Féile an Phobail To Celebrate 25th Anniversary

The lineup for this year's Féile an Phobail has been announced, as the event prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Féile25 will see the west Belfast festival continue the tradition of music, literature, spoken word, tours, talks, community events and street parties that has been taking place annually for a quarter of a century.

The Festival will run from 1 to 11 August, with a lineup of acts including the Happy Mondays, Faithless, Patrick Kielty, Mickey Bartlett, The Charlatans, Damien Dempsey, Ulster Orchestra and the Priests, Grainne Holland Band, The Coronas, Cara Dillon, Sharon Shannon, Jordon O’Keefe, The Wolfe Tones, Gary Óg and Rebel Hearts.

More than 250 events have been organised over 11 days at 50 venues across west Belfast, the Gaeltacht Quarter and the city centre.

Féile an Phobail Director Kevin Gamble said: "A quarter of a century of inclusive engagement with communities from within and outside west Belfast is a great achievement in anybody’s book. But I’m hugely proud to say, that as Féile an Phobail has grown year in year out, it has also stayed resolutely true to its roots."

Culture Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, added: "For a quarter of a century the festival has been at the centre of the community, providing fun and quality cultural programming.

"Despite growing into a prestigious international event the organisers have managed to retain their connection and the link with the local community. This is something to be celebrated and take pride in."

Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Roisín McDonough said: "Arts and Culture can be used as a positive force for change, they have the power to transform lives, if ever an example of this was required, Féile can proudly shine as an example. Through determination, hard work and goodwill Féile has reached a significant milestone. We have been here, supporting them from the beginning and we look forward to a further 25 years."

(IT/JP)