee, said: “From the start, Féile decided that the festival would contain not only the usual elements such as music, drama and sport, but that there would also be a significant element of political discussion.
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“We have come a long way since, but one thing remains the same - the commitment to high quality talks and discussion.
“Issues like a border poll, the health service, and the economy are major topics. And we are delighted to have participants such as Jeremy Corbyn MP, GAA president-elect Jarlath Burns, United States union leaders Terry O’Sullivan and John Samuelson, and Royal College of Nursing CEO Pat Cullen among others.
“This year will be the biggest and best Féile Debates and Discussions programme yet. It is the biggest in Ireland and possibly even in Europe.
“With over 75 debates and discussions taking place and thousands attending, there is something to interest everyone."
He added: “Every debate and discussion is free to attend with no tickets required and we are issuing an open invite to all to come to Féile and join the conversation in debating and discussing all the hot topics of the day.”
The Féile Debates and Discussion Summer School programme is sponsored by The Irish News, and editor Noel Doran said: "It’s an honour to support the festival once again as it celebrates its landmark 35th anniversary.
“Over the years, Féile an Phobail has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become Ireland’s largest community arts festival, attracting thousands of visitors from near and far, with an increasingly international audience.
“Rooted in the west Belfast community, the festival has grown immeasurably since 1988 to become an island-wide celebration of global culture, reflecting our changing societal landscape.
“The Irish News has a mission to use its independent voice to play a positive role in society, informing conversations and inspiring debate by telling compelling stories, and the festival’s Debates and Discussions programme perfectly complements our shared vision to connect and challenge.
“We are proud to play a central role in bringing this culturally rich aspect of the festival programme to growing audiences."
Kennedy Centre manager John Jones said: “We hope that all attending will enjoy themselves and will gain a better understanding of the local community and the world around them.”
