Never miss a thing from Belfast and beyond - sign up for FREE updates direct to your email inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The Féile is to feature an all-unionist panel as part of its Debates and Discussions programme next month.

In a first for the West Belfast festival the Warm House for Unionists? event will debate whether a united Ireland could be exactly that.

The event, on Thursday, August 9, will see panelists, “all from unionist backgrounds”, Dr Jim Dornan, Sophie Long, David Honeyford and Mike Nesbitt MLA.

Féile Director Kevin Gamble described the Warm House event as “one of the main highlights of the Féile Debates and Discussions programme”, adding that the fact it is happening in West Belfast is “significant”.

He added: “We are in a period of incredible political change at this time. As the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is reported as saying only a few weeks ago, the tectonic plates of Irish politics are shifting.

“Brexit and its constitutional, economic and societal implications has brought the issue of a new Ireland right to the heart of political discourse here in the north and across the island.

“The Warm House event will provide the panel, all from a unionist background, with a platform to articulate if, and how, they see a united Ireland being a warm house for unionists.

“That the event will take place here on the Falls Road in the heart of West Belfast is significant in itself. Féile prides itself on being inclusive to all opinions and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.

“There has been a very positive reaction to this event and we sure it will be very well attended.

“All our debates and discussions are free entry and no tickets are required. Simply make sure you turn up in good time to secure admission.

“This year is shaping up to be the biggest and busiest Féile Debates and Discussions programme ever since Féile began thirty years ago in 1988.”

More than 70 debates and discussions events are scheduled to take place between Thursday, August 2 and Sunday, August 12. Most are taking place at St Mary’s University College on the Falls Road.

Other highlights include the Leaders Debate on August 7 with “key figures in the leadership of political parties on the island” UUP leader Robin Swann MLA; Fianna Fáil Brexit spokesperson Lisa Chambers TD; DUP MLA Simon Hamilton; Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD; Fine Gael Minister for Health Simon Harris TD; Alliance leader Naomi Long MLA and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MLA.

An all women debate, The Good Friday Agreement: The Women in the Room on August 4 will feature former Women’s Coalition leader Monica McWilliams; former SDLP MLA Bríd Rodgers; Sinn Féin Vice-President Michelle Ó’Neill and former PUP MLA Dawn Purvis on the panel along with tributes to the late Mo Mowlam and Siobhan O’Hanlon.

Other high profile names such as former British government chief of staff Jonathon Powell; ANC veteran Albie Sachs; journalist Paul Mason; Police Ombudsman Michael Maguire and historian Dr Eamon Phoenix will all be taking part in various events.

Féile Debates and Discussions committee chairperson Professor Bill Rolston said the events are part of a “commitment to high quality talks and discussion”.

He added: “Issues like Brexit, a border poll and the economy are major topics. 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 70 debates and discussions taking place and thousands expected to attend, 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 us in debating and discussing all the hot topics of the day.”

For more details go to www.feilebelfast.com .

Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.

Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.

Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .