10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 14 – 20 July

 

  1. The 153rd Open, Portrush, County Antrim, 13 – 20 July. Prepare for an unforgettable golfing experience as The Open returns to the stunning Causeway Coast. Royal Portrush Golf Club first staged The Open in 1951 and left an indelible mark. Home to the famous Dunluce Links course, it’s sure to bring quite the show as the world’s best attempt to overcome this magnificent design.
  2. Our Town is Open Stage – Portrush Entertainment during The Open, Portrush, County Antrim, 16 – 20 July. As The Open returns to Portrush, the town will come alive with an exciting programme of free family-friendly events to celebrate all things golf – and more. Our Town is Open will transform Kerr Street Green into a buzzing hub of activity, entertainment and local pride. Visitors can enjoy live music performances from a fantastic line-up of artists each day, alongside interactive experiences for all ages.
  3. Belfast Whiskey Week, 18 – 26 July. Check out 100+ events over nine days: tastings, distillery tours, masterclasses, food pairings, immersive theatre, live music, daily walking tours and more.
  4. Belfast Pride Festival, 18 – 27 July. Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast with over 150 events across 10 days. The festival runs from Friday 18th July to Sunday 27th July with Pride Day and the centrepiece, Pride Parade on Saturday 26th July.
  5. DownTime SummerFest at Down County Museum, Downpatrick, County Down 18 – 19 July. Bringing Downpatrick to life with a Summer festival of arts, heritage, sport, food and music. There’s something for everyone. So come along, bring your friends and family, relax and enjoy some well-deserved fun and DownTime.
  6. Fiddler’s Green International Festival, Rostrevor, County Down, 16 – 20 July. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere as the village comes alive during this world-renowned annual event. With a history dating back over 30 years, the Fiddler’s Green Festival is a celebration of music, arts and community that attracts visitors from far and wide.
  7. LegenDerry Street Food Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 18 – 19 July. Get ready for a feast of flavour as the LegenDerry Street Food Festival returns this summer for two delicious days of food, fun, and vibrant city vibes. Taking over the streets beside Derry~Londonderry’s iconic Guildhall, this open-air celebration of local street food brings together the best bites, brews, and beats the region has to offer. Expect bold flavours from top local traders, craft drinks from award-winning brewers and distillers, and a buzzing festival atmosphere with family fun by day and live DJs by night.
  8. Wild Woods and WatersTrail – Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, until 27 July. Led by local guides passionate about showcasing all the area has to offer, this experience is perfect for those wishing to experience the sights, sounds and fresh woodland air in this wilder place.
  9. Armagh City Summer Walking Tours, County Armagh, until 7 September. Armagh is an ancient compact city soaked in myths, legends, history and heritage. Unearth Hidden Gems with Armagh Guided Walking Tours. One of the best ways to discover more about the story of this city and its citizens is to book a guided walking tour which will take you through the city centre at a leisurely pace, stopping off at various locations on a route of approx 1 km.
  10. Tyrone Farmer’s Market, Food and Craft markets, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 19 July. Tyrone Farmer’s Market Ltd hold food and craft markets on the first and third Saturdays of every month, in Tesco carpark in Dungannon, from 8.30am until 12.30pm. There are 30 stalls selling artisan food and hand-crafted gifts and homewares, from local producers.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Orangefest Brings Family Fun and Culture to Belfast City Hall

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A full day of entertainment, colour and celebration is set to take place at Belfast City Hall today (12th July) as Orangefest returns with a packed schedule of family-friendly activities.

Running from 10am to 3.30pm, this year’s Orangefest will once again complement the 335th annual demonstration of the Battle of the Boyne with music, performances, food and vibrant festivities at the heart of the city centre.

Established in 2007, Orangefest continues to enhance the well-known Twelfth parades with a wide range of inclusive and engaging activities for all ages.

Marking a significant milestone in this year’s proceedings, the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast will celebrate 50 years of parading alongside the Millar Memorial Flute Band. As the official County Band, the Millar Memorial is a highly respected melody flute band known for its international appearances and performances at events such as the Belfast Tattoo.

Events in the City Hall grounds will begin early, with Millar Memorial leading the parade into City Hall from approximately 10.20am for a short remembrance service and wreath-laying at the cenotaph to honour the fallen of the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.

Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, the City Hall grounds will transform into a family-friendly hub of entertainment, including a wide range of walkabout performers, live circus acts and face painting.

