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£25,000 grant strikes a chord with St Louise’s music students
20th January, 2026
What's On in the Arts
1st February, 2026
From theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and more, here's your guide to what's on in the arts…
RENDR Festival: returns to Belfast from 12-13 February 2026. RENDR is a unique festival that explores the space between creativity and technology. Visit https://www.rendrfestival.com/
Imbolc Festival: All are invited to celebrate the traditional and the contemporary of the island’s rich culture with another jam-packed programme of gigs, late-nights festival clubs and workshops from the 1st to the 7th of February, 2026. View the programme at https://www.imbolcfestival.com...
Young at Art: presents the Belfast Children’s Festival which returns from 5-14 March 2026. For programme details visit https://youngatart.co.uk/belfa...
Digital and Immersive Arts Regional Showcase: The Arts Council NI will host a FREE Digital and Immersive Arts Regional Showcase at the Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry on 19 Feb. This is an opportunity to meet some of Northern Ireland’s most exciting digital and immersive artists and experience their innovative and exciting work that has been supported through the Arts Council NI’s digital programmes. For more information visit https://nervecentre.org/whats-...
Duncairn: Belfast is set to welcome a vibrant celebration of Scottish traditional music and contemporary Scottish folk as the inaugural Scottish Takeover Weekend arrives at The Duncairn Arts Centre from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026. Curated by musician and composer Joseph Peach, the three-day event brings together some of Scotland’s most compelling folk and traditional artists for an immersive weekend of music, song and storytelling — connecting Belfast and Scotland through shared musical heritage and evolving folk traditions. For tickets and programme info visit https://www.theduncairn.com/events/scottish-takeover-2026
DU Dance: Save the date of Thursday 2nd April for Du Dance’s Unanimous at The MAC. Unanimous brings together some of the best youth dance groups in a non-competitive event. Visit https://www.dudanceni.com/news...
Lyric Theatre: presents:
• The Importance of Being Earnest, 31 Jan – 22 Feb. The seasons hottest garden party returns to the Lyric Main Stage.
• THE HUMAN VOICE, Thu 12 - Sat 28 Feb 2026. Nicky Harley stars in a Belfast tale of love, work, and heartbreak as a woman pushed to her limits between two worlds.
• CONSUMED, Tue 24 Feb - Sun 08 Mar 2026. Four generations of Northern Irish women, reunited under one roof. A house full of hungry ghosts, with more than one skeleton in the closet.
• BY TRIAL & ERROR, Sat 07 - Sun 08 Mar 2026, A delightful show of acrobatic lifts, full of humour borrowed from burlesque and silent cinema.
• WHERE WE BURY THE BONES, WED 11 MAR 2026. Where We Bury the Bones - the latest groundbreaking work from multi-award-winning duo John McIlduff and Brian Irvine of Dumbworld
• THE FIT PRINCE, Fri 13 - Sat 14 Mar 2026. The King is dead and the prince next in line to the throne is unmarried – if he doesn’t find someone soon he must forfeit the crown!
• THE STICKY DANCE, SAT 14 MAR 2026. The Sticky Dance is an interactive, engaging and colourful performance installation for children and their families.
• GROUP, Belfast Ensemble in association with the Lyric Theatre, 24 Mar – 4 Apr. First staged at the Lyric in 2002, this outrageous musical with a hit Broadway infused score has seen countless productions including New York, Philadelphia, Australia and London. 'If you like Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, you'll love Group’.
