Thought-provoking talks along with heated and challenging debates will be served up as part of this year’s annual Féile an Phobail.

St Mary’s University College, Andersonstown Social Club (PD), Falls Road Library and St Louise’s Comprehensive College will serve as the backdrop to the week-long itinerary, which was launched at a special event at St Mary’s.

Highlights from the debate programme include:

Friday July 31, 7pm St Mary’s – On The 12th I Proudly Wear with Reverend Mervyn Gibson and Seán ‘Spike’ Murray who will discuss why the Orange Order marches, what are the parades about and more importantly who are those on parade?

Saturday August 1, 5pm St Mary’s – Gerry Conlon Memorial Lecture. The keynote address will be given by Mairia Cahill, an abuse survivor who has highlighted the plight of people abused by republicans and failings in the criminal justice system. The event will be chaired by SDLP MLA Alex Attwood.

Monday August 3, 7pm St Mary’s – artist Robert Ballagh will discuss the events of 1916 and its legacy today.

Tuesday August 4, 7pm St Mary’s – PJ McGroy Memorial Lecture, Conflict or Peace: What difference does it make for women? Former Human Rights Commissioner Monica McWilliam will give this year’s lecture highlighting the particular issues affecting women during extraordinary times of conflict and will make connections with what happens to women in ‘ordinary’ peace time.

Wednesday August 5, 7pm St Louise’s Comprehensive College – West Belfast Talks Back. One of the flagship projects of Féile this year’s panel will welcome Sinn Féin Councillor Eoin Ó Broin, East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson, PUP Councillor Julie Ann Corr and Labour Party leadership contender Jeremy Corbyn MP. The discussion will be chaired by Noel Thompson.

Thursday August 6, St Mary’s University College – Will The Questions of the Past Ever Be Answered? Chief Constable George Hamilton and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness will respond to that question. The event will include a question and answer session and will be chaired by journalist Brian Rowan.

All dates, times and venues for the discussion and debates are included in the Féile programme or visist www.feilebelfast.com