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Annual Report 2022/23
Background
As Feile Women’s Singing group enters its 17[th] year, this eclectic group of women singing is growing from strength to strength and becoming even more diverse. With numbers growing week on week, the dynamics of the group are ever changing and that is both the strength and the challenge for our group and more importantly our bubby, enthuastic and musically gifted leader Clare Galway.
Feile Women’s singing group was set up initially as part of Féile an Phobail with the vision to bring women together through their passion for singing, no matter what their views, beliefs or background. The Féile Women’s the group incorporates over 50 women of all ages, backgrounds and abilities from across Belfast and beyond. We perform a unique mix of African, Pop, Rock and Folk songs in their own spirited acapella style. Anna Newell, our former director who was responsible for setting up the Singing group, has moved on to other projects in Dublin - to her we are eternally grateful for her inspirational creativity her vision and dedication and most importantly for finding Clare Galway and leaving us in her more than capable hands.
Where are we based?
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Feile Women’s Singing group hold weekly practice sessions in Culturlann McAdam O’Fiaich Irish language cultural and arts centre on the Falls Road in Belfast. The group are very fortunate to have been offerred a space to gather for practice and although on occasions when the space is unavailable we are proud to call ‘An Culturlann’ home.
On the occasions when the space has been booked for other arts events members have come to the rescue in particular we must give thank and pay tribute to South Belfast Methodist Church’s ‘Agape’ centre on the Lisburn road for facilitating us with a fabulous alternative venue.
What we have been doing during the year
Throughout the year the singing group continued to meet at the Culturlann on Wednesday evenings, in creative vocal talent, supporting one and other, sharing songs, harmonies and great company.
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‘Darkness into light’ Summer Solstice was welcomed by a group of Féile singers along with members of other choirs throughout Belfast to celebrate with one another and with one voice.
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In June, Féile Women’s Singing group hosted their first ever Summer Concert. And it was a glorious occasion. A full house of war, open and receptive audience members. John and Cathy supported our musical arrangements, beautiful solo and ensemble performances from choir members Susan on flute and Paula reciting poetry written by her mother.
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Susan (Flautist) and Clare (Choir director) getting a few additional practices in for the Concert in June
Féile in the park
Following on from our very successful ‘Covid’ park sings, Feile decided to use the opportunity to meet up in local parks over the summer months when Culturlann was not available.
Bringing our music to Cranmore park in particular proved to be a very popular choice particularly because the bandstand also provided essential cover from the odd shower of rain.
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Christmas Events
Christmas is an important time for Féile to share with family and friends and an important time for us to share our joy of singing within the community. In particular we continue to sing and bring the joy of the season to our more vulnerable citizens by visiting local nursing homes.
Community events included singing for Upper Andersonstown Community Forum Christmas tree lights switch on at Andersonstown Leisure Centre Dec 2022. Singing at the Kenedy centre encouraging busy shoppers to rest for a while from busy routines and join with us in song.
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International Women’s Day
Féile Singing group were asked by Féile an Phobal to contribute to a range of celebrations to mark International Women’s Day 2022 in style.
2 Royal Avenue was the chosen venue and singers not only put on an outstanding performance for the gathered crowds but also provided a colourful display of the women’s suffrage colours. Watching crowds sang and danced to a magical performance celebrating the contribution of women a great way to finish our 2022/23 year.