29th November, 2024
From theatre performances, to concerts, exhibitions and more. Here's your guide to what's on in the Arts....
Cathedral Quarter Arts Out to Lunch Festival 2025: The Out to Lunch Festival returns in January with a feast of events to enjoy throughout the month. Some highlights include:
• Muireann Bradley at The Black Box on Saturday 4 January, 2.00pm & 8.00pm
• Grace by James Joyce at The Black Box on Tuesday 7 January, 1pm and 8pm
• Ceilí for Lunch at The Black Box on Friday 10 January, 1.00pm
• Ursula Burns: The Secret Melodies of Trees Album Launch at The Black Box on Thursday 16 January, 1.00pm
• Katharine Timoney – Extra show added , at The Black Box on Friday 17 January, 1.00pm and 8.00pm
• Launch of The Memorisers by Jo Eliot (AKA Rosemary Jenkinson) at The Black Box (Green Room) on Sunday 19 January, 2.00pm
• Dani Larkin at The Deer’s Head on Sunday 19 January, 7.30pm
• Opera for Tea with NI Opera at The Black Box on Tuesday 21 January, 7.30pm
To view the full programme and buy tickets visit www.cqaf.com
Belfast Music Society (BMS): presents the BMS International Festival of Chamber Music from 13-16 February 2025 featuring,
o 13 Feb, Astrig Siranossian & Nathanaël Gouin
o 15 Feb, Francesca Dego & Francesca Leonardi
o 16 Feb, The Chiaroscuro Quartet
For tickets visit www.belfastmusicsociety.com
Belfast 2024: is an ambitious cultural celebration made by the people of Belfast and led by Belfast City Council. This programme will see the city come to life with creative projects, events and civic initiatives taking place across Belfast throughout the year. For more information visit https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk...
Belfast XR Festival presents: In Pursuit of Repetitive Beat, the UK’s biggest immersive VR experience comes to Belfast in 2025. Taking place at Carlisle Memorial Church, Belfast from 24 February – 26 March. In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats, the internationally acclaimed, award-winning interactive VR adventure that transports you into the heart of the Acid House movement is coming to Belfast in 2025 at the stunning Carlisle Memorial Church venue. The VR experience, produced by East City Films and created by Darren Emerson, will visit eight cities across the UK from Belfast and Cardiff to London. The tour is jointly supported by Arts Council England and BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund.
The experience will take audiences back in time to the beginning of the Acid House movement and the creation of UK rave culture telling a multicultural story of collaboration and unity that celebrates music, friendship, and the joy of youth. ‘Beats uses Virtual Reality (VR) technology to fully immerse audiences in a one-hour multi-sensory interactive experience that is awash with meticulous period detail. It surrounds participants with the sounds, senses, and the thrill of being young (again).
Tickets are now on sale for In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats at Belfast’s Carlisle Memorial Church, here: https://www.belfastxrfestival....
Big Telly Theatre Company: presents, THE CHRONICLES OF LARNIA. Seven doorways into worlds of magic and mayhem untrained elves, trapped fairies and lost spells, surprises with mince spies, secrets and sparks but beware the story snatchers. Date: Sat 14 December 2024. Location: Broadway, Larne. Start times: 10.30am (Quiet Session), 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm. *FESTIVE FAMILY FUN* Experience lasts 30 mins. Tickets: £2 per child (booking fees apply). Adults go FREE but must book a ticket(s) when making the booking. Children must be accompanied/supervised at all times. For tickets visit https://www.tickettailor.com/e...
Kabosh: The story of a pioneering transgender woman who drove an Ulsterbus in the 1970s is set to be told in a new play. Creith, who died at the age of 47 in 1980 just days after having a successful gender reassignment operation, has been described as being “way ahead of her time”. Suspect Device chronicles the life of Wilma Creith and will be performed on a vintage Ulsterbus at Belfast Castle as part of the Outburst Queer Arts Festival.
The play tells how she was supported by the then head of Ulsterbus and Citybus, Werner Huebeck, and initially drove a bus as “Bill” in the Holywood area but had to live permanently as a woman for two years to qualify for gender reassignment surgery. Mr Huebeck, known for his bravery in carrying bombs off buses during Northern Ireland’s Troubles, first met Creith as they carried out work as an electrician at his house, and offered them a job. In 1977, Creith founded a helpline and a support group for the trans community which was based at the offices of Cara-Friend in University Street, Belfast.
The 1980s bus, from where the play will be performed, has been fitted with an integrated audio visual lighting and sound design and will create an immersive theatrical experience for audiences at its location parked at Belfast Castle. Suspect Device will be performed as part of Outburst Queer Arts Festival from November 19 to December 1. Visit www.outburstarts.com
Brassneck Theatre Company: presents, Sleeping Beauty, 5-22 Dec at St Comgall’s. Brassneck Theatre Company are proud to present their spectacular version of “Sleeping Beauty” by Neil Keery. It's the same fairytale that everyone knows and loves, sprinkled with that unique, signature Brassneck twist. Book Now to see what audiences last year said was “The best panto in town”, “had us in stitches from start to finish” & “an undisputed highlight of the season”. Visit www.brassnecktheatrecompany.co...
DU Dance: visit www.dudanceni.com
Lyric Theatre: presents an exciting programme of events with highlights including:
• 30 Nov – 11 Jan, step into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens' timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, joyously reimagined for the stage by the award-winning and much-beloved playwright, Marie Jones. Join the Lyric Theatre for a heart-warming journey through the streets of Victorian Belfast as audiences follow the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge. A Christmas Carol will take you on an unforgettable journey, so add a little magic to your festive season with a visit to the Lyric. Audio described performance, 14 Dec, captioned performance, 18 Dec, and signed performance on 19 Dec.