Live street theatre will be delivered by Circusful, featuring stilt walkers, unicyclists, acrobats, jugglers and walkabout characters. Visitors can look forward to shows from MacFactor and FizzWizzPop, alongside drop-in circus skills and a community drumming workshop.

Food NI will be on-site throughout the day hosting cooking demonstrations in the Theatre Kitchen. Demos will include traditional Northern Irish favourites such as stout wheaten bread, soda bread and scones, with free public samples available after each session.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a wide selection of food trucks, local produce stalls and refreshments across the event site.

In addition to the family activities, guided tours of Belfast City Hall will be available throughout the day, offering visitors a chance to explore the city’s heritage and iconic architecture.

This year, Orangefest is also delighted to welcome visiting dignitaries from Scotland, including the Grand Master of Scotland, the Grand Mistress of Scotland, and four County Grand Masters from across Glasgow, Central, East and West Scotland. The Scottish delegation will join the morning programme, arriving in time for formal proceedings at Belfast City Hall.

Belfast County Grand Master Spencer Beattie said the team behind Orangefest are “proud to be bringing back a day of celebration, community and culture for 2025.”

He said: “This year, we once again want to encourage families, visitors and locals to stay and enjoy the city centre. Orangefest is all about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports both cultural expression and local business.

“Many city centre retailers have committed to staying open from 1pm to 5pm, and we would urge those attending to support local traders and enjoy what Belfast has to offer.”

Retailers across the city centre have confirmed they will remain open from 1pm to 5pm, encouraging spectators and visitors to enjoy shopping and hospitality while attending the day’s events. The return leg of the main Twelfth parade is expected to reach the city centre by approximately 5pm.

For those travelling to Barnett Demesne (“the field”) it will also play host to a day of family fun with free entry to a range of attractions including children’s activities, live entertainment, food and refreshment vans, stalls and platform proceedings. The 2025 guest speaker at Barnett Demesne is Gavin Robinson MP.

Orangefest is delivered in collaboration with the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast and is designed to promote inclusion, community and culture as part of Northern Ireland’s largest annual public celebration. This year’s event at City Hall is supported by Belfast City Council.

For more information go to belfastorangefest.com 

BOB DYLAN ANNOUNCES 2025 UK AND IRELAND TOUR

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Legendary songwriter and musician Bob Dylan will return to the UK and Ireland in 2025 for a string of dates that includes stops in Belfast, Killarney and Dublin.

 

‘The Peerless Dylan roadshow’

 

BELFAST – Waterfront Hall

19 & 20 NOVEMBER

 

KILLARNEY – INEC, Gleneagle Arena

23 & 24 NOVEMBER

 

DUBLIN – 3Arena

25 NOVEMBER

 

The acclaimed Rough and Rowdy Ways tour is just the latest chapter in an unparalleled career. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 18th July.

This summer, Dylan will perform across the US, before crossing the UK and Ireland this November including dates in Belfast, Killarney and Dublin.

 

Dylan’s first gig in the UK was at The King & Queen pub in Fitzrovia, London, in 1962, while he first played Ireland at the Adelphi Cinema on his famous 1966 world tour.

 

The release of new music in 2020 surprised and delighted fans, with the album Rough and Rowdy Ways dominating end-of-year lists and marking another milestone in the career of one of the great artists of modern times.

 

These upcoming concerts are an opportunity to experience this great artist on stage for a

series of very special evenings. The shows are in partnership with Yondr who will prohibit the use of video cameras and mobile phones, making the occasion even more unique.

 

PRAISE FOR ROUGH AND ROWDY WAYS TOUR

‘Peerless Dylan roadshow’ – Financial Times ***** ‘A masterclass in musical intimacy’ – Uncut **** ‘Utterly unpredictable’ – The Guardian ****

‘Vitality and passion, generous good humour’ – Mojo

WWW.BOBDYLAN.COM

Click here for TOUR DATES

Tickets for BOB DYLAN go on sale Friday 18 JULY AT 10AM from

www.ticketmaster.ie

Tickets for Belfast will also be available from

www.waterfront.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK www.aikenpromotions.com

10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 7 – 13 July

 

  1. Finnebrogue Forage, Downpatrick, County Down, 12 July. Bushman Rob will safely guide you through the rules, principles and background of foraging, kit & safety and plant and tree ID. This experience is immersive with hands-on learning involving walking and exploring the woods with Rob’s guidance and expert eye. The time of year will determine what there is to forage from Finnebrogue Woods.
  2. Summer of Play at Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 12 July – 25 August. With the house as your backdrop and gardens all around, you’ll find five themed zones filled with imaginative, creative and energetic activities – all designed for children (and their grown-ups) to enjoy at their own pace.
  3. Summer of Play at Castle Ward, Downpatrick, County Down, 5 July – 31 August. Castle Ward’s Summer of Play 2025 promises magical adventure for all ages. This epic event features five exciting play zones across the stunning estate. Brave knights and maidens can engage in medieval sports in the Active Zone, while adventurers take on heroic quests in the Quest Zone, battling dragons and rescuing princesses.
  4. Guided Canoeing at Crom, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, 12 – 13 July (more dates available during the summer). Join an unforgettable guided canoe trail on the serene waters of Upper Lough Erne, starting from the jetty at the Visitor Centre at Crom Estate. This adventure, led by the experienced Upper Lough Erne Canoe Company, offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the area. You will be using their Canadian Canoes which seat two people.
  5. Family Friendly Bug Walk with Buglife at Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 11 July. Enjoy a wiggly, wonderful day out at Broughgammon Farm as they team up with Buglife for a Family Bug Walk bursting with nature-filled fun. Perfect for curious kids and nature-loving grown-ups, this hands-on event invites you to explore the wild world of mini beasts on Broughgammon’s regenerative farm.
  6. InterAct Youth Arts Festival at Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, 7 – 18 July. Get ready to unleash your creativity at the InterAct Youth Arts Festival. Each summer, dive into a world where your artistic talents can soar. Whether you’re into drama, music, dance, visual arts, or the magic behind the scenes in technical theatre, InterAct is your stage.
  7. A Bite and Sup at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 8 July (more dates available during the summer). Inspired by Seamus Heaney’s poem ‘Whatever You Say, Say Nothing’ (North, 1975), the centre is thrilled to introduce a brand-new experience for Summer 2025 at Seamus Heaney HomePlace — A Bite and Sup, a thoughtfully curated tour that weaves together poetry, place, and local flavours to celebrate the life and legacy of Seamus Heaney.
  8. Family Fun Days at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 13 July (more dates available during the summer). Similar to a funfair, The Jungle Family Fun Days are open-park days, which offer an exciting range of outdoor adventure activities at budget prices. Activities are chosen on the day by exchanging pre-paid activity tokens for activities. Simply buy as many tokens as you wish, exchange your tokens for the activity, or activities, of your preference and enjoy a fun family experience day unlike any other.
  9. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Legendary Telescopes Tour, Armagh, County Armagh, 12 July (more dates available during the summer). Take a journey through the Armagh Observatory to see its historic telescopes. Armagh Observatory opened in 1790 and is now a Grade A listed heritage building in which astronomers still undertake fundamental research. It is also the oldest observatory in the UK and Ireland continuously in use for its original purpose. Inside the Observatory there are four generations of historic telescopes that remain in their original settings, as well as one modern telescope still used today.
  10. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. The Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of Ulster people’s emigration to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn more about those left behind, the hardships endured on the journey and the pioneering spirit of building new lives in a new land.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Global talent descends on Derry for the 2025 Walled City Music International Academy

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World-class pianists, electrifying performances, and a celebration of musical excellence await from 11–18 July in Derry, Northern Ireland.

 

This summer, the historic Walled City of Derry will come alive with the sound of music as the Walled City Music International Academy launches its highly anticipated 2025 programme on Friday, 11 July. Over the course of eight dynamic days, the city will host 30 exceptional young pianists from across the globe, all set to train, perform, and compete under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty of master musicians.

Led by Academy Director and Derry native, Cathal Breslin, the Academy promises a packed programme of concerts, competitions, masterclasses, lectures, and workshops, offering unparalleled development opportunities for the next generation of piano stars.

This year’s stellar line-up of tutors includes:

  • Cathal Breslin (Arizona State University, USA)
  • Thérèse Fahy (Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin)
  • Ghadeer Abaido (University of South Florida, USA)
  • Chu-Fang Huang (Ameri-China International Music Foundation, USA)
  • Svetozar Ivanov (University of South Florida, USA)
  • Ksenia Nosikova (University of Iowa, USA)
  • Xiaofeng Wu (Nanjing University, China)

In partnership with Ulster University and Yamaha, the Academy will not only challenge students through an intensive programme of study but will also bring music into the heart of the community through public concerts in venues such as Christ Church and The Great Hall at Magee Campus, as well as outreach performances at Foyle Hospice, NW Cancer Centre, Foyleside Shopping Centre, and the NW Transport Hub.

