PRESIDENT MARY McAleese is to deliver this year’s Human Rights Lecture as part of Féile an Phobail’s August event, which opened yesterday in Belfast.
The lecture, Paddy McGrory – Fearless advocate and a true advocate of Peace, takes place in St Mary's University College on the Falls Road tomorrow.
Speaking in advance of the event, festival director Seán Paul O’Hare expressed his delight in her participation.
“It is the greatest honour for Féile an Phobail to have President McAleese deliver our human rights lecture this year. We are proud to welcome her to Belfast once again and we know how much it means to the community of west Belfast and the city as a whole to have an opportunity to attend her lecture,” he said.
The lecture, which can be attended free of charge, will be chaired by Clara Reilly of Relatives for Justice. There will be a performance by composer, musician and friend of PJ McGrory, Neil Martin, with Rod McVey, before the lecture. Refreshments will be served following Mrs McAleese’s address where she will meet those attending.
Féile an Phobail, the west Belfast festival, holds the title as the largest community arts festival in Ireland. Now in its 21st year the August féile is the highlight of the summer festival calendar in Belfast.
This year isn’t set to disappoint either. The féile boasts a 100-page-strong programme of more than 250 events which will take place over 10 days at 80 venues across West Belfast and the City Centre, culminating with The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon taking centre stage for the festival finale.
The line-up is as impressive as ever. The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon will make a welcome return to our shores and Stereo MCs are set to dish out some old favourites.
Chumbawumba lead the “Love Music Hate Racism” night and the coveted London Community Gospel Choir are billed to rock Clonard Monastery.
The challenging and hilarious Mark Steel will headline the popular comedy night. Dublin’s Willa White provides the support. Alexei Sayle and Pauline McLynn take part in the Scribes at the Rock literary event.
The Drive-In Movies are back too, screening Ghost, The Omenand Trainspotting.
The discussion, West Belfast Talks Back, brings Sinn Féin, the DUP and others together for panel debate.
“The line-up this year is second to none,” said Mr O’Hare. “We’ve programmed a rocking festival over 10 days, which has something for everyone to be part of. We’re proud to be showcasing such talent and creativity.”
West Belfast is the heart of the festival’s stomping ground, but Féile 2009 will also be marked by four nights of headlining music at the city centre festival marquee in Bank Square.
The festival is attended by more than 200,000 each year. It plays host to major headlining music and comedy acts in addition to a diverse range of dance, literature, drama, family fun, sport, tours, discussions and debates.
It takes place over two weekends during August.
Tickets are priced at £10 (€12) or less, with most events being free of charge.
The féile was initially established in 1988 as a direct response to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
Its purpose was to celebrate the positive side of the community – its creativity, energy, passion for the arts and for sport.