• 4-7 Dec, Gwyneth Goes Skiing, presented by Awkward Productions in association with The Pleasance
• Pigeon & Plum’s Vaudeville Circus, 11-22 December. The Lyric Naughton theatre shall be transformed into an opulent Victorian music hall with a contemporary punk twist. So come submerge yourself into the decadent beer halls of old Berlin and music halls of yesteryear, and throw two fingers up to the fascists as we kick back and let the FESTIVE WINTER FRIVOLITIES COMMENCE!!!
• 29 Jan – 2 Feb, Guy Mitchell’s Dog’s Dead – Pass it on, a Cock & Hens Productions in association with Bright Umbrella
For further details on these and to view all events visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Grand Opera House: presents an exciting series of shows including,
• 30 Nov – 12 Jan: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. A swashbuckling trip to Neverland like never before! Northern Ireland’s largest pantomime is back for another magical year with The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. In a flash and with a twinkle of fairy dust, the Grand Opera House’s iconic stage magically transforms into Neverland for our most breath-taking, thrilling seasonal spectacular yet. The Theatre’s Christmas show has a well-established reputation as the hallmark of traditional family pantomime - an unmatchable fusion of fun, adventure, thrilling song-and-dance, and dazzling staging and effects. The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan sees the return of Belfast panto favourites May McFettridge as Mrs Smee, Paddy Jenkins as Starkey, Adam C Booth as Smee, Jolene O’Hara as Captain Hook and Aisling Sharkey as Wendy. They will be joined by Belfast local Jordan Walker as Peter Pan and Georgia Brierley-Smith as Tink.
• Miracle at Number 34, Thu 5 Dec - Tue 31 Dec 2024 in The Studio
• Mr Music - A Tribute to Crawford Bell, 21 Jan
• Remembering Joe Dolan, One of Ireland's greatest singers, 22 Jan
• Take It To The Limit, A masterclass of vocal talent and musicianship, 26-27 Jan
• The Elvis Spectacular, Ireland’s longest running and most successful Elvis production, 30 Jan
• War Horse, the global phenomenon comes to Belfast, 4-15 Feb
• Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Book your dream ticket today, 18-23 Feb
For tickets and to view the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
Strand Arts Centre: The Strand Arts Centre has opened a new temporary home in Connswater Shopping Centre as it undergoes multi-million pound refurbishment. It will be hosting a range of activities and events over the coming weeks and months at Connswater including:
• Minors Club: Enjoy free films for the whole family, providing a fun outing for children and parents alike.
• Creative Arts Workshops: Engage in hands-on activities designed for all children and adults.
• Silver Screenings: Special movie sessions tailored for senior audiences, bringing classic cinema to everyone.
• Seasonal Cultural Classic Pop-Up Screenings: Celebrate various cultural seasons with fun and festive film screenings throughout the year.
• 8mm/16mm Film Club: Join the unique club for screenings and discussions around classic film formats.
visit www.strandartscentre.com
The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry: presents a series of events with highlights including,
• The Seamus Deane Lecture 2024 with Amitav Ghosh, 30th Nov
• Anne Gildea - How to Get The Menopause and Enjoy It, 13 Dec
• Lilliput's Variety Show, 29 January
• Gearóid Farrelly: Gearóid Rage, 28 Feb
Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Linen Hall Library: the Linen Hall Library is a truly unique institution. Founded in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast. The library is free for all to enter and enjoy. The Linen Hall Library offers a year-round programme of arts and cultural events featuring authors, academics, historians, performers, and much more.
Linen Hall Library and Sole Purpose present: The Sunflower Project Exhibition, 4-29 November at the Linen Hall Library in Belfast. Coordinated by Derry-based Sole Purpose Productions, this exhibition is the culmination of work with people impacted by mother and baby institutions, using the arts to explore their experiences and to provide a safe and friendly space where difficult experiences can be explored through discussion and creative techniques. The exhibition includes poetry and art created by the participants, as well as some of their personal items. A short film that includes a series of monologues by the women who were part of the project is also part of the exhibition will be shown on selected times and times throughout the exhibition. Visit https://linenhall.com/event/th...
The exhibition is located in the Vertical Gallery and is FREE to attend.
To view the full events programme at this wonderful library visit www.linenhall.com
Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry: presents music, comedy, theatre and more with highlights including:
• Moves and Melodies. Moves and Melodies is an age friendly project in the Millennium Forum that includes song and dance workshops for 60 people. This project will be provided complimentary and will be held once a month in the Studio Theatre. The music facilitator is Fiona Logue and the dance facilitators are Claire Harkin and Emma Lindsay from Emma Lindsay Dance. There will be an opportunity to learn new dance skills and sing a range of song styles every month. For further information contact Lisa Heaney on 028 7127 2779 or email lisah@millenniumforum.co.uk
• Aladdin, 29 Nov – 31 Dec 2024. Join Millennium Forum at Old Peking where evil sorcerer, Abanazar, seeks the magic lamp to bring him untold wealth and power, and Aladdin must save the day. This magical adventure story will be brought to life in a spectacular production complete with stunning sets, beautiful costumes and lots of comedy. Conal Gallen returns as the Forum’s Dame in this all singing, all dancing festive show. With an all local and Northern Irish cast, this sparkling festive treat is guaranteed fun for all the family.
