Belfast 2024

Belfast 2024 Welcome to Belfast 2024 – our time of embracing creativity, culture and celebrating our place, our people and our planet.
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So, we explored… Safari in the cityExploring our urban wildlife As part of the project, over 5000 biological records wer...
11/12/2024

So, we explored… Safari in the city
Exploring our urban wildlife

As part of the project, over 5000 biological records were created through our city safari as well as the discovery of a new Weevil species to Ireland and over 15 events delivered across the city, and 4 living murals. The Safari in the city team have opened up nature and the city urban landscape for people to explore in new ways.

The Wild Belfast team said:
“Belfast 2024 has been a fantastic opportunity to explore the wildlife of our city. We have been able to run events on everything from birds, to insects, to wildflowers. We now have a growing community of enthusiastic people who are passionate about nature in Belfast and we plan on continuing to run nature-focused events in the coming years.”

Thank you team Wild Belfast!

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So, we welcomed….LITTLE AMAL One little girl, one giant hope. On 14 -17 May, we welcomed Little Amal to Belfast, carryin...
10/12/2024

So, we welcomed….LITTLE AMAL
One little girl, one giant hope.

On 14 -17 May, we welcomed Little Amal to Belfast, carrying with her a message of hope for displaced people everywhere. With over 8,000 people greeting Little Amal across 11 welcome events across our city, she explored our city and enjoyed dancing, performances, magic, fun and so much more! It truly was a weekend filled with so many unforgettable moments.

Arts Ekta, delivery partner, commented:
“This was the first outdoor theatre of its type and scale in Belfast, setting a precedent for future world-class cultural experiences. We took pride in connecting the theatre sector to outdoor spaces, enabling practitioners to expand their capabilities beyond traditional theatre settings. Our goal is to create future outdoor spectacles of similar ambition that reflects the diversity of our city. Collaboration was a significant legacy, helping us develop new cross-sector partnerships and networks”.

Thank you Walk with Amal and Arts Ekta!

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09/12/2024

So, we discovered…..

NORTH STAR

A live music spectacle transporting us from 1845 to 2024

Our groundbreaking immersive live music performance inspired by Frederick Douglass’s landmark Belfast speech in 1845 In his words, “wherever else I feel myself to be a stranger, I will remember I have a home in Belfast.” Nearly 100 Belfast school pupils contributed to this extraordinary blend of music, art, and literature, celebrating Black culture and Douglass’s legacy. With over 1000 attendees across 2 nights of performances, North Star delivered an emotional and inspiring exploration and celebration of our city’s black culture and heritage. Future plans include adapting the show to tour internationally beyond 2024.

North Star team said: “North Star has brought our city closer to Black Culture and Black people, creating a new narrative and template for unseen and unheard communities. We are very proud of how the North Star project and performance has connected an historic moment with the ancestors of the African diaspora to the voices of Belfast’s future”.

Thank you team NORTH STAR!

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Come create a postcard of kindness - you can keep it as a reminder of positivity, give it someone as a gift or leave it ...
07/12/2024

Come create a postcard of kindness - you can keep it as a reminder of positivity, give it someone as a gift or leave it in a public space to brighten someone else’s day. ✉️

All materials provided, come drop in to 2 Royal Avenue for this and all the activities at Creative Wellfest - a bookswap, community info board and more!

Brought to you by participants from Start360 Event Management Programme


So, we embraced our creativity…Over the next few months, we will be reflecting on all our fantastic projects, partners a...
06/12/2024

So, we embraced our creativity…

Over the next few months, we will be reflecting on all our fantastic projects, partners and people that made Belfast 2024 and our city come alive with creativity!

From the opening of exciting new creative spaces, exploring our river in new ways, to the live shows, performances and immersive experiences, Belfast 2024 has delivered unforgettable moments for everyone involved. Thank you for being part of it!

But as we take time to reflect on the incredible moments we've shared this year, it's important to remember that there is still time to join in:

The Wiggle Room

Extended into next year due to popular demand, The Wiggle Room at The MAC allows participants to engage with the 3D artwork in a variety of ways and also lets you interact with some very distinguished cartoon characters designed by creative powerhouse Johnathan Sung.

