Belfast event looks at fascism in Ireland in the 1920s and 30s

August talk pulls in the crowds at the Shankill Road Library…

On 1 August, a 70-strong audience attended the Féile Lecture 2025, organised by the IBMT-affiliated International Brigade Commemoration Committee (IBCC).

The speaker this year was renowned historian Dr Brian Hanley, who spoke on the topic 'Blueshirts, and Blackshirts: fascism in Ireland north and south'.

Brian Hanley delivering his lecture.

Féile An Phobail is Ireland's biggest community arts festival. Running from 26 July until 10 August, it is the flagship event of a programme of inclusive arts, cultural and community-based activities throughout the year.

Jackie Redpath, CEO at Greater Shankill Partnership, chaired the event.

The Shankill Road Library was a fitting venue: it is home to a plaque dedicated to the seven Shankill men who died in Spain, which we will be visiting in October as part of the IBMT's programme of social and commemorative events.

Standing room only at the Feile Lecture 2025.

All photos: Paddy Mackel

To find out more about the IBMT AGM, see the provisional programme. To book tickets, go to Eventbrite. The AGM is being organised by the Belfast-based International Brigade Commemoration Committee (IBCC).