The full list of Accessible Performances at the Millennium Forum for ‘Aladdin’ include:
• ISL and BSL Performance – Wednesday, 4th December at 7pm
• Relaxed/Dementia Friendly Performance – Saturday 7th December at 2pm
• Audio Described Performance – Sunday, 22nd December at 1.30pm
Visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk
THE MAC: presents a fantastic programme of theatre, comedy music and talks with highlights including:
• Queer Set Dancing. Come along to a Queer Set Dancing class with Alexa Moore. Part of the MACtivate programme, in association with The Rainbow Project, the MAC’s fortnightly Queer Set Dancing class with Alexa Moore is specifically beginner-friendly. Join Alexa and the group for a fun class with no expectation of any prior dancing experience. The class is run by a queer woman and we aim to create a welcoming and friendly environment for LGBTQ+ people and allies to learn a new dance, have some fun, and meet new people. Come along when you can - you don't need to have joined from the first date to attend. All welcome
• Elvis Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, 5-31 Dec 2024. The hilarious Caroline Curran returns to the MAC this December with a fantastic festive comedy show, Elvis Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It’s now or never" for best mates Marty and Frankie who are die-hard Elvis fans, and all they want this Christmas is to go to their idols (tribute) concert before one of them leaves The Ghetto. Will these Hound Dogs escape or will prying Priscilla’s Suspicious Minds make them have a Blue Christmas. Come and join the gang that brought you last years hit, Are Yule Being Served? for a rocking new Christmas comedy, and let The MAC have you All Shook Up this Christmas!
• The Adventures of Red Riding Hood, 27 Nov 2024 - 1 Jan 2025. Join The MAC on an action-packed, fun-filled journey through our fairytale planet with feisty heroine, Red Riding Hood. But in a race to visit Granny Hood with a festive hamper of goodies, could it be a case of mistaken identity for media star Red Riding Hood, the jealous Goldilocks, or the Big (or not so) Bad Wolf. Packed with original songs, captivating animations and on-screen visuals, larger than life characters and lots of opportunities to join in the fun, find out if good or evil will wear the red hood this Christmas at the MAC, in our fresh twist on a timeless story. Suitable for all ages.
For all this and more visit www.themaclive.com to view a full programme of events and exhibitions.
Crescent Arts Centre: presents a series of language, visual arts, craft, music, dance classes, and more plus workshops and events. Events include:
• David Browne Murray in Concert on Saturday 30 November 2024
• Late Night Art at The Crescent on Thursday 05 December 2024
• Take the Stage: End of Term Celebration on Friday 06 December 2024
• Taylor Lally in Concert on Saturday 07 December 2024
• Andy White on Friday 13 December 2024
• Workshop: How to Own the Room with Viv Groskop on Monday 20 January 2025
• Talk: How to Own the Room with Viv Groskop on Monday 20 January 2025
Visit www.crescentarts.org for details.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace: View the full programme at www.seamusheaneyhome.com
Belfast Music Society (BMS): presents:
• 19 Dec, Chamber Babies, 0-18 mths at 10am and 1-3 yrs old at 11am
• BMS International Festival of Chamber Music, 13-16 February 2025 featuring,
o 13 Feb, Astrig Siranossian & Nathanaël Gouin
o 15 Feb, Francesca Dego & Francesca Leonardi
o 16 Feb, The Chiaroscuro Quartet
For tickets visit www.belfastmusicsociety.com
Newry Chamber Music: presents the following events in the new season
• Jonathan Dove’s, The Walk from the Garden, 28 November - 1 December 2024
• Miniatures, 8 December 2024, 1pm
• The Juliet Letters with Duke Special and The Fews Ensemble, 8 December 2024, 7.30pm
• Christmas Miscellany, 19 December 2024
Fore more information visit https://www.newrychambermusic....
Northern Ireland Opera: presents,
• Northern Ireland Opera artists will be performing Christmas Carols in The Great Room at The Merchant Hotel on November 30th. To experience the performance, book a table for afternoon tea and enjoy some beautiful music while you eat.
First sitting: afternoon tea performance 12.45 – 2.15pm
Second sitting: afternoon tea performance 3.15 – 4.45pm
Start the festive celebrations with The Merchant’s Festive Afternoon Tea and experience the joy of Christmas song and carols in The Great Room Restaurant of The Merchant, filled to the brim with their stunning and iconic decorations. Hear the artists of Northern Ireland Opera perform, accompanied by pianist Frasier Hickland, featuring violin by Hayley Howe. NI Opera singers: Rachael Heater, Niamh Lavery, Petra Wells, Sarah Alcorn, India Chapman Webb, Charlie Clarke Hughes, Desmond Havlin, James Cooper, Paul McQuillan.
• On 7 Dec, come along for an hour of festive music with Northern Ireland Opera in The Hub, The Custom House in Belfast’s historic Custom House Square. Members of the Northern Ireland Opera Chorus will perform some much-loved Christmas music and then there’ll be an opportunity for you to join in with some favourite seasonal tunes and carols. Tickets are £15/£10 concession each and include a hot drink and a mince pie.
• On 21 Jan, join NI Oepra for an hour of glamour and sparkle in The Black Box, Belfast. We’re excited to be back performing live in the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival’s ‘Out To Lunch’ programme, this time with an evening event. Book your ticket and experience captivating performances with a light sandwich supper included in the ticket price. Doors open at 7.30pm.
• On 15 Feb the Northern Ireland Opera Chorus will be performing at a fundraising evening in The Waterfront Hall for Sólás. Established in 2009, Sólás is a special needs charity which supports children and young people with a broad range of additional needs including Autism. They are based in South Belfast; however, their work extends across Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Opera Chorus will be performing a fifteen minute set alongside Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble, M’ANAM, The Ulster Consort and The Cross Border Youth Orchestra. The children of Sólás will also perform a new composition by Matthew Owens.
