This year, step back in time to the Victorian era with a Dickensian-themed Christmas market experience. On the opening weekend (November 16-17) and the third weekend (November 30 - December 1), immerse yourself in the world of Charles Dickens. Stroll through the market alongside beloved characters from his stories, with captivating storytelling and lively performances bringing his tales to life.

Explore a festive village filled with premium Christmas fare, handcrafted goods, and unique artisan products. Satisfy your cravings with exotic meat burgers, a warm mug of Glühwein, fine Italian chocolates, or specialty cheeses from around the globe.

Be sure to stop by our Jolly Big Business Boost stall, showcasing stylish, personalised pet accessories crafted by competition winners. Traders from St George’s Market will also be on hand, offering a selection of locally sourced goods.

Support Kids Together Belfast, and bring children along to visit Santa in his magical grotto—no booking required! The cost is £15 per child, £20 for two children, and £25 for three or more children. This includes a meet-and-greet with Santa, a special gift, and a professional photograph. All proceeds will go directly to Kids Together Belfast and St Gerard’s Special School.

Keep the fun going with a ride on the vintage carousel or enjoy panoramic views of the market from the top of the helter-skelter.

The market opens on November 16 at 12 noon and runs until December 22, closing at 6 pm. Opening hours are: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm. Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm. Sunday 12 noon to 6pm.

The Ulster Orchestra, Zeppo Arts and Townsend Street Enterprise Park are thrilled to announce an exciting community street party set to take place on Townsend Street on Saturday 21 September 2024 from 2pm to 8pm.

The best part? Admission is free and everyone is welcome! This vibrant outdoor event promises an unforgettable day filled with live music, bustling markets, energetic dance performances and delicious food offerings, finishing with a live performance by the Ulster Orchestra* at 8pm - there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Our block party is part of the Belfast 2024 programme, celebrating creativity and culture, funded by Belfast City Council and taking place on International Peace Day.

• Live Music: Enjoy captivating performances from classical pieces to contemporary soul, funk and dance - the live music lineup is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Acts include Winnie Ama, String Ninjas, Utropiks, Boom Strutt Brass, Diamonte Dance and Drama, Downshire Brass and Belfast Ukulele Orchestra.

• Sound Links concert*: A new musical commission about Townsend Street will be performed by the Ulster Orchestra at 8pm (requires free ticket, see below).

• Markets: Browse through a diverse selection of market stalls. These will feature products by local artisans, craftspeople and sellers.

• Dance: Experience dynamic dance performances that will get everyone moving. These will include everything from traditional Irish and Scottish dances to modern routines.

• Food: Indulge in a wide selection of food options from local food trucks and vendors. There will be plenty of delicious choices to satisfy your taste buds.

• Kids’ Activities. Children can enjoy workshops, bouncy castles and much more.

If you would like to attend the 8pm Ulster Orchestra performance, please book a FREE ticket here. For more informaiton click: here.

Belfast TradFest, the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions, and Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 6th edition this July across Belfast UNESCO City of Music. 

The internationally renowned festival will mark this milestone with its most ambitious programme of music that will be showcased between Sunday 21st July – Sunday 28th July 2024. Lancaster Street’s neighbouring Ulster University Belfast campus will play host to a musical showcase all week and the wider city will offer free events and music in areas across the city. (festival programme)

A jam-packed programme not only showcases and celebrates North Belfast’s rich cultural heritage but the creativity and quality of work from local artists, authors, musicians, poets and young people, though they are not all limited to the area.  To this end our programme reflects a wide range of activities and interests with something for everyone.

The festival organisers are grateful to all our supporters, in particular to the principal festival sponsors, the National Lottery Community Fund, Belfast City Council Community Festivals Fund, Belfast Harbour, Belfast Charitable Society, Cathedral Quarter and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

If you enjoyed the Festival last year, we do hope you will come along and join us once again. Your continued support is much appreciated at this time.