A Celebration of Culture and Community
Féile an Phobail, known as Ireland’s largest community arts festival, is set to return this weekend, drawing thousands of attendees for events spanning the next two weeks. Now in its 37th year, the festival presents a vibrant showcase of Irish culture through a wide array of music, art, comedy, and political discussions.
This year’s event carries special significance for one of its founders, who will be leading his long-running walking tours of Belfast City Cemetery for the final time. Tom Hartley, a former Sinn Féin lord mayor of Belfast, has described the graveyard as “a reservoir” of the city’s history, offering a space for reflection on the past.
“It’s about the complexity of those who are buried here,” Mr. Hartley explained. “It’s about the great and the good, those who shaped Belfast in the 19th century, who made it the Silicon Valley of its day. It’s about women, the poor, the working class, and my notions of death and how death plays a part in the humanity of human beings.”
Mr. Hartley shared with MG NEWS DAYNews NI that while he plans to step back from some roles, he hopes to remain involved in other ways. He believes the festival has allowed west Belfast to connect with the world during challenging times. “I feel it has all the potential to tap into the Irish diaspora worldwide,” he said. “Féile was founded at a time when the demonisation of west Belfast was at its height, and so it was an expression of the internal light in our community—the creative, artistic elements. We wanted to show the generosity of this community and its openness, and I think Féile continues to do that in a big way.”
Country Music Returns
The festival will also be “keepin’ ‘er country” with the return of a country music night after its sell-out debut in 2024. Féile Country Fest will take place on 2 August, featuring performances by Nathan Carter, Claudia Buckley, and The Whistlin’ Donkeys.
Speaking to MG NEWS DAYNews NI, the Liverpool native—who now resides in County Fermanagh—expressed excitement about returning to Falls Park. “We’re really excited for this year’s Féile; we played their last year and it was one of the biggest gigs of the entire year and festival season,” he said. “In Belfast, we’ve a good old crowd that follows us, so it was great to see the tremendous success at last year’s country night.”
Carter described performing in front of thousands at the west Belfast venue as “a dream come true.” He also praised the efforts to make the concert affordable for families, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in community events.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its cultural significance, the festival has faced some controversies. Recently, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, one of its principal funders, asked organizers to remove its logo from the festival’s sports events after a children’s sports event was named after a former IRA chief of staff. This issue has sparked debate about the festival’s association with certain historical figures.
In the past, there have been complaints about pro-IRA chanting at a gig by the band The Wolfe Tones. These incidents have raised questions about the festival’s role in promoting inclusivity and neutrality.
As Féile an Phobail continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for showcasing the creativity and resilience of the communities it serves. With its blend of cultural events, historical reflections, and musical performances, the festival offers something for everyone, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of community life in Belfast.