View all events at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Grand Opera House: presents an exciting series with highlights including,
• The Barber of Seville, 17-21 Feb. Presented by Lyric Opera Ireland in partnership with the Grand Opera House
• To Kill a Mockingbird, 24 Feb – 7 Mar. Embarking on a UK & Ireland tour for the very first time
• Miss Saigon, 10-21 Mar
• Third Class, the true story of Titanic survivor, Edward Dorking, 25-28 Mar
For tickets and to view the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
The Playhouse in Derry-Londonderry: presents,
• NI Science Festival - Piseóg: Bad Luck of the Irish, 13th February 2026
• NI Science Festival - The Lost Girls of Autism with Gina Rippon, 18th February 2026
• Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer, 18th March 2026
• Tim McGarry - The Height of Nonsense, 18th April 2026
Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Linen Hall Library: Founded in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast. Linen Hall Library offers a year-round programme of arts and cultural events featuring authors, academics, historians, performers, and much more. Visit www.linenhall.com
Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry: presents music, comedy, theatre and more with highlights including:
• Dara Ó Briain Re: Creation, 11-12 Feb
• Moonlight Dreamy Reply Theatre Company, 12 Feb
• The Marian Hotel by Caitriona Cunningham, 23-24 Feb
• Sofia City Ballet - Swan Lake, 5 Mar
The Millennium Form also has a number of regular accessible events including:
• Act Your Age, Age Friendly Drama Group – 2 sessions a month
• Moves & Melodies, age friendly song and dance workshop – monthly event
• Dementia Friendly Tea Dance – monthly event
• Energy of Light 15+ Disco – monthly disco
• Sensory Musical Theatre – weekly event
View all events at www.millenniumforum.co.uk
THE MAC: presents a fantastic programme of theatre, comedy music and talks with highlights including:
• How Does it Work? with Maddie Moate, 12 Feb
• Animal Farm, 18-28 Feb, presented by Tinderbox Theatre Company
• Pianist Laraaji, 30 Apr
For all this and more visit www.themaclive.com
Crescent Arts Centre: presents a series of language, visual arts, craft, music, dance classes, and more plus workshops and events. Visit www.crescentarts.org for details.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace: has launched their programme for 2026. Visit https://seamusheaneyhome.com/u...
Strand Arts Centre:
• Silver Screenings at Belmont Bowling Club, every Thursday at 2pm. Silver Screenings is a great opportunity not just to see a movie classic, but also for people to meet and interact, and enjoy a trip down memory lane. Films are chosen with seniors in mind but open to anyone who loves a classic movie! Tickets are £4 and include free tea, coffee and biscuits.
To view the films that are showing visit www.strandartscentre.com
Belfast Ensemble: presents GROUP, in association with the Lyric Theatre, 24 Mar – 4 Apr. First staged at the Lyric in 2002, this outrageous musical with a hit Broadway infused score has seen countless productions including New York, Philadelphia, Australia and London. 'If you like Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, you'll love Group’. Here, as part of the Lyric 75th anniversary, it comes home to join in the celebrations with a glorious live orchestra and stellar cast. For tickets visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Northern Ireland Opera: presents,
• 20 March, Spring Solstice at the Ards Arts Centre. Celebrate the arrival of spring with a delightful hour of music from Northern Ireland Opera.
• Northern Ireland Opera makes a spectacular return to the Grand Opera House in September 2026 with a brand-new production of Bizet’s Carmen, one of the grandest operas of them all. NI Opera will bring to life the powerful story of Carmen, a passionate, intelligent woman who dares to challenge convention, pursuing seduction, love and her freedom. Filled with famous arias including the Habanera and the Toreador song, book now for an evening of fiery emotion in one of best-loved operas ever written. Performances take place on 12, 15,17, and 19 September 2026.
Visit www.niopera.com for more information on all events.