Visit www.niopera.com for more information on all events.
Moving on Music: presents,
• 7 Dec, Blue Whale, Accidental Theatre
• 8 Feb, David Murphy & Ether Ensemble, The American Bar
• 22 Mar, Junior Brother, Black Box
Visit www.movingonmusic.com
Portico of Ards: presents
• Tim McGarry (Fri 13 Dec).
• Handel’s Messiah by Merry Opera (Sat 7 Dec). This dramatised version features 12 professional singers who each play characters searching for meaning in their everyday lives - a poignant, invigorating and fresh take on the seasonal classic.
• Centre Stage Theatre returns with its annual family pantomime on Sunday 15 December at 3pm. This time it’s the turn of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Oh yes it is!
• Just before the big day, the congregation of Portaferry Presbyterian Church and The Newquay Singers invite everyone to join them for their annual Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday 22 December at 7pm.
To view the full programme visit www.porticoards.com
Ulster Orchestra: has revealed the programme for its new 2024/25 season which begins in September. View the full programme now and buy tickets on their website. Highlights include:
• The Snowman Family Concert, 7 Dec, Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Don’t miss this wonderful family experience that has created special memories for many. Young and old will enjoy this timeless tale of a boy and his magical Snowman, shown on a big screen ad accompanied by the Orchestra and young guest soloists.
• Ulster Orchestra, Handel’s Messiah, 14 December Waterfront Hall, Belfast with Belfast Philharmonic Choir, & 15 December, Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry with Codetta Choir. No Christmas would be complete without a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Still one of the best oratorios ever written, its impact and appeal never fails to delight audiences. If you have never heard it before, now is the time, especially when it’s performed by the Ulster Orchestra with guest soloists and choirs.
• Ulster Orchestra, The Magic of Christmas, 17 December, Waterfront Hall, Belfast & 18 December, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry. This magical concert is the perfect night out for the whole family featuring a dazzling programme of festive favourites such as Let It Snow and White Christmas. With guest vocalists – Northern Ireland’s own Dana Masters (renowned jazz singer who toured with Van Morrison) and Patrick Smyth (Strictly Come Dancing tour, John Williams Orchestra), this promises to be a truly special evening.
Visit www.ulsterorchestra.com
Oh Yeah Centre Belfast: presents a programme of music and tours with highlights including,
• The NI Music exhibition at Oh Yeah is the only permanent exhibit for popular music in Northern Ireland. There is much to see, including a series of storyboards documenting and plotting the history and the stories of Folk, Punk, Rock, Jazz and more. Exhibition Opening Times, Mon – Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 12-5pm. To enquire about a visit, or for further info and group bookings please contact info@ohyeahbelfast.com or call 02890310845
Visit www.ohyeahbelfast.com
The Black Box: presents a varied programme of music, comedy, street art tours and other arts events with highlights including:
• Altan, 28 November, 2024 @6:45pm, £28.50+BF, The Black Box
• Have Yourself a Killer Christmas, 2 December, 2024 @7:30pm, £15, Black Box. An immersive murder mystery.
• Celtic Soul – the songs of Van Morrison, 7 December, 2024 @8:00pm, £19.50 + booking fee, Black Box
• Christmas with The Motown Sensations, 8 December, 2024 @7:30pm, £18+BF, Black Box
• Showing: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ (with Live Soundtrack), 8 December, 2024 @12:45pm
• TOY STORY THAT TIME FORGOT, 8 December, 2024 @9:45am
• STICK MAN, 8 December, 2024 @11:00am
• MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL, 8 December, 2024 @12:00pm
• QUB Big Band Christmas Concert 2024, 10 December, 2024 @7:00pm
• A Rock’n’Roll Christmas with the Soda Popz, 13 December, 2024 @7:30pm
• The Ratpack at Christmas – Frank, Dean and Sammy, 15 December, 2024 @7:30pm
• The Collaborative Creatives present Holiday Cabaret, 20 December, 2024 @8:00pm
• Also check out all the events at the Black Box as part of the Out to Lunch Festival in January 2025!
For further information visit www.blackboxbelfast.com
Scott’s Jazz Club: Scott's Jazz Club runs a weekly concert in Ballyhackamore club 1a Sandown Road every Friday Night from 9pm. The club provides a welcoming environment for world class jazz music to be experienced in a concert setting. For upcoming performances visit Scott's Jazz Club (scottsjazzclub.com)
ITMA: 'Drawing from the Well' is an online monthly ITMA series which connects artists with archival materials to inspire new art. To date, nine videos, podcasts and blogs have been created by leading traditional musicians, singers, and dancers, including Louise Mulcahy, Martin Hayes, Edwina Guckian and Cormac Begley. All episodes are free to view online at https://www.itma.ie/drawingfro...
Tommy Sands and Artsawonder: In this new online film series, legendary musician, Tommy Sands, films, sings, listens and learns from a singing five times world champion drum major Alan McBride, two young women, Jenna Stevenson and Wendy Graham Hanna, who initiate and drive an Arts hub shop, a rhythmic drum weaver rhythmic drum weaver Damien McKeown and a young woman Bronagh Kelly who lovingly echoes the poetry of her mother. To watch visit Media | Artsawonder (wixsite.com)
Tumble Circus: Belfast's award-winning forward thinking circus company, Tumble Circus has announced its return to Writer’s Square for a brand-new run of the hugely popular “Winter Circus” - kicking off on the 13th of December.
Winter Circus, now in its eighth successful year, will be hosted in Tumble Circus’ iconic heated big top tent in the central location of Writers’ Square, Belfast and tickets are now available.
