14 septembre 2022 online
Readings from La Francophonie
Patricia HARDIMAN
The first session of our new season is a celebration of La Francophonie. Patricia chairs a panel of speakers as they present extracts of works by Francophone writers spoken in French and either translated or summarised in English.
19 octobre 2022 at the Dark Horse
Assemblée générale followed by French board games
It's time to talk! This is our first in person AGM in quite a while and we would love to hear your views on the future direction of the cercle. The chat can continue over a selection of French board games, and we'll be serving a petit pot de l'amitié.
16 novembre 2022 online
Ciné-cercle :
A first time we have tried this! Check out www.tv5mondeplus.com to view a selection of films in its archive. We'll pick a couple subtitled in English from its November collection. You'll have several days to watch and then we'll meet online to discuss.
14 décembre 2022 at the Dark Horse
Little Dancer Aged Fourteen
Chris and Rachel TRACEY
Inspired by the book by Camille LAURENS and the sculpture by Edgar DEGAS this event aims to explore the life of a petit rat at the Paris Opéra. Our late friend Jim HOLLAND had been looking forward to participating and we dedicate this event to him.
11 janvier 2023
Fête des Rois
Music and dance to see in the new year. And of course, there will be the usual slice of the galette des rois. Are you a would-be entertainer and if so, do you have a party piece that you would be willing to share on the night? A song, a poem, or an anecdote. Well don your crown and share!
22 janvier 2023 online
La Nuit de la Lecture
Allison NEILL-RABAUX, Hélène GUILLET et Brigitte GOURLEY
Jeux, lectures et échanges sur la langue française et la littérature francophone, pour tous les amoureux de la langue française.
All levels welcome!
8 février 2023 at the Dark Horse
La Camargue
Rosemary Black
This wonderful area of the south of France will be revealed through its colours characterised by its horses, gardiens and salt. Leave the February cold for an hour and escape with us to the rugged Camargue.
8 mars 2023 online
Madame de Montespan
Allison NEILL-RABAUX
To mark International Women's Day join us as Allison shares the story of Madame de Montespan 1640-1707 "maîtresse-en-titre" to Louis XIV but also dubbed "the true queen of France". It is a story of intrigue and poison at the court of Versailles, you'll not want to miss.
12 avril 2023 online
Cercle de Lecture : Un Secret par Philippe GRIMBERT
Brigitte GOURLEY
Join us for a discussion of this short but compelling novel of buried family secrets. Published by Grasset & Fasquelle in 2004, it is also available in English translation from Portobello Books. And it has been made into a film. So come along and discuss.
19 avril 2023 online
Grand Corps Malade
Mary CARBERRY
Mary invites us to share her enthusiasm for the work of French slam poet and lyricist, Fabien MARSAUD, known professionally as Grand Corps Malade / Tall sick body. We feel sure you will appreciate this unique artist's story and repertoire.
25 avril 2023 @UUAcademy Restaurant, Belfast.
Le retour de notre Dîner Annuel
After a break of some years, we hope to resume our annual French dinner, this time in the brand-new premises of the Academy Restaurant. In the past, we have worked closely with staff and students to present a French dining experience we feel sure you won’t want to miss.
Mai 2023 Saturday date and venue to be revealed
Promenade en blanc
In keeping with the en blanc custom of secret locations, we will reveal the venue a short while beforehand. Last year our secret location was a walk along Belfast's Maritime Mile and this time we'll be a little further away. Intrigued? Remember to wear something white.
21 juin 2023
Fête de la Musique
This time we are planning to work in partnership with other French-interest groups in Belfast to celebrate this highlight of the musical year now running in France since 1982. More details closer to the time.