Manifesto for the Alleyways

Join 9ft in Common as they launch A Manifesto for the Alleys, the culmination of years of research into the social and spatial potential of Belfast’s alleyways.

The Hearth

Premiering on Thursday 12 December at Cineworld Belfast and creatively led by acclaimed film-maker Mark Cousins, The Heart tells the story of Belfast from the perspective of the people who live in the city.

Show Some Love Green House

This brand new collaborative artist studio, sustainable fashion hub, creative shared space, inclusive community workshops and venue continues to host exciting events, workshops, discos and so much more.

For information on all of the above projects, check out our website and social channels!

As part of Belfast 2024, Mornington Women’s Group have crafted this stained-glass panel ‘A Moment of Peace’ with visual ...
05/12/2024

As part of Belfast 2024, Mornington Women’s Group have crafted this stained-glass panel ‘A Moment of Peace’ with visual artist Kerrie Hanna.

The artwork is inspired by creating a moment of peace for people to encounter – with imagery of what the women from group have found calm and solace in. You’ll find our river, blooming leaves, city streets, birds of peace and the sun dawning over clouds.

You might have spotted this artwork across the city at bus stops, popping up as an unexpected moment with art in our journeys through the day.

Call in to City Hall from tomorrow to see the stained-glass panel displayed in reception (hopefully with lots of lovely winter sun!), alongside the many beautiful stained-glass windows there. Let us know in the comments if you’ve seen the artwork out and about and what brings you a moment of calm in your day.

‘A Moment of Peace’ will be in City Hall reception, from Friday 6th – Sunday 15th December.


It’s your last chance to wander around this thought-provoking trail at the Waterworks Park, which is full of new ways to...
28/11/2024

It’s your last chance to wander around this thought-provoking trail at the Waterworks Park, which is full of new ways to appreciate your surroundings.

Suggestions for Stargazing is an exhibition that draws our attention to light pollution and how we can better our view of the night sky.

It has been created by local artist Aisling O’Beirn with art organisation Household, who have collaborated with astronomers, writers, environmentalists and residents of Belfast on a journey to reduce light pollution in our neighbourhoods.

So wrap up warm, head to the Waterworks and get your tips for stargazing some night with a clear sky!

The exhibition will remain in the park until 30th November.


to.the.night

Searching for ways to look after your wellbeing? Want more creativity in your day?Creative Wellfest is popping up in 2 R...
26/11/2024

Searching for ways to look after your wellbeing? Want more creativity in your day?

Creative Wellfest is popping up in 2 Royal Avenue to promote community resources and creative ways of self-care and community connection. 🎨💜

There’ll be mindful art activities, creative prompts, a bookswap, community info, music and warm drinks. Come join us to take a moment to slow down in this busy season. ❄️

Join us Monday 9th December, drop in to 2 Royal Avenue any time 3-5pm. Completely free and all welcome!

This event has been organised by a passionate bunch of participants on youth event management programme at Start360.

25/11/2024

🎉 LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE WIGGLE ROOM! 🎉

Inspired by the theme of 'movement', Boom Clap Play have created a 3D physics based simulation that bridges art and the expressive nature of play.

The installation allows participants to engage with the artwork in a variety of ways and also lets you interact with some very distinguished cartoon characters designed by creative powerhouse Johnathan Sung.

THE WIGGLE ROOM takes place at The MAC until Sunday 5 January and is open daily 11am - 5pm.

Entry is FREE.

Have you been or are you going? Let us know in the comments!



*IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, tomorrow’s Power Plants - Imagining The Future...
23/11/2024

*IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*

Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, tomorrow’s Power Plants - Imagining The Future Workshop has been cancelled.

🌟OUR STORIES FESTIVAL!🌟Over the coming days, come join speakers from Belfast 2024 projects, Belfast Stories and internat...
21/11/2024

🌟OUR STORIES FESTIVAL!🌟

Over the coming days, come join speakers from Belfast 2024 projects, Belfast Stories and international creatives to explore the themes of Our People, Our Place, Our Planet.

Reflecting on our year-long celebration of creativity, we'll look forward to the next chapter for Belfast and discuss how creativity and the arts can spark bold ideas and positive environmental change.