Winter Circus has become a much-loved part of Belfast’s festive entertainment offering with many referring to its as he city’s Alternative Festive Family Show. Winter Circus will treat visitors to a winter extravaganza unlike anything else on offer in the city, with a host of death-defying and side-splitting acts to keep the audience on the edge of their seats and rolling in the aisles!
TICKET PRICES:
Children (12 years old and under) £12, full price £16, family £49, relaxed show £10.
Group bookings (10 and more)
Children (12 years old and under) £10
Full price £14
For discounted group bookings and complimentary tickets for carers available, please contact: bookings@tumblecircus.com
Open Arts: Stressful times!? Need a PAUSE?
Join Open Arts for relaxing Saturdays at Gamelan's Sound Baths!
12/10, 9/11 14/12, 11- 12 am, Open Arts Space in Connswater (Ground floor in front of Del Piero's cafe). £6 per session!
Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/...
Crescent Arts Centre has a new term of classes to book and enjoy now. Fancy learning to speak some Italian before your holiday to Italy this year? Well now’s your chance! From visual arts, language classes, acting, dance, music making and more, there’s something to tantalise all tastes. Visit www.crescentarts.co.uk
Duncairn: presents live music from the following,
• 28 Nov, Shrieking Sisters (theatre)
• 5 Dec, Becoming Marvellous (theatre)
• 7 Dec, John Spillane
• 8 Dec, The Writers Block: Festive Fiction
• 12 Dec, Daughters of Róisín (theatre)
• 8 Feb, Sophie Jamieson (live music)
Duncairn Player: all of the previous video projects can now be viewed from the Duncairn Player including The Duncairn Virtual Cabaret, Take 2, Carlingford and the Ring of Guillion Sessions. Visit Player — The Duncairn
The Duncairn also has a range of workshops and craft classes and courses. For further details visit www.theduncairn.com
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents,
• Irish Language Intensive Course. Intensive courses are a great way to boost your language skills in a short space of time. The course will be both motivating and informative and will take your confidence in the Irish language to another level. The levels we offer are: Bunrang|Beginner , Meanrang | Intermediate , Ardrang | Advanced . Please email sinead@culturlann.ie for more information
• Yoga Classes with Dunla, 6:30-7:30pm, £5. No need to register, just pay on arrival.
For this and more visit www.culturlann.ie
Greater Shantallow Community Arts: presents Spill The Tae Youth Led Podcast from the young people at Studio2/GSCA. This amazing group of creative young people have launched their very own podcast and it can be found on Spotify or Apple Podcast. The young people plan, host, interview and edit the Podcast. To date they have interviewed some of their local MLA’s, Councillors, survivors and local Derry’s own Serena Terry, creator of Mammy Banter. As well as this they have a voice and a safe place where they can openly talk about mental health and what it means to them. You can find the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast.
Eden Place Arts Centre: in Derry-Londonderry has an exciting range of courses and workshops to get your creative juices flowing including wood sculpture, Inner Landscapes, Abstract Art, Ceramics, Painting for Beginners, Contemporary Botanical Watercolours, Landscape Painting Life Painting, Spinning and Weaving plus Portrait Painting, among others. All courses are designed for adults aged 18+. Visit www.edenplaceartscentre.com
WheelWorks Arts: presents,
ArtCart: Unique to WheelWorks Arts (WWA) is their ArtCart community engagement and outreach programme, which brings creative and artistic activities to your community. ArtCart is also the name WWA gives to its bespoke vehicle that can travel across Northern Ireland and transform into a unique workshop space. ArtCart is available for hire at youth, community, education, and festival events, bringing artistic and creative activities to the community. The available inventive activities cover digital and traditional arts and can include animation, DJing/music making, arts & crafts, and digital arts using augmented and virtual reality. For further information and to hear about their special Art Cart offers over Christmas, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com... or email artcart@wheelworksarts.com.
TS3 Programme: The Tech Studio Skills Share (TS3 programme) is a new initiative by WheelWorks Arts (WWA) that offers training to help people improve their creativity and skills in digital communication by harnessing the specialist artistic expertise of the WWA team. The staff team at WWA consists of professional artists and digital innovators who have a wealth of knowledge, talent, and experience in delivering creative activities. They are now offering a range of training opportunities to the corporate and commercial sectors. For further information, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com....
TechStudio: This is a 60m2 meeting room and collaboration space available for hire at our office in Weaver's Court, close to Belfast city centre (BT12 5GH). The room is equipped with a range of digital and recording resources, including cameras, green screens, tripods, iPads, and an interactive whiteboard, all available for hire. For pricing and to book the TechStudio, please use our online booking system. For further information, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com... or email info@wheelworksarts.com or business@wheelworksarts.com.
ChangeMaker: This is a programme by WWA that connects people from diverse communities with varied identities within organisations, communities, or geographical areas. It encourages open dialogue, exploration, and recognition of differences to foster mutual inclusion, enhance interpersonal understanding, and ultimately boost inter and intra-community cohesion. The programme explores perceptions, stereotypes, and misconceptions that workshop participants may have, with a view to understanding other contributors' values, heritage, biases, and experiences, and why people may have certain views or stereotypes. It also highlights how many of these perspectives may be unintentional, unconscious, and often unchallenged. For more information, contact Lesley@wheelworksarts.com.
Streetwise Community Circus: Fancy learning how to juggle and other circus skills?! In response to Covid 19 Streetwise Community Circus has developed a team of tutors who are now working via Zoom to reach out to those who can no longer participate in workshops. To take advantage of this opportunity all you have to do is email Streetwise on streetwiseathome@gmail.com. Suitable for participants who range in age from 8 to 80 plus.
