A series of innovative performances, immersive sound experiences, and live music acts are bringing Belfast to life this October as the city’s own Belfast 2024 programme gears up to deliver a packed autumn schedule of events for visitors.
Whether you’re looking for live music performances, an opportunity to soak up some art and culture, or even something to entertain the kids, there’s an event for everyone this autumn in Belfast.
With an endless selection of fine dining, brasseries, bistros, gastropubs, cafés and coffee shops, alongside a diverse range of luxury, family-friendly, spa, boutique and budget hotels, as well as hotels, serviced apartments, and even camping sites to stay in, city-goers can make a real day or weekend of it when experiencing what’s on in Belfast this month.
For unique performances
Top of the agenda of Belfast’s events schedule is North Star by So Lab – an immersive music show inspired by Frederick Douglass’ visit to Belfast in 1845 where he delivered a landmark speech and subsequently reflected on the warmth of the people. The ambitious spectacle, deeply rooted in Black music and culture, runs for just two nights on 24 and 25 October in the Belfast Telegraph building and features live performances from Hannah Peel, Grammy Award winner Kaidi Tatham, Winnie Ama ,the Arco String Quartet and the PVN Gospel Choir.
Catering to those passionate about theatre and dance, the gravity-defying dancecircus production WILD will appear in CS Lewis Square on 26 October. Performers will showcase the powerful physicality distinctive to this trailblazing company, whose show has been a major hit with audiences since its premiere in 2019. WILD creates an urban forest in the everyday of the city as performers move through a forest of tall poles, to demonstrate humanity’s growing disconnect with the natural world and our impact on the environment.
One of the world’s most exhilarating live acts, Les Amazones d’Afrique, renowned for their blend of traditional African rhythms and gritty contemporary pop, perform on 28 October in QUB’s Mandela Hall. The band, who have performed on Glastonbury Festival’s Pyramid stage and featured on flagship BBC music show Later With Jools Holland, will bring a performance of vibrant energy, intricate harmonies and compelling lyrics that address issues of gender equality and social justice.
For culture vultures
Tinderbox Theatre Company will run its performance of Yerma in the Lyric Theatre until 3 November, depicting a seemingly joyous family christening which hides a seething undercurrent of tension and heartache. This captivating exploration of love, loss and the haunting echoes of unfulfilled desire is one not-to-be-missed for avid play-goers.
Further complementing the autumn programme of events is a Lyric Theatre Production of The Tragedy of Richard III. Reflecting the true-life story of lead actor and local man Michael Patrick, who himself has Motor Neurone Disease, this emotive production depicts a man battling against time, disability and the chains of society. The Tragedy of Richard III runs from Saturday 12 October – Sunday 10 November and is part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival, which returns from October 16 – November 23 with a new season of contemporary arts and culture performances in over 30 venues across Belfast.
The bumper five-week programme of the 62nd edition of the International Arts Festival features artists from 16 different countries across five continents, and features a diverse range of creative partners including the Belfast School of Art at Ulster University, RNIB, Féile an Phobail, UNESCO City of Music, Eastside Arts and Outburst Arts.
For live music fans
Appearing in the Grand Opera House on 29 October are blues legends Paul Jones and Dave Kelly, the incomparable singer-songwriter Freddie White, and special guests the Ulster Orchestra. These masters of music will perform specially commissioned new arrangements of jazz and blues classics including George Gershwin’s Summertime, Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell’s Georgia On My Mind and Eric Maschwitz and Manning Sherwin’s A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. The magnetic energy of this live show will resonate with jazz and blues fans old and new.
Adding to the stellar line-up of live music performances in Belfast during October are a range of pop, dance and country music acts catered to all tastes and genres, including but not limited to Aston Merrygold from The X Factor runners-up JLS, performing in The Limelight 2 on 20 October, Rachael Levelle in the Ulster Sports Club on 24 October, and even Swiftogeddon, a themed night club experience catered to all of Northern Ireland’s Swifties in The Belfast Empire Music Hall on 18 and 19 October.
In support of homegrown musical acts, BBC Introducing LIVE returns to Belfast for a second year on 25 October, showcasing unmissable performances from our local music scene’s rising stars. This year’s line-up includes shows from Le Boom, CHERYM, Dea Matrona and TRAMP. BBC Introducing LIVE also provides workshops, open mic and open deck sessions, feedback forums and networking events to help support emerging musicians and creatives, and inspire the next generation of music industry talent.
For family days out
The Wiggle Room at The Mac Belfast opened to the public on Thursday 19 September and runs until the end of November from Tuesdays to Sundays. Made by kids, for kids, and brought to life by Boom Clap Play, it’s a free, immersive experience for families right in the heart of Belfast city centre. Step inside The Wiggle Room and unleash a world of colourful characters, wild animations and sounds that react in real-time, to transform your family’s playful energy into an interactive experience.
Complete your family day out in Belfast with a visit to the new Augmented Reality (AR) experience which forms part of Belfast City Hall’s popular free visitor exhibition. The cutting-edge digital technology is located across three rooms of the exhibition and offers visitors interactive ways to explore the stories of Belfast city. The immersive journey begins in a virtual library where you can explore Belfast’s words and accent, before guests are invited to explore Belfast’s past, present and future through 3D maps, play interactive street games, and create ‘Instagrammable’ works of postcard art with Belfast’s landmarks.
To find out more about the latest concerts, gigs, festivals, family events and everything else that’s happening in Belfast during October visit https://visitbelfast.com/whats-on