Féile an Phobail are running a series of events during March 2020 and the details are below.
Our Community Too
Áras Úi Chonghaile, 11am Friday 6 March
As part of Féile an Phobail’s series of events celebrating International Women’s Day this all-female panel of international contributors will reflect on their life in Ireland, the contribution they have made to society, the challenges, highs, lows, etc. Speakers to include Aderonke Ado-Imoisili, a well-known leader and advocate, and founder of African Women Northern Ireland; Bridget McCann, Irish Traveller and mother; Maite Ruiz (from Cordoba, a community activist and a self-employed artist); and Lisa Mbondiya Williams owner of a Caribbean Touch NI catering company. Chaired by Andrée Murphy, Columnist Andersonstown News.
In partnership with Whiterock Children’s Centre and the West Belfast Round Table.
Supported by The Executive Office, T:BUC (Together Building United Communities) Good Relations.
Part of Féile an Phobail’s Community Engagement and Youth Arts Programmes.
Sit down and Hear our Story
Áras Úi Chonghaile, 11am Friday 6 March (unveiling with follow ‘Our Community Too’ Talk)
‘Sit and hear our story’ aims to highlight the cultural diversity in West Belfast. Newcomer women and Irish women have joined together through the medium of art to tell their story and share who they are. These pieces have been created by women who have been practicing their sewing skills and wished to progress into more intricate work. During the workshops, women looked at everyday objects, they explored ideas and concepts, allowing their imagination and their own story dictate the use of mixed medium pieces of arts and crafts. Funded by Belfast City Council, Good Relations Grant.
Bang the Drum
Farset International, 12pm Saturday 7 March
This talk will explore the Loyalist and Republican marching band culture, and the role it plays in each respective community. Chaired by actor, director and playwright Dan Gordon; with Valerie Quinn, Chairperson of the Ulster Bands Forum; Bill Groves, former long-standing member of republican band; and others to be confirmed.
Free event, all welcome.
In partnership with the Falls and Shankill Forum.
Supported by The Executive Office, T:BUC (Together Building United Communities) Good Relations.
Part of Féile an Phobail’s Community Engagement and Youth Arts Programmes.
"Walls of Shame"
Raidió Fáilte, Saturday 7 March 630-830pm
Shankill Library, Monday 9th March 3-5pm
‘Walls of Shame” is a unique insight into daily life along the Falls and Shankill interface walls. 50 years after August 1969 this political documentary highlights the communities’ desire to now move "Beyond the Gates". Issues including economic deprivation, peace building, reconciliation and uncertainties around Brexit are discussed. Film showcase with panel discussion featuring Producer Sylvie Garat and residents from the Falls and Shankill areas.
Part of Féile an Phobail’s Community Engagement and Youth Arts Programmes.
Youth Talks Back
Hazelwood Integrated College, Thursday 12 March, 1pm – 3pm
Pupils from a number of schools across Belfast will be debating with a panel of political representatives and decision makers on issues and matters directly affecting the lives of young people. Panel to be confirmed after consultation with local schools. Chaired by broadcaster Mark Simpson.
Supported by The Executive Office, T:BUC (Together Building United Communities) Good Relations.
In partnership with NI Youth Forum, Hazelwood Integrated College, Colaiste Feirste, Girls Model and All Saints College, St Dominic’s Grammar School for Girls.
Part of Féile an Phobail’s Community Engagement and Youth Arts Programmes.
International Day and Food Fayre
Conway Mill Atrium, 12pm Friday 13 March
With the huge success at our flagship August Féile, the International Day and Food Fayre has been immensely popular with local and newcomer alike. This Féile an Earraigh we are delighted to showcase food from Europe, Africa, and the Far East; with local Traveller Women's group Maureen Sheehan Centre / Community Restorative Justice Ireland specialising in some traditional Irish dishes. We will also have live music from The Flamenco and Latin Fusion Corner, a mix of Andalusian and Latino music and dance performances from Mexican and Spanish flamenco dancers.
(NB: Free food portions to be served as samples and not full meals)
In partnership with Whiterock Children’s Centre, West Belfast Round Table, Ark Housing, Maureen Sheehan Centre, CRJI and Footprints Women’s Centre.
Supported by The Executive Office, T:BUC (Together Building United Communities) Good Relations.
Part of Féile an Phobail’s Community Engagement and Youth Arts Programmes.
‘Between the Gates’ Pop-up Concert – A showcase of musical talent by young artists from the Shankill and Falls
Northumberland Street, 7pm 14 March
Young musicians from the Shankill and Falls Road will deliver an amazing array of music to their respective local communities, who will join together on this symbolic yet meaningful concert.
In partnership with the Falls/Shankill Forum
Supported by The Executive Office, T:BUC (Together Building United Communities) Good Relation. Part of Féile an Phobail’s Community Engagement and Youth Arts Programmes.
Meaning of Music Concert
Springvale Learning, Springfield Road
Tuesday 24 March, 1pm, 2020
Local and international artists have been engaging with young people from across Belfast in this creative fusion of multi-cultural music. With influences from the African continent to Ireland, the programme has involved young people exploring new cultures and traditions, developing their own musical skills, and garnering a better understanding of who we all really are within our eclectic society and what role we can all play in creating a shared space were we can celebrate cultural expression without offence.
Supported by Belfast City Council, Good Relations Grant Scheme.
Part of Féile an Phobail’s Community Engagement and Youth Arts Programmes and in partnership with Amps Studios and Springvale Learning.
Mural Art Project Launch ‘Between the Bridges’
Falls Road/Shankill Road ‘Westlink Bridges’ 12pm, Saturday 28 March
Meet at the Falls Westlink Bridge at 12pm and then a short walk to the Shankill Bridge. Refreshments available in Townsend Enterprise Park after the launch.
This unique project has involved young people from the Falls and Shankill areas create unique works of art depicting their cultural diversity, hope and the commonality between all our communities. Also strongly represented are positive messages of mental health and optimism. Unfortunately, a common issue for all of society is the subject of mental health, and these young people have been working tirelessly to send out a positive, powerful message to all of people regardless of who you are.
In partnership with the Falls and Shankill Forum.
Supported by The Executive Office, T:BUC (Together Building United Communities) Good Relations.
Part of Féile an Phobail’s Community Engagement and Youth Arts Programmes.