Sole Purpose: will co-host the Sunflower Exhibition in the Linen Hall Library from 4-29 November. The Sunflower Project Exhibition brings together the writings, paintings and personal items of a group of women whose lives were deeply impacted by their experiences of these notorious institutions. Prints created by the women - Marie McGinn, Attracta McGuigan, Fiona O’Doherty, Carmel McCallion and Caitriona Cunningham - with the guidance of artist Brónagh Corr will be the main part of the exhibition.
The poignant exhibition also includes Christening robes, baby outfits knitted at the homes, and ornate tiles from the Marianvale mother and baby home in Newry. It is the result of two and a half years of workshops aimed at supporting the women to express themselves through drama and art, it provides a deep insight into the impact of the homes on the lives of the women and their babies. For more information go to: www.solepurpose.org
The MAC Belfast: presents,
I see his blood upon the rose, 8 Nov 2024 - 30 Mar 2025, a major MAC exhibition across all three galleries that traces the history of the flower in art, its evolution from botanical illustrations to the opulent still-life paintings of the 17th century, their adoption as symbols of political influence, revolution, and human control over nature. Visit www.themaclive.com
Open Studio Series with Alison Lowry, Curlew Cottage Design, René Mullan, and Alistair-R: a rare chance to join these artists in their studios in Co. Down and purchase their work in time for Christmas. The studios will be open on the following dates,
• Alison Lowry, glass artist, Sat 30 Nov, 10:30am-3:30pm, 36 Comber Street, Saintfield, BT24 7AZ
• Curlew Cottage Design, printmaker and illustrator, Sat 30 Nov, 10am-5pm, Sun1st Dec, 10am-8pm, 20 Ardigon Road, Killyleagh, BT30, 9TA
• René Mullan, printmaker, Sat 30 Nov, 10am-4pm, Sun 1 Dec, 10am-8pm, 12 Audleystown Road, Strangford, BT30 77LP
• Alistair-R, jewellery maker and stone carver, Sat 30, 10am-5pm, Sun 1 Dec, 11:30am-4pm, 142 Listooder Road, Saintfield, BT24 7LB.
Craft NI presents their Christmas exhibition, ‘Brilliant Generations’, and the 'Big Bauble Showcase’. The exhibition aims to inspire discerning shoppers with new, exciting work - at a time when the festive spirit is high. The exhibition will include handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles and wood.
Located in the bustling Cathedral Quarter, Craft NI Gallery is set to be one of Belfast’s must-see Christmas shopping destinations this season, the Big Bauble Showcase will feature a large selection of handcrafted, unique or limited-edition Christmas baubles in mediums such as glass, textiles, wood and ceramic.
Participating makers: Andrea Spencer, Anna Donovan, Cameron & Breen, Céline Traynor, Fiona Kerr, Gail Kelly, Janice Gilmore, Joel Smyth, Natasha Rollinson, Rosemary McCartney, Scott Benefield, Séamus Gill, Sue Cathcart, Sylvia Dales, Tara Campbell, Tracey Johnston, Ursula McGivern. Both events will run until December 30, 2024.Visit www.craftni.org
Ulster Museum/ Artist, Anushiya Sundaralingam: presents, Tappi Odu (Flee), a new and evocative installation on display at the Ulster Museum, supported by The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The installation, which is now available to view until 5th January 2025, explores the collective experiences of Tamil communities and diaspora populations and features images of footprints from countries across the globe. The renowned artist’s work examines the intricate connections between nature, culture, conflict, and identity and the Tappi Odu (Flee) installation highlights Anushiya’s journey of displacement and migration, drawing from her own experiences of relocating from Sri Lanka to England and eventually settling in Northern Ireland.
Royal Ulster Academy’s 143rd Annual Exhibition: is now on at the Ulster Museum with all artworks available to buy. The RUA Annual Exhibition provides a unique platform for acclaimed artists and emerging talent to showcase their artwork in the fabulous galleries of the Ulster Museum. The exhibition contains examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and more. The must-see exhibition is free to view and continues until 6 January 2025 so it’s perfect to visit over the holidays! Visit www.belfastinternationalartsfe...
Queen Street Studios: to celebrate forty years of creativity in the heart of Belfast, Queen Street Studios present 'We are QSS at 40,' a large-scale exhibition curated by Eamonn Maxwell. The show features work by over sixty artists and includes painting, sculpture, video, drawing, performance and installation. Whilst the majority of the exhibiting artists are current studio holders including Susan Connolly, Amanda Coogan, Joy Gerrard, Sharon Kelly, Mark McGreevy and Jennifer Trouton, fourteen past members from across the last four decades have also been invited to exhibit including Ronnie Hughes, Jack Pakenham and Chris Wilson. To complement the exhibition, QSS has organised a series of guided tours, talks, workshops and open studio events. For further details visit: https://www.queenstreetstudios...
Seacourt Print Workshop: presents Pecking Order by Penny Brewill RE. Seacourt Print Workshop is re-opening following a summer of renovations to the former Ulster Bank building, Main Street, Bangor, which it acquired in December 2023. Seacourt was founded in 1981 and since then has been engaged in promoting the art of printmaking and creating opportunities for people to engage in creativity. The new location is the arts organisation’s 5th location, a heritage building that places Seacourt at the heart of the city.
‘Pecking Order’ investigates the themes of lost childhood, nostalgia and memory, in addition to concepts of anthropomorphism. This body of work focuses mainly on cherished possessions around the home, how these may reflect a person’s character, bear physical traces, or reveal the identity of their owner. ‘Pecking Order’ runs until the end November 2024 at Seacourt Print Workshop, 75 Main Street, Bangor. Visit www.facebook.com/seacourtprint...
