What’s on across Northern Ireland: Summer Arts festivals, supported by Arts Council NI, don’t miss out!
9th August, 2023
Summer isn’t over just yet, we hope! Why not go to at least one of the cool Arts festivals on offer across Northern Ireland, supported by Arts Council NI!
Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:
“Summer is the perfect time to get together with friends and family and go along to one of the many terrific arts festivals on offer across the region. From music, concerts and crafts, to dancing, circus, literature events, art exhibitions, talks and more, - there’s something to suit all ages and tastes.
“Thanks to public funding from the Arts Council NI and National Lottery, we have been able to support the wonderful organisations and individual artists who bring us a magical range of festivals each year.”
Ireland’s biggest community arts festival, Féile an Phobail, continues until 13 August with an eclectic mix of arts events, exhibitions, drama and visual arts - showcasing the very best of Belfast and beyond. Visit www.feilebelfast.com
Be the first in the North West to catch the world premiere of AFTER THE RAIN, a brand new production featuring the globally acclaimed French circus collective Compagnie XY and a 50 plus local ensemble of musicians, choirs and acrobats. It takes place August 27 & 28 in the Guildhall Square in Derry City and is an Imperial War Museum (IWM) 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund commission, in partnership with Ulster Presents at Ulster University, and co-produced by In Your Space Circus. Visit www.inyourspaceni.org
Open House Festival continues until August 30 with a programme of ticketed events at Bangor Castle Walled Garden plus a series of free events in the city. This year’s programme features comedian Micky Bartlett, Nick Lowe, Swordfishtrombone with performances from Duke Special, Kyron Bourke, Clara Tracey & Mike Mormencha, and a tribute to Northern Irish jazz and blues singer Ottilie Patterson, with three of the country’s current leading jazz and blues artists, Dana Masters, Winnie Ama & Siobhan Brown. Visit www.openhousefestival.com
The Clandeboye Festival, in the historic surroundings of Clandeboye Estate Co. Down is on from August 19-26 and presented by Camerata Ireland. The Festival’s Artistic Director, the renowned Barry Douglas, will be joined by international guest soloists for a week of world-class classical music. Don’t miss the 13 lunchtime, afternoon and evening concerts taking place. Visit www.camerata-ireland.com
The brilliant Belfast Mela Festival, is on August 19-27, opening with the spectacular Mela Carnival through the streets of Belfast, followed by Mela Plus events throughout the week. New for 2023 is Mela Colours at Botanic Gardens on 26 August where thousands of people will come together for a vivid, powder-throwing multi-colour frenzy with dancing, music, live drumming and amazing food on offer. Visit www.belfastmela.org.uk
Visit Armagh for the 30th Charles Wood Festival & Summer School, from August 20-27. This festival celebrates the music of Charles Wood and this year’s programme features festival favourites performed in the city’s unique sacred spaces with services, concerts, lessons and masterclasses on offer. Visit www.charleswoodsummerschool.org
Northern Ireland Opera presents The Glenarm Festival of Voice from August 25-27 in the beautiful coastal village of Glenarm. This much-loved annual celebration of song, brings together BBC Radio 3 recitals, outreach events, and performances by emerging artists. It culminates in the Competition Finale, where five singers from across the island of Ireland compete to become NI Opera’s Young Opera Voice of 2023. Visit www.niopera.com
August Craft Month is running all of August with lots of fantastic craft events taking place across Northern Ireland. This unique celebration of craft provides opportunities for all to learn about, make, see and buy craft. From markets and exhibitions to demonstrations and have-a-go workshops, August Craft Month is unmissable! Visit www.augustcraftmonth.org
Just as Summer ends and Autumn begins there is more to share! The Belfast International Arts Festival returns from October 12 – November 5 and the City of Derry International Choir Festival runs from October 18-22 offering five days with 60 choirs at venues across the county. Visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com and www.derrychoirfest.com
Keep up to date with events happening across Northern Ireland, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and The National Lottery, by visiting https://artscouncil-ni.org/news/whats-on