On Friday 8th August 2008,a new event takes place in Belfast run by local band The Vals.The event is Valfest - A Festival of Peace and Love.
Our aim is to bring all sections of the community together for a day of Music,Peace and Love,and to let local talent of all musical genre's and backgrounds showcase their talent.Not only to the people of Belfast but also to the many visitors to our city this summer.
Joining them will be living legend Henry McCullough who will headline the event with his band.Henry played the original 'Peace and Love' Festival Woodstock in 1969 with Joe Cocker(the only Irishman to do so) and was also a member of ex-Beatle Paul McCartney's band Wings.Also Eric Bell founder member of Irish legends Thin Lizzy (Whiskey in the Jar,Jailbreak,The Boys are Back in Town) will be joined by his band on the night.
All profit made from the vent will go to local organisation P.E.A.T,which stands for Parents Education as Autism Therapists.A worthy cause,as the organisation mainly relies on donations and funding to survive.
Valfest will be held at McCrory Park,Main Hall at O'Donnell's G.A.C in West Belfast,which has recently been newly refurbished,and is a perfect venue for such and event.
Our main reasons for running Valfest is that times are changing politically in our city and beyond,hopefully for the better,though as seen on our streets,much can be done to better the situation with on-going violence.We obviously cant change this but what we can do is show that we are a great community with great people and that we do want to make a difference.
We don't have financial backing or sponsorship at all,but solely rely on our own willingness and the willingness of the local bands who have put themselves forward to represent Belfast and raise money and support for local charity and community.
Belfast at times is 'starved' also of such showcases of local talent,so this year,and every year for the foreseeable future,we hope to rectify this through Valfest,where the people of Belfast can 'Come Together'.
Organsier Paul Doherty recieved a special message from no other than peace icon Yoko Ono this year,sendind best wished for the event:
From Yoko Ono:
Hi, Paul Docherty! I was in Belfast. Yes, I was. I was invited by the museum there to do a show and I did. I loved the cloudy, wet, and windy city. I'm sure when you live there all year around, you won't be too happy. Or maybe you would be. You will now. Now that you are doing the Peace and Love Festival you are connected to all of us of family of Peace of the world. Good for you.
Lots of love, yoko
Track “Putiri” from my new album “Arenaria” is this week on the player of Radio Basile. To listen just click on “Putiri“ on the player of www.myspace.com/radiobasile Enjoy Listening!
Nel player di Radio Basile, per questa settimana, c’è il mio brano “Putiri” tratto dal mio nuovo CD Arenaria. Clicca su “Putiri” per ascoltarlo nel player di www.myspace.com/radiobasile Buon ascolto!
Thanx for the request folks. Gr8 line up u got this year. Hope it all goes well, catch up wi some of it. Glad theres so much local musical talent these days.
Yes indeed I shall be there. looking forward to it. Really wish the cable guy wasnt coming on the sat tho cos it inhibits my getting proper wasted. I shall be expecting to be thoroughly entertained as a distraction.
Hope to see you in Limavady 15th-17th august. the line up so far includes get cape, wear cape, fly and delorentos and andy irvine from planxty. for more of the acts check the blog. tickets sales are well under way and the line up is shaping up nicely. thanks stendhalF
