The line-up for this year’s Brilliant Corners has been announced, and it’s set to be a must-attend event for any jazz enthusiast. Over the course of eight days, the island’s premier annual jazz festival will take over The Black Box and other venues across Belfast, a UNESCO City of Music, from 28th February to 8th…
Emerging musicians and producers across Northern Ireland: The Creators Forum at AVA London 2025 is an unmissable opportunity for artist development. Presented in association with pointblank Music School, this intensive programme offers: AVA, founded in Belfast, has grown into a global force in electronic music culture. This programme reflects its commitment to inspiring and elevating…
The deadline for the Sounds Atypical Music Grant has been extended to Friday, 24 January 2025, at 4.00 pm. This grant, delivered in partnership between the University of Atypical and Belfast City Council, supports d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent musicians in creating accessible music events and activities across Belfast. The funding is available in three tiers:…
Ed Sheeran made a surprise visit to Belfast this week to launch his charity, The Ed Sheeran Foundation, in Northern Ireland. The foundation, which focuses on improving access to music education and advocating for increased support for the arts, will provide funding to three local organisations: Drake Music NI, HotBox Entertainment and the Oh Yeah…
A bronze statue of legendary Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher has been unveiled outside Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall, celebrating his life, music, and lasting influence on the city. The tribute, inspired by a 1972 Melody Maker magazine cover featuring Gallagher onstage at Ulster Hall, was created by Anto Brennan, Jessica Checkley, and David O’Brien of Bronze…
Ireland’s premier electronic music festival, Emerge, is set to return to Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast on 23rd and 24th August 2025, promising its most ambitious edition yet. With over 80 artists performing across four stages, the festival will combine cutting-edge sound and visuals to create an immersive experience. Headlining the first wave of…
Funded by Belfast City Council in association with Workplus, the Music Matters Internship Programme offers a great opportunity for individuals looking to develop their careers in the Belfast music industry. Designed to help nurture the next generation of music professionals, this programme connects talented individuals with some of Belfast’s leading music businesses, providing invaluable work…
AVA Belfast, Ireland’s premier electronic music festival, is set to return on 30th and 31st May 2025, ushering in a new chapter as it moves into its second decade. Renowned as a cultural catalyst, AVA is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of music, visual arts, culture and community, located in our…
Iain Archer, one of NI’s most celebrated songwriters, has been elected to the Board of Directors for The Ivors Academy, a distinction that underscores his extraordinary career and the high esteem in which he is held within the industry. This prestigious election follows a vote by the Senate, a representative body of 40 songwriters and…
Charlene Hegarty, a well-regarded advocate for musicians and a prominent figure in NI’s music scene, has been appointed as the first permanent Regional Officer for the Musicians’ Union (MU) in Northern Ireland. This appointment highlights Charlene’s extensive experience and dedication to supporting the local music community and reflects the MU’s commitment to addressing the needs…