12 July 2001 Edition

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The biggest bestest Féile ever

Féile an Phobail 2001



Europe's largest and most energetic community festival, West Belfast's Féile an Phobail, is set to be even bigger and better this year. Speaking at the recent launch of the Féile, which will take place between August 5 and 12, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: ``Féile an Phobail reflects the dynamic and progressive attitudes currently found in society. Féile's remarkable development since 1988 has been due to its unique ability to remain at grassroots level yet develop to international status. At a time of year when Belfast and the North is portrayed in a negative light, Féile explodes into life with local communities united in celebration and playing positive roles in attracting tourism and promoting inclusive celebration.''

Féile an Phobail has established itself as the foremost community based festival in Ireland and has gained itself international acclaim with the range and variety of events it attracts. Féile director Caitriona Ruane promises that this year's programme will include some of the most unique, inclusive and progressive event's ever at Féile, with a range of unique local and international events to suit all tastes. ``From literature, drama, political debate and tours to ice skating, pop concerts and carnivals... Féile really has it all,'' she says.

This 14th Féile an Phobail is a unique mix of world class musical groups and entertainment, drama, exhibitions, open and honest political debates, hundreds of community events, a children's programme and disability arts. Féile's Oscailt programme is designed to improve access for disabled people to Féile events, to increase their participation in the organisation of activities and encourage and assist them to organise their own activities.

This year will kick off as usual on Sunday 5 August with the Féile Carnival, one of Ireland's biggest Mardi Gras Carnivals. Led this year by the Dublin Artane Boys Band, it will make its way from Conway Street to the Falls Park. As the floats assemble, onlookers will be entertained by many local groups and performers from all over Ireland.

This year's action-packed programme includes numerous theatre productions, including an Irish premiere of a hard hitting critique of the British system of dealing with asylum seekers, The Bogus Woman.

Another highly recommended drama is The Laughter of our Children, a powerful drama about the 1981 Hunger Strike era that gives an insight into the effect the events of 1981 had on the people and communities involved.

Not to be missed is the National Hunger Strike Exhibition, produced by the National 1981 Committee. The Remembering Quilt will also be on display, each square representing one person who has died as a result of the conflict in Ireland, each handmade by family members.

On Wednesday, 8 August, the annual Plastic Bullet Vigil will take place at Andersonstown RUC barracks to commemorate the victims of these weapons and to demand an end to their use.

Various shows will take place in the Féile Marquee, including the Féile Folk night and an Ulster Orchestra Summer Road show, as well as a gig by leading pop sensations Atomic Kitten.

Féile an Phobail has grown out of an extraordinary community that has suffered military occupation, human rights abuses, internment, discrimination and war and has survived and prospered. Féile is testament to that.

Everyone is welcome at the Féile, regardless of colour, creed, nationality or political belief.

For information on Féile ring Belfast 028 90313440 or 07711 085532 after 5pm.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland