In October, Belfast took part in the 2025 UNESCO Creative City of Music Daegu International Forum, held in South Korea. More than 100 delegates from 21 cities across 15 countrie – including Malaysia, France, Turkey and Thailand – gathered in Daegu for several days of performances, workshops and discussion under the theme Remembering Global Freedom…
There are some people who just seem to quietly hold a scene together: not by force or ego, but by sheer conviction, warmth and belief in others. Ross Graham was one of those people. A fierce champion of the independent Northern Ireland music scene, he left behind a legacy that spanned punk, pop, country and…
Sound of Belfast is back, and this year’s line-up proves why it’s one of the biggest and most anticipated events in Belfast’s musical calendar. Programmed by the Oh Yeah Music Centre, the festival runs from this Thursday, 6-16th November and transforms the city into a world-class celebration of music and collaboration. Taking place across 27…
As Belfast prepares to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, local artists, businesses and community groups are being invited to take part in a series of free online stakeholder sessions this month. Running from 5-13th November, these short, 30-minute sessions are a chance to hear the latest updates on Belfast’s plans for the Fleadh, learn…
Submissions are now open for the 2026 Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Creative Bursaries, supported by Belfast City Council and Perspective Economics. Established to nurture new and original work, the CQAF Creative Bursaries have become a vital platform for creative development across Northern Ireland, helping artists grow, experiment, and reach new audiences. Among this year’s opportunities…
The shortlist has been announced for the 2025 Gerry Anderson Music Bursary, presented by the Oh Yeah Music Centre. This year’s shortlisted artists are CHERYM, Cora Harkin, Garrett Laurie, Polar Bolero and Tessio. Created in memory of legendary NI broadcaster and musician Gerry Anderson, the annual £5,000 bursary supports bold, original voices from across Ulster…
Belfast’s night-time economy could be set for a major lift with the introduction of a new late-night bus service, due to launch in November. Announced in September, the “night mover” service is designed to support the city’s hospitality, cultural and creative industries by improving transport links after hours. For venues, artists and audiences alike, it…
In the latest edition of Conversations, we sit down with a bona fide NI music legend and true ambassador of our creative community. As a founding member of North Coast instrumental giants And So I Watch You From Afar, Rory Friers has spent two decades taking boundary-pushing sounds from local rehearsal rooms to some of…
Live Music Now Northern Ireland has received continued support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Annual Funding Programme, ensuring a second year of investment in its work across health, education and community settings. The funding will allow the organisation to deliver a wide range of programmes designed to improve access to live music for…
Output Belfast has once again confirmed its reputation as a cornerstone of the NI music calendar. The free conference and showcase festival returned to the Cathedral Quarter for one of its most successful outings to date, drawing large crowds of industry professionals, artists and audiences. Across the day, talks and panels explored pressing issues for…