Legal representatives for a women’s rights group have argued that the cancellation of an event it had organised at Féile an Phobail amounts to a “breach of contract” and sought an injunction to ensure it goes ahead.

Women’s Rights Network Northern Ireland had applied to host the ‘Respect, Rights and Reality’ event at St Mary’s University College in west Belfast as part of the community arts festival.

After initially accepting the event and including it in its schedule, Féile organisers cancelled the event last week, saying it was “unaware from the initial submission that this event would promote campaigns against rights for the Transgender community”.

WRN NI have rejected claims that they are “transphobic”, but believe that sex cannot be changed after birth.

A mediation meeting held in Belfast by members of Féile an Phobail’s board and the WRN on Friday has been described as “pleasant” and “not hostile”, ended without a resolution and led to the initiation of legal action at the High Court in Belfast on Monday.

The substance of the High Court action was not discussed in detail on Monday, as a request was made from Féile’s legal team for more time to consider the motion submitted on behalf of WRN.

The judicial review case will now be heard on Wednesday, eight days before the panel discussion was due to go ahead on August 4.

The application to the court by counsel on behalf of the women’s rights group asserts that Féile’s cancellation of the event was “wrongful, null and void” due to a “fundamental breach of contract”.

It is seeking an injunction to prevent the organisers of the festival from “revoking, frustrating or denying the plaintiff access to the premises to hold the panel discussion”.

While the judicial review seeks damages from Féile, the WRN application also says “the opportunity to participate in this year’s Féile programme is unique and cannot be recreated by a subsequent award of damages”.

In a statement on Friday, Féile an Phobail said it had entered a meeting with WRN “in good faith” but was “extremely disappointed” legal representatives for the group had filed court papers before the meeting had concluded.

The statement added: “Féile an Phobail will continue to promote events which provide balance and inclusivity and encourage those who are marginalised to get involved in Féile. Féile’s decision to withdraw this event stands.”

Féile an Phobail’s annual Debates and Discussions programme for Féile 2026 was launched on Monday as part of the festival, which runs between 28 July and 9 August.