D:Ream's Peter Cunnah on fame, war and finding his birth parents
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Belfast Telegraph
21 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Food brings people together': Belfast festival showcases cuisine and culture from around the world
Part of Féile an Phobail, the annual gathering gives people a chance to experience other cultures. Baklava from Greece, scones from NI and falafel from Palestine were some of the many dishes on display at the international food fair at Conway Mill. Sam, from north Africa, has attended the event for the past four years and said it is 'getting better every year'. The business owner, who has lived in NI for more than 30 years, praised the 'supportive' local community and said the recent uptick in violence against ethnic minorities does not represent the region. 'Ninety-nine-point-nine per cent of people in NI and the Republic are the nicest people — decent people,' he told the Belfast Telegraph. 'You get that in every society, a small minority — they ruin it for everyone.' Sam said it was 'very important' for those arriving in NI to 'get involved' and be a part of the community. He explained: 'I have a lot of friends all over the island: Derry; Limavady; Ballymena; Belfast. We're all from planet earth. We're all the same. 'The culture in Northern Ireland is absolutely amazing. Like they say, 'good craic'.' 'Food brings people together. We'd like to see more events like that in the future.' Jessy Lovely, who is Northern Irish-Dominican, was among the staff working at the event. The 31-year-old said that intercultural events are 'what is life is about. It's about relationships and getting to know people.' She added: 'Especially these days, there's a lot of division in the world, and I think this kind of thing is the only thing that can keep you going. And it's kind of comforting, having community.' 'Especially post-Covid and with social media and everything, people don't really get together like this any more 'If we don't have these kinds of things, it kind of goes against our human nature, I think, because that's what life is about. It's about relationships and getting to know people. It can get pretty dark if we don't.' She added: 'You only have to meet one person from a community that you don't know to like fix all of that — all your prejudices. Just one person.' Glenn Phillips, meanwhile, was operating a stall for his charity Homeplus NI, which provides aid for vulnerable people, asylum seekers and the homeless. He attended the fair last year, which came days after anti-immigration riots swept the city, and recalled how the festival put many 'at ease'. 'I think there should be more events like this. I certainly would have a lot of praise for Féile organising this,' he said. 'And I wish there were events like this in other parts of the city where ethnic minorities and asylum-seeking refugees could come along and meet local people and meet each other and be safe.' Enjoying the festivities was Enrique Franco, from Brazil, who has lived in Northern Ireland for over a decade. The musician plays music on behalf of the intercultural arts collective Beyond Skin and said 'it's very important to get everybody together'. Enrique believes that events like the international food festival help foster connections between people who don't normally meet. He explained: 'The problem with racism is that most of the time people are ignorant and scared of the unknown, knowing different cultures. So events like this helps [show] that it's not scary. 'The moment you start knowing somebody, knowing your neighbour, knowing his name, it's less scary. It's not just a guy down the road with a different hat, with a different flag. 'It's less scary. You get to know each other, shake people's hands, [look at] each other in the eye.' The event also acted as a meeting point for old friends, with Wilma Young reuniting with old pals over the diverse foods on offer. It was the Co Antrim native's first time at the fair and she enjoyed the 'lovely atmosphere'. She said: '[It's] terrific for community interaction, and that's what we need here more than anything else. And no better place. 'The Féile all this week has been fantastic, having it here in Belfast. Personally, I wouldn't be on the Falls Road area very much, but I love coming here, it's really good.' 'Getting together over food is one of the most valuable things I think you can [do] psychologically. It's all very positive.'