Golden Thread Gallery: Belfast's leading contemporary art gallery, re-opened on Saturday 10th August 2024 located at 23-29 Queen Street, BT1 6EA. Free Entry
GTG presents, Claire Morgan – You Will Not Stop Here, 19 October - 27 November 2024.
The Golden Thread presents new work by internationally acclaimed artist Claire Morgan which has been specially commissioned with the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Commissioning Grant 2024. Claire Morgan raises fundamental questions about the role of humans and their relationship to nature. Complex three-dimensional forms made from artificial and natural materials are a frequently recurring motif and the artist uses taxidermy, waste materials, sculptural wax figures and human hair, to create uniquely beautiful work, that inspires new understanding to the possibilities of the art form.
Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Golden Thread Gallery!
This festive season, dive into creativity and community with their FREE workshops – all materials, equipment, and refreshments are provided!
Here’s what’s happening:
• Plant Swap on Saturday 23rd November, 11 AM – 1 PM DROP IN
• Community Art Workshop on Friday 6th December, 11:30 AM – 1 PM DROP IN
• Family Art Workshop on Saturday 7th December, 11 AM – 12 PM BOOKING REQUIRED
• Community Art Workshop on Friday 13th December, 11:30 AM – 1 PM DROP IN
• Creative Teens and Adults Workshop on Saturday 14th December, 1:30 PM – 3 PM BOOKING REQUIRED
• Community Art Workshop on Friday 20th December, 11:30 AM – 1 PM DROP IN
• Family Art Workshop on Saturday 21st December, 11 AM – 12 PM BOOKING REQUIRED
All workshops will be held in the new Participation and Engagement Hub at 23-29 Queen Street, Belfast.
To book visit Golden Thread Gallery - Art Tickets Some workshops may already be fully booked! If you’d like to join a waiting list, please email them at info@gtgallery.co.uk.
For further information visit their social media pages and www.goldenthreadgallery.co.uk
Outburst Arts and Ulster University: presents, Mixtape #1 – Phil Collins, 31 October - 5 December 2024. Outburst Queer Arts Festival and Ulster Presents at Ulster University mark the 175th Anniversary of the Belfast School of Art in a new collaboration with one of its most acclaimed graduates. Phil Collins is a visual artist, filmmaker, cultural organiser, and educator who lives in Berlin and Wuppertal. He is internationally renowned for a socially engaged practice that addresses the intersections of art, politics and popular culture.
This UK premiere of Mixtape #1 is an unorthodox overview of Collins’ work in moving image. Drawing its title and concept from the ‘mixtape’ – a devotional form of music compilation – this genre-bending compendium brings together a heady blend of episodes, excerpts, off-cuts, and ephemeral scenes from his extensive filmography.
Presented in Outburst Queer Arts Festival 2024, as part of a BSoA 175 Commissioning Partnership between Outburst Arts and Ulster Presents. Full details will be available in the Outburst programme at outburstarts.com
Belfast Exposed: presents,
Jo Spence: A Woman’s Place?
Dates: 17th October 2024 – 21st December 2024
Venue: Belfast Exposed
https://www.belfastexposed.org...
In collaboration with the Centre for British Photography, "Jo Spence: A Woman's Place?" is an exhibition spotlighting the ground-breaking phototherapy work of the celebrated British photographer and feminist Jo Spence (1934–1992), providing an intimate and powerful look at Spence’s exploration of the roles and experiences of women within society.
Jo Spence was not just a photographer but a cultural critic and activist who used her medium as a tool for emotional and political self-exploration. A central aspect of this exhibition focuses on Spence’s practice of phototherapy, developed primarily with collaborator Rosy Martin. Spence’s phototherapeutic sessions combined photography with therapeutic practices, allowing her to confront the deeply personal and often painful aspects of her life in a social context that sought to marginalise and silence women’s experiences. The exhibition shines a light on Spence’s engagement with the complexities of womanhood, class, sexuality, and health, addressing themes often left unspoken.
Arpita Shah: Modern Muse
Dates: 17th October 2024 – 21st December 2024
Venue: Belfast Exposed
https://www.belfastexposed.org...
"Modern Muse" by acclaimed photographic artist Arpita Shah is a compelling exhibition that Belfast Exposed is delighted to bring to Ireland for the first time in collaboration with the Centre for British Photography and with support from Ulster University/Belfast School of Art. Originally commissioned by GRAIN projects, this ongoing series of portraits explores the evolving identities and visual representation of young British-Asian women. At the heart of "Modern Muse" is Shah’s desire to address and challenge notions of the 'muse' in art. By replacing the Mughal emperors of classical South Asian painting with modern British-Asian women, Shah subverts those historical representations and celebrates the strength, diversity, and individuality of each woman depicted in her series.
We Love Dogs!
Dates: 7th November 2024 – 21st December 2024
Venue: Belfast Exposed
https://www.belfastexposed.org...
Proudly sponsored by Jollyes pet superstores, Belfast Exposed is delighted to present public exhibition “We Love Dogs!” in the Studio gallery this November and December. After an open call for submissions, hundreds of portraits, action shots, and images of candid moments were received from both amateur and professional photographers, culminating in a show that celebrates canine companions of all shapes and sizes, from chihuahuas to great danes.
The exhibition will also include a “Give A Dog A Home” space, where images from eight Northern Ireland dog rescue and rehoming centres will showcase current residents seeking their forever home, in the hope that a gallery visitor might catch a glimpse of their perfect match.
