The issue unfolded during The Wolfe Tones recent gig in Belfast’s Falls Park.
The organisers of this year’s Féile an Phobail and Belfast City Council have released statements following calls for the funding of the festival to be reviewed after accusations of pro-IRA chanting and ‘blatant sectarianism’.
The Wolfe Tones closed the recent festival at the Falls Park on Sunday evening and various Unionists have expressed anger over some of the band’s lyrics and the pro-IRA chants that were sang from the crowd.
10,000 people singing the classic 'Grace' #WeAreFeile30 pic.twitter.com/dng42dIJtS
— Féile an Phobail (@FeileBelfast) August 12, 2018
In a Facebook post, Councillor Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston was heavily critical of the chants while acknowledging that there are also a litany of offensive Loyalist songs and chants.
“Look, I’m not buttoned up the back, there are plenty of Loyalist songs that hold no punches, some of our bonfires, a legitimate expression of culture, regrettably don flags, emblems and election posters. We know the problem isn’t unique to republican & nationalist communities.
“But here’s the thing. I’ve actively spent this summer, and many before, working hard on the ground, promoting and persuading my community toward positive change. Tonight at Feile, to a crowd of 10,000, the lyrics “fuck your Union Jack We want our country back” – “And we will fight you for 800 more” were sang live. To which chants of “ooh ahh up the raa” echoed falls park.”
She adds: “I’m angry. I’m disappointed. I’m disheartened. Reconciliation and respect – words without meaning.”
DUP councillor Dale Pankhurst said: “Questions need asked and pressure brought as to why a festival that receives public money allows this. This behaviour cannot continue.”
https://twitter.com/Dale_Pankhurst/status/1028753356033064961
Alliance councillor and former Lord Mayor of Belfast Nuala McAllister added: “A lot of the credit earned over the last two weeks of Féile events overshadowed by the blatant sectarianism seen last night. What possesses people in 2018 to find this acceptable or necessary behaviour? Glorifying terrorism never acceptable, in any form.”
A lot of the credit earned over the last two weeks of Feile events overshadowed by the blatant sectarianism seen last night. What possesses people in 2018 to find this acceptable or necessary behaviour? Glorifying terrorism never acceptable, in any form. We should know better.
— Nuala McAllister MLA (@NualaMcAllister) August 13, 2018
Following these remarks, Kevin Gamble, the director of Féile an Phobail, released the following statement.
“This year, representatives from all communities were welcomed to Féile to have their voice heard,” he said.
“This covered a wide and diverse range of society. Many representatives from unionist and loyalist communities attended and took part in various panels, as did representatives from ethnic minority communities and international visitors.
“Féile includes all opinions and all communities and provides a platform for many different views. There is something for everyone at Féile. Also significantly, this year, for the first time since 1971, there were no bonfires in Belfast on 8th August. In past years these unwanted bonfires have brought destruction and an increase in anti-social behaviour to the areas in which they were held.
“Due to the hard work and commitment of Féile staff and volunteers, community organisations and political representatives, Belfast was bonfire free on 8th August and all those involved in achieving this deserve praise. Féile is proud to be part of the positive and fantastic work undertaken by the great community leaders in west Belfast and across Belfast.”
“Lastly we wish to thank everyone who took part in, and attended Féile this year, and all those who gave up their time to volunteer at Féile events. It was a fantastic 30th anniversary!”
A statement from Féile an Phobail Director Kevin Gamble on this year’s Féile which was the biggest in our 30 year history. And a massive thank you to the community of west Belfast and all those who came from near and far to enjoy this year’s Féile! pic.twitter.com/gzBiAQkJeI
— Féile an Phobail (@FeileBelfast) August 13, 2018
Belfast City council also released a statement which said that they’re “engaging directly with the event organiser on this”.
– we’re working with all of our funded cultural partners to achieve shared celebrations of culture in Belfast. Terms of our funding state that the grant must comply with statutory equality provisions. We will be engaging directly with the event organiser on this.
— Belfast City Council (@belfastcc) August 13, 2018
With regards to the festival itself, The Wolfe Tones, boxer Michael Conlan, Sinn Féin leader Michelle O’Neill and Gerry Adams were just a few of the people that were glowing in their review of the event.
A pleasure to perform at Feile, massive crowd who sang and danced the night away in their own community, well done to all! @FeileBelfast
— The Wolfe Tones 🇮🇪 (@wolfetones) August 13, 2018
Amazing night at the Feile watching the @wolfetones ! Unbelievable job done by everyone @FeileBelfast for all the events they put on over the last 10days! Maybe next year I can have my home fight at it, 10k + in the Falls Park @trboxing 👀🙌🏽🙌🏽 #WeAreFeile30 pic.twitter.com/ff0OS207NL
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) August 13, 2018
Well done @FeileBelfast on an extremely successful 30th anniversary festival. All credit to the community, the organisers and the volunteers who made it all happen!! https://t.co/iYNblsRMCU
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) August 13, 2018
Well done Kevin Gamble & all the Féile team. Ye did a great job. Féile 30 was mighty. Go raibh mile mile maith agaibh.
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) August 13, 2018
What a crowd! 10,000 in the Falls Park for @wolfetones. The biggest Wolfe Tones concert ever in Belfast!!! pic.twitter.com/iGtl8UeEPa
— Féile an Phobail (@FeileBelfast) August 12, 2018
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
