Brand new family event expected to attract hundreds of Irish speakers to Belfast City Centre as Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail launch exciting new partnership for Irish language week and Féile an Earraigh
Backed by Belfast City Council, and organised by a new partnership between Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail, Spraoi Cois Lao will be the first Irish language fun-day of its kind to hit Belfast City centre. Taking place on Saturday 4th March 2023 as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia and Féile an Earraigh, the event will be Belfast’s flagship Irish language community event during Irish Language Week and Féile an Earraigh. The event was launched today (Wednesday 1 March) by Lord-Mayor of Belfast City Council Councillor Tina Black.
The event will see an “Irish-language carnival” sweep over Custom House Square, with musicians, dancers, activities, games, food and entertainment for the entire family.
Speaking today, Cuisle Nic Liam from Conradh na Gaeilge, said:
“Spraoi Cois Lao is an incredibly exciting event that aims to bring the Irish language back into the heart of Belfast City Centre. We are delighted to partner with Féile an Phobail and bring both Seachtain na Gaeilge and Féile an Earraigh together, with the backing of Belfast City Council. The Irish language revival across Belfast is showing no signs of slowing down, and we want people to see and use the language more and more in the City Centre. We want the language to be celebrated, to be recognised, respected and normalised, especially in our shared spaces. Spraoi Cois Lao will be the biggest Irish language family fun-day of it’s kind here, and looks to build on the pioneering work of community groups right across Belfast. So whether you have a cúpla focal, are learning the language, have children in a local Gaelscoil, are fluent or are just generally curious about the language, Spraoi Cois Lao is the place for you this weekend. Bígí linn.”
Kevin Gamble, Director, Féile an Phobail, commented:
“Féile an Phobail is delighted to partner with Conradh na Gaeilge to bring Féile an Earraigh and Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia together. Spraoi Cois Lao looks set to bring hundreds of Irish speakers, learners, families and friends together to celebrate the language and Irish culture. Bringing the Irish language into the heart of Belfast for an event like this is hugely important for the community and we want everyone in Belfast to come along and experience the joy of the Irish language through family events and activities. That is what Féile an Earraigh is all about, and with the new partnership with Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia, we have an incredible opportunity to build on the fantastic Irish language and community events taking place across Belfast. The Irish language belongs to everyone and we want as many people as possible to come down and enjoy the day at Spraoi Cois Lao. Céad míle fáilte to all.”
Spraoi Cois Lao will take place at Custom House Square, Belfast, on Saturday 4th March between 1pm-5pm. The event is sponsored by Belfast City Council, Foras na Gaeilge and co-ordinated jointly by Féile an Phobail and Conradh na Gaeilge. Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia runs between 1-17th March coinciding with Féile an Earraigh running from 1-19th March.
[Pic: Lord-Mayor, Cllr Tina Black; Cuisle Nic Liam, Conradh na Gaeilge; Joe Herald, Féile an Phobail, at Custom House Square, Béal Feirste].
