Féile an Phobail: Legal challenge by women’s organisation over cancelled event withdrawn

Féile an Phobail, also known as the West Belfast Festival, is Ireland’s biggest community arts festival and has been running for nearly 40 years.

It is due to run until 9 August and the WRN NI event was due to be held in St Mary’s University College 4 August.

A hearing was scheduled for the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday.

But shortly after it was due to begin both organisations released statements.

“Féile has agreed to meet with WRN NI to explore and discuss our potential participation in future Féile events, and we warmly welcome the opportunity for continued engagement,” the WRN NI statement said.

“Our women live, work, volunteer and support their communities across Northern Ireland.

“Our priority has always been to bring conversations about women’s sex-based rights into our festivals, workplaces, homes and communities, and to create spaces where women can come together and discuss the rights that affect their lives.

“We have done that, and we are immensely grateful for the support we have received over the past week, both publicly and privately.

“We hope this agreement marks the beginning of constructive engagement and greater opportunities for women’s voices and perspectives to be heard.”

They said that Respect, Rights and Reality would now go ahead on 4 August at an alternative venue.