Whilst Belfast Exposed has always been a dog-friendly space, “We Love Dogs!” includes several special events for VIPs (Very Important Pups) including an early opening time of 5-6pm for dogs and their people at Late Night Art on Thursday 7 November and a Santa’s Grotto.
Yvette Monahan: Fibre – Nature-friendly Flax Farming
Dates: 6th February 2025 – 22nd March 2025
Venue: Belfast Exposed
https://www.belfastexposed.org...
In collaboration with The Gaia Foundation’s campaign “We Feed The UK”, Belfast Exposed presents “Fibre” by Yvette Monahan.
We Feed The UK is a nationwide environmental storytelling campaign from The Gaia Foundation. To disrupt the dominant narrative about farming, they have paired photographers and poets with the UK's best custodians of soil, sea, and seed.
At Mallon Farm in County Tyrone, Helen Keys and Charlie are not just resurrecting the tradition of flax cultivation but doing so with an awe-inspiring resilience. Their 'wee blue blossom' is chemical-free, hand-harvested, retted in rainwater, scutched on a restored turbine, and woven into local supply chains.
Photographer Yvette Monahan's year-long journey to capture the flax growing and production process at Mallon Farm has been a testament to the beauty and significance of this age-old tradition, bringing it to life through the seasons.
Portrait of Belfast: Part II
Dates: 6th February – 22nd March 2025
Venue: Belfast Exposed
https://www.belfastexposed.org...
Belfast Exposed presents Portrait of Belfast: Part II, an original photographic project and exhibition that celebrates the people who make up contemporary Belfast.
Portrait of Belfast: Part II features over 300 black and white images that include staged studio portraits, environmental street photography and images submitted by members of the public. These beautiful examples of noir-style portraiture evoke a strong sense of the city’s diverse communities and the people behind its stories.
Within the images that make up Portrait of Belfast, you’ll find musicians, writers, comedians, politicians, activists, artists, teachers, social workers, carers, parents, children and more. People from all ages and backgrounds. The resulting collection is a portrait of the people who make up Belfast today, reflecting both the city's history and future.
VOID Art Centre: presents, Mikhail Karikis, Acoustics of Resistance, 05/10/2024 – 07/12/2024
What artistic responses can we invent in the face of climate collapse to inspire alternative visions to the dominant apocalyptic climate discourse? How can we collectively tune into the sonorities of socio-political change and ecology? Acoustics of Resistance is a multi-media project comprising of works that collectively tune into the sonorities of socio-political change and ecology. It rejoices in the transformative and healing powers of listening and sound-making while declaring that changing the course of climate change is in our hands and lies on humans learning the language of nature.
Surging Seas and The Weather Orchestra are two installations that approach the theme of climate change from the perspectives of scientific data, collective and individual emotional response, speculative thinking and sounding. They are an ode to the elements, expressing our deep relationship and entanglement with the weather and celebrating our connection to the atmosphere and the earth.
Eco-Protest Placard workshop with Mikhail Karikis and FUSE Arts. Please note that this is a two-part workshop, taking place on Saturday 30 November 2024, 3-5pm, and Sunday 1 December 2024, 2pm-5pm. You must be available for both these dates and times to take part
VOID is excited to be working with FUSE Arts and artist Mikhail Karikis on a two-part workshop that further develops a work-in-progress featured in Mikhail's exhibition ‘Acoustics of Resistance’. The work-in-progress and workshop looks into the impact of climate change on rising sea levels and how this will change our geographical surroundings.
In the workshop, participants will work with the look and materials often encountered in environmental protests here and globally. Participants will build on the idea of high visibility and stand-out forms that placards have in large-scale gatherings. Together, participants will consider life related to the local river and sea, learning about water pollution specific to the area, as well as examining maps forecasting the transformation of the UK and Ireland as we reach 2050. Participants will then add to Mikhail’s exhibition, by making additional placards which will be added to the installation. The end of the workshop will be marked with a short parade of placards on the Quay beside river Foyle.
This workshop is open to 16-24 year olds. If you have any access needs, please email cecelia@derryvoid.com
Visit the VOID website for full details at www.derryvoid.com
Platform Arts: Visit www.nuacollective.com for more information.
CCA: presents, is delighted to present a solo exhibition of artist Michael Hanna’s long-term project Crossing the Park.
In Crossing the Park, Michael Hanna takes himself as the subject in a project that sees the artist attempt to change his deep-set allegiance from Everton Football Club to their local rivals, Liverpool. This process, which has taken place across the past three years, highlights the strong negative social pressures against such a change, as historically Northern Irish football fans choose an English team to support for life when they're young. By swapping allegiances, Michael explores urgent questions surrounding loyalty, tribalism, empathy and identity, and investigates the psychology of group behaviour.
Crossing the Park is commissioned by CCA Derry~Londonderry, Centre Culturel Irlandais and F.E. McWilliam Gallery. It is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Commissioning Programme, Derry City & Strabane District Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios and the Elephant Trust. Continues until 21 Dec 2024.
Visit www.ccadld.org for more details.
Flowerfield Arts Centre - 11/01/25 – 28/02/25
Here, Now, Then
A group exhibition of up to 30 works from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Collection co-curated with Flowerfield, charting a range of practices across painting, print, sculpture and craft disciplines over the last 20 years, featuring some of our early acquisitions to the most recent.
Market Place Arts Centre - 28/03/25-10/05/25
25th Anniversary Exhibition
A group exhibition of up to 25 works from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland I Collection selected by the Market Place, celebrating the work of artists from the ABC borough held in the Collection across disciplines and also those who have previously exhibited in the centre in its 25-year history.
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