Moving on Music: presents,
• Ruth McGinley: Glass and Beyond
o THURS 12 FEB | NEW GATE ARTS CENTRE, DERRY | SHOW 7.30PM
o FRI 13 FEB | MARKET PLACE THEATRE, ARMAGH | SHOW 8PM
o SAT 14 FEB | PORTICO OF ARDS, PORTAFERRY | SHOW 7.30PM
o FRI 6 MARCH | FLOWERFIELD ARTS CENTRE, PORTSTEWART | SHOW 8PM
• 15 April, Adjunct Ensemble & Bill Orcutt
• 16 April, RÓIS & Brìghde Chaimbeul
• 18 April, أحمد [Ahmed]
• 30 April, Laraaji
Visit www.movingonmusic.com
Portico of Ards, Portaferry
• 14 February, Ruth McGinley: Glass and Beyond
• 21 February, Anthony Toner
• 22 February, Joseph Beech, Organ Recital
• 07 March, The Gesualdo Six
• 14 March, Songs and Sounds from home. The Henry Girls and Lore
• 15 March 2026 | 15:00 - 16:30
• 15 March, Piatti Quartet: The Cinematic Experience
Visit https://www.porticoards.com/wh...
Ulster Orchestra:
• 14 Feb, A Dazzling Tribute to Elton John. This special symphonic concert celebrates over 50 years of music-making by the legendary Elton John.
• 20 Feb, Rhapsody & Romance, Sibelius, Shostakovich, Sam Kane and Federico Colli.
• 26 Feb, On Your Doorstep: Gentle Echoes – Armagh. Mendelssohn, Schubert, Finzi and Elena Kats-Chernin with our Principal Guest Artist, Michael Collins.
• 27 Feb, On Your Doorstep: Gentle Echoes – Enniskillen, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Finzi and Elena Kats-Chernin with our Principal Guest Artist, Michael Collins.
• 28 Feb, On Your Doorstep: Gentle Echoes – Newtownabbey, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Finzi and Elena Kats-Chernin with our Principal Guest Artist, Michael Collins.
• 6 Mar, Dreams & Visions, Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique, Rebecca Clarke, Debussy and Timothy Ridout.
• 20 Mar, Of Rivers & Mountains, Falla, Francisco Coll, Smetana and Sean Shibe.
Visit https://www.ulsterorchestra.or... to view the full programme.
Oh Yeah Centre Belfast: 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. Visit www.ohyeahbelfast.com for this and all events.
The Black Box: presents a varied programme of music, comedy, street art tours and other arts events. 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. For upcoming performances visit Scott's Jazz Club (scottsjazzclub.com)
Dock Street Jazz Club: Upstairs at the American Bar, Belfast. Homegrown MOBO-nominated drummer David Lyttle and Dock Street Jazz Club regulars feature acclaimed guests and NI talent - https://www.citizenticket.com/organiser/dock-street-jazz-club/?organiser_id%5B%5D=4129&keywords=&from=&to=&page=1
In Your Space Circus: is offering KIDS' AERIAL CLASSES across a 4-week aerial course for kids aged 6-8 and 9-12 years. Cost: £40. Aerial classes take place at the Glassworks, Derry. New members are welcome, but places are very limited, so get in QUICK to avoid disappointment!! All classes can be booked at: https://bookwhen.com/inyourspa...
Circusful: No matter your age or experience — Circusful has something for everyone!
• Itty Bitty circus classes are shaped to each child’s age and development needs. Suitable for ages 2-7, whether your child is a budding acrobat or has never taken a tumble, the skilled Circusful team will help them to find their confidence, gain coordination and have fun.
• Adult Circus - Think you’re too old to learn circus skills? Think again. Circusful has been teaching aerial skills, acrobatics and juggling to grown-ups for decades. Their Circus Skills for Adults class has different skill options available - whether you are a budding aerialist or completely new to Circus simply sign up.
Visit www.circusful.org to find out more.
Crescent Arts Centre: has a new term of classes to book and enjoy now. From visual arts, language classes, acting, dance, music making and more, there’s something for all tastes. Visit www.crescentarts.org
Duncairn: presents live music with highlights including,
Belfast is set to welcome a vibrant celebration of Scottish traditional music and contemporary Scottish folk as the inaugural Scottish Takeover Weekend arrives at The Duncairn Arts Centre from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026. Curated by musician and composer Joseph Peach, the three-day event brings together some of Scotland’s most compelling folk and traditional artists for an immersive weekend of music, song and storytelling — connecting Belfast and Scotland through shared musical heritage and evolving folk traditions. For tickets and programme info visit https://www.theduncairn.com/events/scottish-takeover-2026
• 7 March, Polar Bolero - Singing and Sailing Away EP Launch
• 30 April, Carsie Blanton + The Burning Hell
• 2 May, Cerys Hafana
The Duncairn also has a range of workshops and craft classes and courses. For further details and to view the full programme of events 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 [email protected] 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.