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
DUP minister says 'no' to drag queen library readings for children after PSNI has to escort performers past protest
The event, hosted by Eastside Partnership, took place in Holywood Arches Library and featured two drag queens reading stories to children. The event was advertised as 'suitable for all ages and families' and aimed to 'champion individuality and inclusivity amongst its young audiences, featuring sing-alongs and dancing.' The minister said: 'This event was not appropriate for children. "I understand that Libraries NI was not the organiser and that it was a venue booking made by Eastside Arts Festival.' Lady Portia read storybooks to the children, while Miss Dora Belle interpreted the stories into British Sign Language (BSL). However Mr Lyons said the event didn't fall within Libraries NI's policy. "This event should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy. "I have directed my officials to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented.' It's understood some local parents had concerns about the event and staged a protest outside the library. The PSNI confirmed they attended the event after a report of a 'small demonstration' and two people were escorted from the building to ensure there would be 'no breach of the peace'. A PSNI spokesperson said, 'Police attended a report of a small demonstration at the Holywood Arches area of east Belfast on Friday 1st August, shortly after 1.40pm and engaged with those present. 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. "At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' In footage circulating on social media from the event, a number of protestors can be heard making clear their opposition to the drag queens reading stories to the children at the event with shouts of 'leave our kids alone' and 'you do your thing but leave our kids alone' as they were leaving the venue, prompting Lady Portia to identify the story read to the children and to offer to meet the protestors. The Belfast Telegraph has contacted both drag queens who took part in the event, with Lady Portia asking for privacy at this time and Miss Dora Belle had yet to respond to our request at the time of publishing. TUV MLA Timothy Gaston had voiced his concerns to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons — whose department is in charge of libraries — following the event. 'I must ask whether you consider this an appropriate use of Libraries NI premises. In my view, it most certainly is not,' he wrote. 'Drag performance, by its very nature, is a sexualised and exaggerated parody of womanhood — rooted in adult entertainment and gender subversion. 'Why then is it considered acceptable for someone best-known for adult-themed performances to adopt the same persona while reading stories to children?' Belfast Green councillor Anthony Flynn told the Belfast Telegraph those protesting outside drag queen story time events were "trying to disguise their vile hatred as concern". "These events are safe, joyful, and inclusive. What those protesting actually fear is a world where kids can grow up free to be themselves." "Their agenda is ugly and rooted in a deep-seated intolerance that has no place in a decent society." In a statement Eastside Partnership said: "EastSide Arts Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and community in east Belfast. 'Over the past 14 years, we have developed festival programmes which are inclusive, diverse and reflective of the interests and feedback from those who attend our events. "The 'Drag Queen Storytime with BSL Interpretation' event is one of our longest running events and returns every year based on the positive feedback from those who attend and engage with the event. "Over the years we have worked alongside the artists involved to ensure we provide a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for families to listen to age appropriate stories. 'During one of our recent storytelling events, we were made aware of an incident outside of the event venue. To ensure safety and to minimise disruption we worked with local authorities to manage a safe exit for our attending families, staff and artists.' 'EastSide Arts Festival is committed to continue to develop a diverse, inclusive, safe, accessible and welcoming festival programme that celebrates and reflects all aspects of the community."
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Starmer pays tribute after death of ex-Labour general secretary Tom Sawyer
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has led tributes following the death of former Labour Party general secretary Lord Tom Sawyer. He said the former trade unionist's 'place in our party's history is assured' as one of the leading figures in the build-up to the 1997 general election success. Lord Sawyer had been one of the key figures in the New Labour era and was credited with helping to steer through the reforms to the party in the run-up to Tony Blair's landslide win. Sir Keir said: 'I am deeply sorry to hear of the death of Tom Sawyer. From the factory floor to the House of Lords, he was driven throughout his life by an unrelenting belief in the dignity of working people and opportunity for all. 'As a trade unionist, he drove that mission forward. As general secretary of the Labour Party, he was integral to delivering the victory in 1997 that transformed the nation. 'His place in our party's history is assured and his loss will be felt deeply by the many people who admired and loved him. 'My thoughts are with his family at this time.' Lord Sawyer served as Labour's general secretary from 1994 until 1998 when he stood down and was made a peer as Lord Sawyer of Darlington. Before becoming Labour's general secretary he served as deputy general secretary of the National Union of Public Employees and deputy general secretary of Unison. Labour's current general secretary Hollie Ridley said: 'Lord Tom Sawyer served the Labour Party and Labour movement with distinction. 'As general secretary, member of the National Executive Committee and as a trade unionist, he played a significant role in the transformation of our party from years in opposition before leading Labour through the 1997 landslide general election victory. 'Tom's legacy is the legacy of those great Labour governments that rebuilt Britain's public services, lifted millions out of poverty and delivered change to the lives of people throughout his beloved north east of England. 'On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who were close to him.'
