Féile an Phobail’s annual Debates and Discussions programme for Féile 2025 was launched today at St Mary’s University College.

Over ninety debates and discussions events are scheduled to take place in West Belfast between 28th July and 10th August, with most taking place in St Mary’s University College on the Falls Road.

Féile Debates and Discussions committee chairperson, Emeritus Professor Bill Rolston, said:

“If you are serious about it, you won’t have time for anything else in late July and early August except to be at Feile’s discussions and debates!

From the start, Feile decided that the festival would contain not only the usual elements such as music, drama and sport, but that there would also be a significant element of political discussion.

We have come a long way since, but one thing remains the same: the commitment to high quality talks and discussion.

Issues like a border poll, the Health Service, the economy, and Palestine are major topics. 

And we are delighted to have participants such as Kneecap manager Daniel Lambert, GAA legend Peter Canavan, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD, author of Kincora: Britain’s Shame Chris Moore, Professor Avi Shlaim, author of Genocide in Gaza: Israel’s Long War on Palestine, and historian Diarmaid Ferriter who will deliver the Dr Eamon Phoenix lecture. 

This year will be the biggest and best Féile Debates and Discussions programme yet. 

It is the biggest in Ireland and possibly even in Europe.

With over ninety debates and discussions taking place and many thousands attending, there is something to interest everyone.

The line-up is of a very high calibre and inclusive of all.

Every debate and discussion is free to attend with no tickets required and we are issuing an open invite to all to come to Féile and join the conversation in debating and discussing all the hot topics of the day.”

Professor Peter Finn KSG, Principal St Mary’s University College, said:

“St Mary’s University College has been in partnership with Féile An Phobail for thirty years and our respective interests coalesce around the significance that each organisation attaches to education as the foundation of community development.

We both believe in the influence of education to enhance social capital in disadvantaged, yet vibrant communities.

We understand that debates and discussions help to improve our collective understanding of the culture, economic, political and social context in which we live.”