Highlights include:

🌿 Chris Packham in Conversation - Thurs 21 Nov - Assembly Buildings🌿
🧵 Fashion Flea - Fri 22 to Sun 24 November - SSL Greenhouse 🧵
🕺 Tea Dance - Fri 22 November - City Hall 🕺
🌼 Power Plants Workshop - Sun 24 November - Union St. 🌼
🌎 Stories to Change the Future feat. Oliver Jeffers, Hannah Peel, Kwame Daniels, Martin Green and Sir Tim Smit - Sun 24 November - Ulster University 🌎

For more information and to check out the full programme of events / activities, please visit our website.

✨ “Storytelling is the most powerful force humans have” — Oliver Jeffers ✨ Join us for an inspiring conversation hosted ...
17/11/2024

✨ “Storytelling is the most powerful force humans have” — Oliver Jeffers ✨

Join us for an inspiring conversation hosted by Kwame Daniels, where visionary minds come together to explore storytelling's impact on our planet’s future.

Featuring Hannah Peel (Mercury Prize, Ivor Novello, and Emmy-nominated artist), Oliver Jeffers (artist and author), Sir Tim Smit (co-founder of The Eden Project), and Martin Green (Chief Creative Eurovision, Commonwealth Games, Unboxed, Hull City of Culture), this thought-provoking discussion will dive into how creativity and the arts can ignite bold ideas for environmental change.

🌍 Discover the transformative power of stories to inspire a greener, more sustainable world. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired!

📅 Save the date: Sunday 24 November, 3pm
📍 Location: Ulster University, York Street, Belfast, BT15 1ED

Click the link below to purchase your tickets 👇

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast2024/what-s-on/in-conversation-stories-to-change-the-future

Our Stories presents Chris Packham in Conversation🌍 Can we protect our planet before it's too late? What role does youth...
16/11/2024

Our Stories presents Chris Packham in Conversation

🌍 Can we protect our planet before it's too late? What role does youth activism play in driving real and lasting change? 🌍

Join us as Conor McKinney from Wild Belfast and the Belfast 2024 project ‘Safari in the City’ introduces the renowned naturalist and environmental advocate, Chris Packham, who will share his compelling insights on the urgent fight for our planet’s future.

And that’s not all…stay for an impactful conversation between Chris and Anna Kernahan, a passionate youth activist from Fridays for Future Northern Ireland, as they explore the critical role of young people in the climate movement and the actions, we must take now to protect our world.

📅 Save the date—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Click the link below to purchase your tickets 👇
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast2024/what-s-on/our-stories-festival-opening-event-chris-packham-i

The Our Stories Festival is set to bring an inspiring lineup of events to Belfast from Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 November....
15/11/2024

The Our Stories Festival is set to bring an inspiring lineup of events to Belfast from Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 November. This festival offers a unique space for the Belfast community to come together and reflect on stories that shape our collective experience. Special guests include Chris Packham, the renowned naturalist and environmental campaigner, as well as Oliver Jeffers, a celebrated children’s author and storyteller.

With a packed schedule of engaging talks, hands-on workshops, and dynamic exhibitions, the festival will feature contributions from a variety of voices—artists, designers, musicians, activists, and storytellers—all eager to share their perspectives.

More than just an arts event, Our Stories invites participants to think about what it means to live together in Belfast and to explore possibilities for the city’s future.

This promises to be a memorable experience for anyone interested in the stories and ideas that connect us. Whether you're an art enthusiast, an environmental advocate, or simply curious, there's something for everyone at the Our Stories Festival.

For more info and to book tickets:
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast2024/the-programme/our-stories-festival

🍁COMING UP IN NOVEMBER!🍁As the cosy nights draw in and leaves start to fall, there's still plenty of exciting Belfast 20...
08/11/2024

🍁COMING UP IN NOVEMBER!🍁

As the cosy nights draw in and leaves start to fall, there's still plenty of exciting Belfast 2024 activities to keep you excited and entertained in the run up to Christmas!

Highlights include:

🚌 SUSPECT DEVICE - A thoughtful and disruptive exploration of the impacts of a patriarchal system, and the explosive potential of q***r people and women to dismantle it. This incredible theatrical event takes place on a stationary vintage Ulsterbus in the ground of Belfast Castle from November 19 - December 1.

