Line-up revealed for Imagine! festival of politics and ideas

The programme for the sixth annual festival, which takes place from March 23-29, features quirky events such as ‘Singing the Good Friday Agreement’ as well as a series of talks on key issues in today’s society such as climate change.

Headline events include the world premiere of Nicky Larkin’s documentary exploring the creation of The Belfast Ensemble’s provocative ‘Abomination: A DUP Opera’.

Other films include the Belfast premiere of ‘The Quiet Shuffling of Feet’, which sensitively explores the impact of conflict trauma on our society, and a screening where loyalist and republican former political prisoners explore the power of education in times of conflict.

The programme also includes a discussion between News Letter political editor Sam McBride with BBC presenter William Crawley about his book Burned and the fall out from the RHI scandal.

Other leading writers appearing during the festival include award-winning journalist Paul Mason, Irish Times reporter Sorcha Pollak, the Guardian’s social affairs correspondent Rob Booth, and Open Democracy editor Adam Ramsay.

Most of the events are free and the organisers hope to attract over 8,000 people to this unique festival, particularly those who traditionally are not involved in political discussion.

Peter O’Neill, founder and festival director, said: “The festival provides a unique opportunity for people to engage with some of the big issues of our time in a fun and dynamic way. Over 300 speakers and performers will stimulate debate and discussion of new ideas relating to politics, culture and activism.”

For full programme details go to imaginebelfast.com