Two gala concerts featuring the Academy’s distinguished faculty are open to the public and promise to be highlights of the cultural calendar. On Friday 11 July in The Great Hall: “The Piano Reimagined” – a captivating evening dedicated to the power and range of solo piano. On Wednesday 16 July in Christ Church: “The Piano Multiplied” – a celebration of collaboration through piano duets and ensemble works, showcasing everything from four-hand pieces to thrilling eight-hand performances.

The Academy will culminate in a thrilling two-round international piano competition, with the first round open to all students. Finalists, selected by the esteemed jury, will compete in the Closing Gala Finale Competition, which is open to the public on Friday 18 July, where the most promising talents will vie for top honours and international recognition.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of classical piano in the making. For concert details and tickets, visit www.walledcitymusic.com.

Explore the Wonders of Physics at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s New Stellar Science Lab Exhibition

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Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is launching a brand-new interactive experience this summer — the Stellar Science Lab Exhibition — running through to the end of August 2025.

Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this hands-on exhibition invites visitors to explore the wonders of physics and beyond, with 12 exciting science stations designed to engage, entertain and inspire. Whether you’re a budding young scientist, an enthusiastic experimenter or simply looking for a fun family day out, the Stellar Science Lab promises plenty of opportunities to learn through play.

Visitors will be able to get hands-on with each station, discovering how the world works through experiments that spark imagination and ignite a passion for science.

Ria McDonnell, Senior Education officer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, said: “The Stellar Science Lab is all about encouraging curiosity and creativity. We want visitors of all ages to get involved, exploring physics in an exciting, accessible way. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a regular, it’s a brilliant new experience that complements everything we offer at the Planetarium.”

The Stellar Science Lab Exhibition is just one of many fantastic attractions at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Families can also enjoy interactive exhibitions, the sensory room, and beautifully maintained grounds — or opt to experience one of the spectacular dome shows running throughout the summer (dome show tickets include access to the Stellar Science Lab).

It’s the perfect day out this summer for families looking to combine fun with learning, all in a truly unique setting.

Armagh Planetarium is open 10am–5pm daily, and tickets for the Stellar Science Lab are valid for arrival at any time during opening hours. Visitors can book an Exhibition Only ticket for access to the Stellar Science Lab, the main exhibition space and general admission, or enjoy full access with a Dome Show ticket.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit:
https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660708

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors. Selected dome shows and events are offered as Relaxed Performances (R) — with reduced volume, softer lighting, and smaller audience sizes — to create a more comfortable environment. We also offer Signed Performances (S) with BSL/ISL interpretation at selected times. The main exhibition spaces, sensory room and Stellar Science Lab are fully accessible. Visitors are encouraged to check individual show listings and the website for full accessibility details, or to contact the team directly with any specific needs.

Orangefest Celebrations Return To Belfast City Hall On July 12

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A whole host of family fun activities is set to take place at Belfast’s City Hall on Saturday 12th July as part of this year’s Orangefest celebrations.

Running from 10am to 3.30pm, Orangefest 2025 has been designed to complement the 335th annual demonstration of the Battle of the Boyne, offering a packed programme of family-friendly events and entertainment in the heart of the city.

Established in 2007, Orangefest continues to enhance the well-known Twelfth parades with a wide range of inclusive and engaging activities for all ages.

This year’s festival features a vibrant international food market organised by Food NI on the East Lawn of City Hall, showcasing the very best in local and international cuisine, alongside live cooking demonstrations.

Adding to the buzz will be award-winning street theatre and performers from Circusful, bringing stilt walkers, mono wheel acrobatics, drummers from around the world, clowns, and circus skills to entertain both children and adults throughout the day.

Belfast County Grand Master Spencer Beattie said the team behind Orangefest are “proud to be bringing back a day of celebration, community and culture for 2025.”

He said: “This year, we once again want to encourage families, visitors and locals to stay and enjoy the city centre. Orangefest is all about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports both cultural expression and local business.

“Many city centre retailers have committed to staying open from 1pm to 5pm, and we would urge those attending to support local traders and enjoy what Belfast has to offer.”

In addition to the family activities, guided tours of Belfast City Hall will be available throughout the day, offering visitors a chance to explore the city’s heritage and iconic architecture.

