Féile na gCloigíní Gorma: Bluebell Festival returns to west Belfast

With Spring in full bloom, west Belfast welcomed the return of the eighth annual Féile na gCloigíní Gorma on Friday with music and poetry marking the occasion.

Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy and Junior Minister Aisling Reilley attended the official launch of the eight day community festival, ahead of the festival parade on Saturday.

Ms Reilly praised the organisers of the annual celebration of community, culture and language for their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of local people through an ambitious programme of events, and wished everyone an enjoyable festival.

The community will host a range of activities from sunrise swims at Helen’s Bay, children’s nature trails, community runs, workshops in the local Gairdín an Phobail and much more.

The festival is also set to see some big names in attendance, including Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin.

The festival was founded in 2017 by local activists in Upper Springfield and surrounding areas as a response to “harsh times of austerity and increased poverty that left people in low spirits”.

• It uses the symbol of blooming Bluebells, indigenous to Black Mountain which overlooks Belfast, to remind local people of the joys of life and of the natural environment.

The festival will conclude on Saturday May 18 with the festival concert in The West Sports and Social Club.