Women's organisation withdraw legal challenge over cancelled Féile event

A women's organisation has withdrawn its legal challenge to Féile an Phobail, after the festival cancelled an event it was due to hold.

The Women's Rights Network Northern Ireland (WRN NI) said it "reached an agreement with Féile an Phobail that brings the current legal proceedings to an end".

They said that the planned discussion event would now go ahead at an alternative venue.

In a statement, Féile said they were "delighted" with the outcome, adding that the outcome "is a vindication of Féile's position in standing up for those who are marginalised".

The WRN NI describes itself as "putting the sex-based needs of women and girls first".

The organisation was due to hold a panel discussion, titled Respect, Rights and Reality during Féile an Phobail.

But after initially accepting the group's proposal, Féile subsequently withdrew the event.

"Féile an Phobail was unaware from the initial submission that this event would promote campaigns against rights for the transgender community," the festival said in a statement about its decision.

After talks between representatives from WRN NI and Féile broke down without agreement, the women's organisation started legal proceedings seeking a court order requiring Féile to honour what it said was a "contractual agreement".

Féile an Phobail, also known as the West Belfast Festival, is Ireland's biggest community arts festival and has been running for nearly 40 years.

It is due to run until 9 August and the WRN NI event was due to be held in St Mary's University College 4 August.

A hearing was scheduled for the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday.

But shortly after it was due to begin both organisations released statements.

"Féile has agreed to meet with WRN NI to explore and discuss our potential participation in future Féile events, and we warmly welcome the opportunity for continued engagement," the WRN NI statement said.

"Our women live, work, volunteer and support their communities across Northern Ireland.

"Our priority has always been to bring conversations about women's sex-based rights into our festivals, workplaces, homes and communities, and to create spaces where women can come together and discuss the rights that affect their lives.

"We have done that, and we are immensely grateful for the support we have received over the past week, both publicly and privately.

"We hope this agreement marks the beginning of constructive engagement and greater opportunities for women's voices and perspectives to be heard."

They said that Respect, Rights and Reality would now go ahead on 4 August at an alternative venue.

Féile an Phobail also released a statement which said that their "decision to withdraw this event from our programme stands".

"The agenda of many of those who involved themselves in this issue was clear for all to see," they said.

"Many of the very same people line up every year to attack Féile at every turn, to attempt to damage Féile, and to attack the West Belfast community.

"They will never succeed.

"Féile an Phobail will continue to provide a voice for the marginalised, and we are looking forward to welcoming the world to West Belfast to join with us to celebrate Ireland's biggest community festival."