Minister's speech - Launch Féile an Phobail’s Spring Festival Programme, Féile an Earraigh - 19 February 2025

Note: this publication may not reflect verbatim delivery by Minister Archibald.

Dia daoibh gach duine. Tá mé an sásta bheith anseo inniu.

Go raibh maith agaibh as an chuireadh a bheith páirteach san imeacht tábhachtach seo libh.

I am delighted to join you today to launch Féile an Earraigh.

This year we see yet another fantastic programme with more than 300 events over 17 days.

There is something for everyone whether it is an Ghaeilge - the Irish language, traditional music, tours and walks, debate and discussion, exhibitions, a food fayre, and of course the Craic 10k.

Although I have been a frequent visitor of Féile an Phobail over the years, it never ceases to impress me how this incredible festival has gone from strength to strength over the years, showcasing Belfast as a proud and culturally vibrant city.  A city with communities connected to their heritage, but is also forward looking, confident and welcoming.

As such it provides a fantastic attraction, not only for local people, but for visitors from across the island and further afield.

Alongside events like the Belfast Tradfest, Féile an Earraigh adds to the city’s growing offering for international visitors who are hugely interested in Irish language, music, history, literature and culture, as well as debate and discussion, youth events and sporting events.

This strong track record can only bolster Belfast’s hopes of hosting the Fleadh Cheoil, the world’s largest annual festival of Irish music, song, and dance.

I know that Féile this year have also partnered with Seachtain na Gaeilge with loads of great events for people who are ‘ag foghlaim Gaeilge’ - like myself! - for families with the language or for anyone interested in learning a cúpla focal.

Mar sin, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas agus maith sibh a rá le Kevin agus foireann s’aige.

So I want to congratulate Kevin and the fantastic team at Féile an Phobail for putting together this Festival.

Together with the August Féile you are really contributing to Belfast’s cultural life and its tourism industry.     

Go raibh maith agaibh -Thank you to Áras Uí Chonghaile for hosting us in this amazing building where I know some of this year’s events during Féile an Earraigh will be taking place.

As both a fantastic resource for the local community and a well-established visitor attraction in the City’s tourist trail, this venue is very much in keeping with the ethos of the Festival.

I wish everyone involved the very best for what I am sure will be a fantastic Féile an Earraigh festival. If you haven’t already, get your programme and get the dates in the diary!

I’m not sure I’ll make the 10k this year – the Department is getting in the way of my training - but I do hope to see you at some of the events myself.

Ádh mór oraibh ar fad agus go raibh míle maith agaibh.