🌿 OUR STORIES FESTIVAL - Join speakers from Belfast 2024 projects and Belfast Stories with our city’s luminaries and international creatives to explore the themes of Our People, Our Place and Our Planet. Featuring appearances from Chris Packham, Oliver Jeffers, Tim Smit and much more, the festival takes place from Thursday 21 - Sunday 24 November.

🎮THE WIGGLE ROOM - Inspired by the theme of 'movement', Boom Clap Play have created a 3D physics based simulation that bridges art and the expressive nature of play. The installation allows participants to engage with the artwork in a variety of ways and takes place at The Mac from 19 September to 29 November. Entry is FREE!

For more information about these and many more incredible events happening through the month of November, please visit our website.

07/11/2024

The incredible WIGGLE ROOM is NOW OPEN at The Mac as part of .

Inspired by the theme of 'movement', have created a 3D physics based simulation that bridges art and the expressive nature of play.

Recently we caught up with up with co-creators David Baxter, Andrew McHugh and Johnathan Sung to hear about the story behind it.

THE WIGGLE ROOM takes place at from 19 September to 29 November.

It is open daily Tuesday - Sunday from 11am - 5pm. Entry is FREE.

As the dark evenings draw near, see the city in a different light with Red Sky at Night ✨ A festival of new artworks in ...
02/11/2024

As the dark evenings draw near, see the city in a different light with Red Sky at Night ✨

A festival of new artworks in unique Belfast locations, created by Household

We’ve welcomed 6 international artists to Belfast and are proud to present their incredible artistic responses to the stories and sites of our city.

Here’s a handy timetable you can use to visit each of the artworks this weekend:

📍‘Suggestions for Stargazing’, a series of luminescent signs by Aisling O’Beirn installed across the Waterworks Park, North Belfast. 7:30am - 7pm. The Cavehill Road entrance is the ideal starting point, go at twilight or after dark for the full experience.

📍’Common point exercises’, sculptures by Irmina Rusicka & Kasper Lecnim at 2RA, Belfast City Centre: 10am-6pm

📍’Benign Land’, an installation including an interactive moving image work by Leandros Ntolas at Carlisle Memorial Church, North Belfast, 5pm-10pm

📍’POSSESSION’, an installation of photographs and sculpture by Kanich Khajohnsri in the Botanic Gardens Palm House, South Belfast (go to College Gardens entrance of the park), 5pm-10pm

📍’The Sound We Longed For’, an installation of image and sound by Dina Mimi at Riddel’s Warehouse, Belfast City Centre, 5pm-10pm

📢 Tonight’s performance event by Dina Mimi is sold out.

Red Sky at Night is part of the Belfast 2024 celebrations and is generously supported by Belfast City Council, British Council, and the Mondriaan Fund.
It is kindly sponsored by Visual Spectrum Studios and made possible through the support of Belfast Buildings Trust and Hearth NI.

.lecnim .rusicka .to.the.night
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Photography by Ellen Blair

🌟University of Ulster students contribute outstanding photography to Belfast 2024!🌟As part of their Professional Practic...
01/11/2024

🌟University of Ulster students contribute outstanding photography to Belfast 2024!🌟

As part of their Professional Practice Module on the second year of the Ulster University Photography with Video course, students were given the opportunity to add to the bank of images for the Belfast 2024 project.

They were all given instructions using the Belfast 2024 descriptor:

'For Belfast 2024, we’re embracing our creativity. So, come and enjoy special moments, performances and celebrations in the city. Stroll through urban street art, relax in city gardens and discover Belfast’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Then take in the sounds of the city with live music at bustling trad pubs and cool rooftop bars. Well, what are you waiting for?'

The participating students were: Dylan Flanagan, Branon Annett, Emma Bradley, Samuel Carlin, Faye Clerkin, Matthew Clifford, Nuala Kerrigan, Amber Letters, Kristal Marshall, James McArdle, Jude McKay, Kerry Oikhala, Erin O'Neill, Mason Shelvin, Matthew Stewart, Beth Whiteside and Mya Wilkinson.

It's safe to say we absolutely LOVE the photos and we think you will too!

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Belfast City Hall
Belfast
BT15GS

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