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. For further information and to hear about their special Art Cart offers over Christmas, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com or email [email protected]
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. They are now offering a range of training opportunities to the corporate and commercial sectors. For further information, visit https://www.wheelworksarts.com
Streetwise Community Circus: Fancy learning how to juggle and other circus skills?
To take advantage of this opportunity all you have to do is email Streetwise on [email protected] suitable for participants who range in age from 8 to 80+.
The MAC Belfast: presents,
The Lost Paintings: A Prelude to Return, 23 Jan – 26 Mar. This exhibition gathers 53 artists from Palestine and its diaspora across time and borders to reimagine the missing works of Maroun Tomb.
Visit www.themaclive.com
Craft NI Gallery Visit www.craftni.org
Seacourt Print Workshop: Seacourt is a friendly open-access print workshop based in the seaside town of Bangor, Northern Ireland. They offer membership, courses and resources for all, as well as our self-arranged residency programme and exhibitions. Visit https://seacourtprintworkshop....
Golden Thread Gallery: Belfast's leading contemporary art gallery, located at 23-29 Queen Street, BT1 6EA. Free Entry.
• Insight into the Other, 14 Feb – 18 April 2026. Artworks by alumni, staff, and faculty from the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Art & Art History Department, co-organized by the University Hall Gallery. Curated by Sam Toabe and Sarah McAvera. The exhibition is an exchange between Belfast and Boston that looks at how place affects how we see art and each other.
Golden Thread Gallery also has a range of other events on including:
• Mindful Colouring Drop-In Workshops (ages 18+). No booking required, just drop in!
• Out of Office Drop-In Sessions Wednesdays 12-2PM. All materials are provided, as well as tea, coffee & biscuits. No booking required, just drop in!
• Family Workshops, ages 4-11, every Saturday
For all of the above, and more https://goldenthreadgallery.co...
PS2/Paragon Studios: www.pssquared.org
Belfast Exposed: presents,
Gallery I: Re-presenting Representations of Representation: Revisited, 5 Feb – 21 Mar 2026. This exhibition explores the history of performance art through the lens of its documentation. Rather than presenting performance as a fixed or singular event, Peter Richards asks a fundamental question: do we know performance art itself, or do we know its images?
Gallery II: Things Like That. 5 Feb – 21 Mar 2026, a newly commissioned film and installation by Trish Morrissey, developed in response to the Belfast Exposed Archive. This commission forms part of the organisation’s long-term strategy to reanimate the archive as an active, living resource—one that invites contemporary artists to engage critically with its material, histories and systems of knowledge.
Belfast Exposed also offers a range of photography and videography training courses. Visit www.belfastexposed.com
VOID Art Centre: presents, Barbara Steveni, I Find Myself, Jan 20, 2026 - Apr 4, 2026. The exhibition I Find Myself encompasses the artist’s life’s work, drawing together her practice and her experimentation with materials, media and strategies across a career spanning more than seventy years. Visit www.derryvoid.com
CCA: presents, IT’S NOT CLEAR FROM HERE, 17 Jan 26—14 Mar 26. Artists Thomas Hunter, Sabi Nicholson, Lucy Tevlin. IT’S NOT CLEAR FROM HERE draws on archival material and lens-based media to explore how images are shaped by time, technology and the act of looking. Across photography and film, the works reflect on technological change, environmental crisis and questions of belonging, presenting images as unstable, partial and often elusive. Visit www.ccadld.org for more details.
