Feel the Belfast vibe at the unique Féile an Phobail
Belfast’s vibrant Féile an Phobail (Festival of the People) (26 July – 10 August) presents 600 events in 50 venues across the city ranging from comedy and music to art exhibitions, theatre, literature, lively debates, tours, workshops, and family and sporting events.
Based in the city’s Gaeltacht Quarter, the festival has a strong Irish language focus and an ethos of inclusivity that celebrates Irish arts, language, and lived culture. Now in its 37th year, Féile an Phobail has its origins in the community of West Belfast, which, during the Troubles, wanted to create an event to express its creativity and show the world a more positive side of the city. Since then, it has grown into a multi-cultural phenomenon that attracts over 100,000 people every year.
Among this year’s festival highlights is the premier of The Tunnel, a story set during the Troubles which is written by Oscar-winning Irish writer Terry George and performed at Belfast’s award-winning Lyric Theatre. The headline outdoor concerts in Falls Park, the festival’s hub, include an evening of country music with Ireland’s top acts and a musical nostalgia night with The 30+ Club. The annual Féile concert in the grounds of Belfast City Hall will take place on Belfast Pride Day (26 July) in support of the LGBTQ+ community
Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music and is gearing up to host next year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, culture and dance. Traditional Irish music is at the heart of the city’s cultural life, and this year’s Féile an Phobail (Festival of the People) will spotlight it through more than 100 trad sessions along the lively Trad Trail, weaving through pubs, parks, and public squares.
But it’s not just music. Visitors can join locals in fun runs, yoga in the park, wellness mornings, and storytelling sessions. One of the most vibrant highlights is International Day, a joyous fusion of Irish and global cultures, where samba dancers might follow a uilleann piper, and food stalls serve everything from Nigerian jollof rice to Ulster Frys.
A must-see is the Carnival Parade through West Belfast — a dazzling spectacle of colour, creativity and community. This year’s theme, Our Children, Their Rights, offers a powerful visual tribute to the experiences of children in conflict zones around the world.
The festival is also known for its provocative and thoughtful conversations, with more than 75 free debates and talks featuring renowned speakers, grassroots activists, historians, artists and local residents. Topics span from Ireland’s revolutionary past to today’s urgent global issues, making it one of the most socially engaged festivals on the island.
With over 11 days of music, art, sport, family fun and political thought, Féile an Phobail is a window into the soul of West Belfast — vibrant, welcoming, and always ready to tell its story to the world.