A short remembrance service and wreath-laying will take place at 10.30am at the Belfast War Memorial to honour the fallen of the two world wars and subsequent conflicts, coinciding with the parade passing City Hall.

Street dressings and display banners by Image Zoo will add further colour to the city centre, creating a vibrant visual backdrop to the celebrations.

Mr Beattie added: “Orangefest enhances the globally recognised Belfast 12th which is considered one of the largest events in Europe. 

“As part of our new three-year plan to create a year-round cultural engagement programme the activities at City Hall not only highlights the cultural significance of the day but also promotes unity and economic growth.

“Through Orangefest, we aim to remove barriers, foster mutual respect, and create a positive and inclusive environment for all citizens and visitors.”

For more information go to belfastorangefest.com 

10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 30 June – 6 July

 

  1. Stendhal Festival, Limavady, County Londonderry, 4 – 6 July. Kick start your summer with singing, dancing and all modes of merriment courtesy of a stellar cast of performers from artistic walks of life. This festival offers music, comedy, poetry, a dedicated family programme and a host of visual arts for your senses to feast upon.

 

  1. Wild & Fired BBQ School at Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Derry~Londonderry, 5 July (more dates throughout the summer). Lo & Slo’s Wild & Fired BBQ School offers an immersive, interactive experience combining foraging, dining, and BBQ workshops in a historic, private walled garden, showcasing Northern Irish culture through locally sourced food.

 

  1. Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Hunt at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, County Down, 28 June – 31 August. Pack your Big Boots and explore Hillsborough Castle’s captivating gardens to find the missing hunny. On the way, see if you can spot Rabbit’s Garden, Eeyore’s Cabin and Piglet’s Burrow, inspired by Disney’s Winnie the Pooh. Rest your paws at Owl’s Book Corner to enjoy classic Pooh tales and be sure to enjoy playing a game of Poohsticks. Complete the adventure and collect your very own Winnie the Pooh sticker. This experience is included in all admission tickets to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (Members go free, no pre-booking required). Kids go free to the gardens this summer.

 

  1. Open House Festival, Bangor, County Down, 1 July – 31 August. Open House Festival is an annual summer event that takes place in the beautiful seaside city of Bangor, County Down, curated and run by Open House, a local charity dedicated to regenerating the city through arts and culture. The festival’s eclectic programme includes music, comedy, film, theatre, boat trips, food and drink, talks and tours, and crafting events.

 

  1. Sensory Nature Walk at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 2 July – 20 August. Join the Ulster Folk Museum Education Officer, Nigel, as he brings you around different habitats and encourages you to take your time, noticing the different plants and animals that can be found. If you would like, you can record your experience on a postcard to keep or send to a loved one.
  2. Wildflower Crown Making Workshop at Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 3 July. Join Nature Engagement Officer, Dr Cliff Henry for a creative afternoon of Wildflower Crown Making, surrounded by the colours and scents of summer. Let your imagination bloom as you craft your very own floral masterpiece and learn about the vital conservational work that helps protect the vibrant wildflower meadows at Carrick-a-Rede.

 

  1. Wild Woods and WatersTrail at Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, weekends throughout July. Led by local guides passionate about showcasing all the area has to offer, this experience is perfect for those wishing to experience the sights, sounds and fresh woodland air in this wilder place.

 

  1. Guided Canoeing at Crom, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, 3 –4 July (more dates throughout the summer). Join an unforgettable guided canoe trail on the serene waters of Upper Lough Erne, starting from the jetty at the Visitor Centre at Crom Estate. This adventure, led by the experienced Upper Lough Erne Canoe Company, offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the area.

 

  1. Hidden Heritage – A President’s Nest, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 5 July. Nestled in the beautiful countryside outside Ballygawley is the original ancestral Homestead of President US Grant. This farmhouse, excellently preserved, is where his great-grandfather John Simpson was born and left in 1760, emigrating to Ohio. You will have the opportunity to meet the President himself and learn what his ancestor’s life was like in both Ireland and the USA and sit back and relax to the sound of local musicians.

 

  1. Tales & Traditions: Living History Tours with Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, 1 July – 31 August. Step back in time and explore the ancient past like never before. Each day the 12:30pm tour at Navan Centre & Fort offers a unique, hands-on adventure led by our expert living history characters, from warriors to storytellers. Get ready for epic experiences that the whole family will love this Summer.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

 

First ‘legal wall’ in Belfast to open with street art paint jam

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The first legal street art wall in Belfast will officially open this Friday 4 July with a free street art paint jam for up-and-coming artists and creatives.

