‘Feile an Earraigh 2008’

Féile an Phobail will celebrate their fifth Spring festival ‘Feile an Earraigh’ between the 7 – 10th February 2008 with a striking new venue in the city centre.  For the first time ever Féile have secured a marquee to be placed in Bank Square for you to enjoy this year’s electrifying line-up. The return to a Marquee will accompany the more traditional venues such as the breathtaking Clonard Monastry, An Cultúrlann and Conway Mill among others.

You will have the opportunity to experience the captivating charm of traditional culture and arts through an eclectic mix of traditional music, song, dance and language.  Féile an Earraigh promises something for everyone to mark the kick off to Feile an Phobail’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations this year.

Seán Paul O’Hare (Féile Director) said:

“This is an exciting year for Féile an Phobail as we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary and as such we will be making this years festivities the most sensational ever.  Féile an Earraigh will launch the 2008 festival calendar having evolved to become a major Irish traditional music and cultural event and one that provides an ideal platform in which to showcase the talents of traditional musicians.  For the first time ever Bank Square (adjacent to the city centre’s Chapel Lane and the Castle Street area) will be host to a wealth of traditional music events while the historical backdrop of Clonard Monastry will again provide a unique and atmospheric setting showcasing the immense talent of Mícheal ó Súilleabháin and Iarla O Lionard and a wealth of brilliant local talent including the awesome singing sensation that is Eamonn O Feogáin”

A much bigger and stronger festival than ever before, Bank Square ‘The Gateway to the West’ will showcase some of the premier traditional Irish and international artists from the 8th – 10th February. Friday 8th will feature the outstanding Seth Lakeman in concert (shortlisted for the Mercury Music Award), Saturday 9th will see the legendary Matt Molloy of The Chieftains play alongside John Carty and Arty McGlynn, the most exciting trad combination of recent times and Sunday 10th will showcase the talents of Micheal McGoldrick, Ciaran Tourish, Dermot Byrne among others. Undoubtedly a spellbinding programme!

Headlining this year’s spectacular concert at Clonard Monastry on Friday 9th February will be the awe-inspiring Mícheál ó Súilleabháin, well known internationally for his unique Irish piano style. Alongside Iarla O Lionáird  they will perform songs that Micheal composed in connection with O Riada and the Flight of the Earls along with well known tunes such as The Parting Glass, and Mo Gile Mear.

Other events during the festival include the first ever Irish language Féile School Choir competition in Belfast, the ever popular and exotic multi-cultural food fayre, Children’s workshops and much, much more. This is only the tip of the iceberg so keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of other events in and around West Belfast during the festival.

For more information on all acts, attractions and events happening during Féile an Earraigh 2008 pick up a programme today!

Ticket and more information available from the Belfast Welcome Centre (Donegall Place), Teach na Féile (473 Fall Road) The Art Shop (55 Falls Road) and The Cultúrlann (Fall Road).

For further information on any aspect of Féile an Earraigh 08 please contact Gemma McCourt (Marketing Officer) on 90 313 440 or mobile 07999019350 or email gemma@feilebelfast.com

473 Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 6DD phone 02890 313 440 Fax 02890 319 150 email info@feilebelfast.com