Hargey launches this year’s Féile an Earraigh

One of the first major festivals of the year was launched today by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.

Hargey launches this year’s Féile an Earraigh

With a full programme of live events unveiled, Minister Hargey paid tribute to the organisers and artists involved in this year’s Féile an Earraigh, which will run from 1 – 18 March.

This year’s spring festival programme will see more than 100 artists deliver more than 150 events. As well as a series of headline concerts, there will also be tours, discussions, visual arts, theatre, literary and sporting events. 

The Minister said:

“This is a welcome return to a full programme of safe, live events after what has been an extremely difficult two years for the arts sector. I am delighted that my department, through the Arts Council, continues to support Féile, which makes a significant contribution to the cultural, social and economic regeneration of West Belfast and the city.”

Féile an Earraigh’s programme will also celebrate World Book Day, International Women’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day raising the profile of Belfast as a destination for visitors while showcasing a vibrant culture and arts scene. 

Minister Hargey added:

“This year, I am particularly delighted to launch this full programme of events which reaches out to everyone – our local community, our visitors and the wider international audience.

 

“It is important that my Department supports this festival.  The range of events in the programme showcases what we have to offer – the talent, the energy and the creativity of those who, through performance, celebrate our arts and contribute to our social, economic and cultural fabric.

 

“We all know the importance of the arts and the transformative role they can play in communities – engaging minds at an early age, respecting diversity, building social cohesion.

 

“I look forward to attending the festival and I am proud to continue to do what I can to support Féile and the arts.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption: Pictured at the launch of this year’s Féile an Earraigh at the James Connolly Visitor Centre is Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey with Féile Director Kevin Gamble, who sat on the Culture, Arts and Heritage Recovery Taskforce set up by the Minister and some of the artists who will be performing at this year’s event
2. Féile an Earraigh, is the first festival in the annual programme presented by Féile an Phobail. The 2021 programme was an online event due to the pandemic.
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