The wall, funded by Belfast City Council, is located on Little Patrick Street in the city centre and will be managed by Seedhead Arts, with permissions from NIE Networks which owns the wall.

It is the first of three walls due to be open this year, providing a place for artists to freely express themselves, without the need to seek permissions from landowners to house their artworks.

It is hoped the legal walls, as they are known, will deter graffiti in the city. They are the latest initiative from the council to support street artists and nurture creative development.

The locations for the other two walls are still to be finalised, with engagement ongoing between council, Seedhead Arts and property owners.

“Belfast already has an impressive array of street art which has become a huge draw for visitors and really brightens up our city for residents and communities too,” explains Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly.

“We want to harness that creative spirit and create further opportunities for young artists by offering them safe spaces where they can create, practice and experiment without fear of getting into trouble.

“Legal walls have long been used in Europe to nurture artists and encourage collaborative art projects, and I’m pleased that our first Belfast wall is now in place.

“We know graffiti and tagging can be real issues for businesses and communities so we hope that these walls will also help reduce nuisance behaviour, by instead providing a place where creativity can be freely expressed.

“Council is really keen to encourage creative development in the city. Our Belfast Canvas project has transformed over 110 utility boxes since 2019 and provided a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work, and we’re currently helping a further six street artists with mentoring and coaching to develop their skills.”

Adam Turkington from Seedhead Arts will help operate the wall at Great Patrick Street. It will be open 24/7 for professional and emerging artists to use, along with anyone with an interest in street art.

No booking is needed, but the wall will be continuously monitored to manage content and ensure it is well maintained.

“Legal walls are a key building block for any city wanting to support its artistic community and, although there are spaces in the city that have been unofficially legal for some time, this is the first time that Belfast has a formally designated a space in this way,” said Adam.

“In particular, in Belfast, where we have a huge number of young women who are street artists, this will hopefully provide a space where they can safely meet and practice their skills.”

Artists can check out and use the first legal wall at a free street art party on Little Patrick Street, run by Seedhead Arts, from 12pm to 4pm on Friday 4 July.

Admission is free and open to everyone. Some materials will be available, but artists are also encouraged to bring their own.

Further details are available on the council website – belfastcity.gov.uk/events

New Documentary by Trevor Birney ‘The Negotiator’ to screen at Ireland’s premier film festival

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The Negotiator – which examines the life and work of the man credited for bringing the Good Friday Agreement into being, Senator George Mitchell, has been announced as a major new addition to the Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland’s leading film event.

The Fine Point Films documentary, directed by journalist and filmmaker Trevor Birney (No Stone Unturned; Quinn Country, Cyndi Lauper: Let the Canary Sing, Kneecap) and developed in association with Queen’s University Belfast, follows Birney as he profiles US Senator George Mitchell, whose leadership in securing the Good Friday Agreement transformed life for entire generations in Northern Ireland.
The Negotiator will join Fine Point Films other 2025 film Boy George and Culture Club, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in May, at the festival.
The Negotiator is a timely, powerful, and deeply personal feature documentary that will bring a vital perspective to the Galway Film Fleadh, which has chosen to spotlight the urgent issues it raises.
Producer of the BAFTA winning, Kneecap and Emmy-nominated founder of Fine Point Films, Trevor Birney, Director of The Negotiator said:
 
“We’re honoured that The Negotiator has been invited to screen at the 37th Galway Film Fleadh. This welcome is not only a recognition of the pressing issues explored in the film, but also of the enduring example offered by Senator Mitchell.
“The Negotiator serves as both a tribute to Senator Mitchell’s extraordinary role in Northern Ireland and a timely reminder of what true diplomacy can achieve.”
 
Produced by Stephen Douds and Andrew Tully, The Negotiator explores the art of political negotiation and the quest for lasting peace.
The Negotiator will screen at the Pálás Cinema on Friday, morning the 11 July at 09:30, and is expected to generate significant interest among audiences and media alike. Boy George and Culture Club will screen at the Town Hall Theatre on 11 July at 22:30.
Bookings for both Fine Point Film screenings at galwayfilmfleadh.com, or explore the full programme, including screenings, Q&As, filmmaker interviews, panel discussions, and more, at galwayfilmfleadh.com, or contact the Town Hall Theatre box office at 091 569777.
The festival is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, TG4, Coimisiún na Meán, Galway City Council, and Fáilte Ireland.

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