Three days of classical and jazz concerts, leading Irish and British musicians, family events and masterclasses
The inaugural Newry Piano Festival takes place from 6-8 February 2026, bringing together leading pianists from Ireland and Britain for three days of classical and jazz performances, concerts, and events.
Three of the finest classical pianists from these islands – Ireland’s Finghin Collins and David Quigley, and Scotland’s Steven Osborne – give concerts at the Festival, while fans of Jazz and musical theatre can look forward to an evening of Leonard Bernstein with the Rob Barron Trio, joined by vocalist Georgia Cécile.
The Festival is organised by Newry Chamber Music and marks an exciting new addition to Northern Ireland’s music festival calendar. Concerts, as well as family events, involving music and storytelling, as well as piano masterclasses, will take place in Newry Town Hall and the Newry Chamber Music Hub at The Quays Shopping Centre.
“This Piano Festival grew out of a pilot piano masterclass series we held last January with my brother, David Quigley. The response was exceptional and confirmed there is a real appetite for high-level piano performance and training in our region,” said Joanne Quigley McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music.
“While this is our first festival dedicated exclusively to the piano, it grows directly from the artistic values Newry Chamber Music has developed over the past 25 years — a commitment to excellence in chamber music and solo performance, and to presenting artists of the highest international standard. The piano has always been central to that tradition.
“With concerts, masterclasses, and open platforms spanning classical and jazz, this festival positions Newry not only as a place where great music is enjoyed, but as a destination where inspiring artistic work happens — attracting performers, students, keen amateur players, and audiences from across the country.”
An extraordinary series of firsts marks the Festival’s opening concert (Newry Town Hall, 6 February, 7.30pm) as David Quigley and Finghin Collins give their first performance together, with a programme featuring two world premieres by leading Irish composers Philip Martin and Sam Perkin.
Quigley and Collins will perform these works on two magnificent Steinway Model D concert grand pianos, kindly loaned to the Festival from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Ulster Orchestra. The programme also features work by Mozart, Rachmaninov, Joan Trimble, and Elaine Agnew.
In another coup for the Festival, acclaimed pianist Steven Osborne will give the closing concert (Newry Town Hall, 8 February, 2.30pm) with a beautifully crafted programme centring on the waltz, including works by Schumann, Satie, and Ravel, along with Schubert’s mighty Sonata in Bb Major.
Osborne will also give a public Piano Masterclass (Newry Town Hall, 7 February) for aspiring young pianists – an amazing opportunity for the participants, piano teachers, and enthusiasts alike.
American composer Leonard Bernstein will be celebrated when the Rob Barron Trio (Newry Town Hall, 7 February, 8pm) perform imaginative and improvised re-interpretations of Bernstein’s music from West Side Story, Candide, On The Town, A Quiet Place, and Wonderful Town. The trio will be joined by the award-winning British jazz vocalist, Georgia Cécile.
In a further treat for Jazz fans, Rob Barron will perform a Sunday morning concert (NCM Hub, The Quays Shopping Centre, 8 February, 1 1.30am), treating listeners to George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hart, and other Broadway masters. Then at 1pm, Barron will give a Jazz Masterclass for beginner and intermediate musicians.
Newry Piano Festival will also host a delightful family event, when David Quigley and Finghin Collins again join forces for Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, and be joined by acclaimed actor Séamus O’Hara (House of Guinness, Blue Lights), who will narrate Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant.
Aspiring and amateur pianists and performers of all ages can look forward to the Open Keys at the Quays open-mic piano concert (NCM Hub, 7 February, 4pm), where people can share music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
“We want this Piano Festival to draw people to Newry and the wider region,” says Joanne Quigley McParland, “to experience outstanding artists and inspiring performances, while discovering an area known for its extraordinary landscape and superb hospitality, and now firmly recognised as a centre of excellence in classical music on these islands.”
An artist who has spent more than four decades bringing dance into the heart of communities, hospitals and care settings across County Tyrone and beyond has been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List.
Carmel Garvey, an Arts Care Dancer in Residence and choreographer, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to dance in Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The honour recognises a lifetime of work dedicated not to stages or traditional performance spaces, but to people, many of whom are living with illness, disability, trauma or social isolation.
Originally trained in Laban, along with achieving a First Class Hons MA in Dance, Carmel’s career spans more than 40 years, during which dance has been the constant thread. Her work has reached children and older people, learning disability service users, people living with dementia, stroke survivors, mental health patients and hospital inpatients. For many of those she works with, dance has not been an optional extra but a lifeline, offering connection, dignity and joy in settings where these can be in short supply.
Reacting to the news of the award, said she is “proud” of the accolade and “grateful” of the people who have shaped her journey.
She said: “Words cannot express the privilege and pride I feel having been awarded this incredible accolade. It is just beyond my dreams.
“Over the past 40 years my work and the people I have danced with, young and old, have brought me great joy and I have been very privileged to do the work I do.
“Dance is a wonderful tool to cross all barriers, embracing inclusive practice and overall health and wellbeing.”
Carmel’s roots in Tyrone run deep. After moving to Castlederg, she began teaching dance to children through classes called Bright Sparks, which catered for young people aged between four and 16. The classes focused on dance and performing arts and staged two performances each year, quickly becoming a fixture in the local community.
Alongside her work with children, she re-established adult creative dance and fitness classes. From these sessions grew the Castlederg Creative Dance Team, a group that went on to compete nationally. The team achieved the title of UK Champions in Creative Dance for three consecutive years and later performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, an extraordinary achievement for a group rooted in a small Tyrone town.
Castlederg’s position as a border town also shaped the direction of Carmel’s work. She became involved in cross-border projects alongside Border Arts and the Arts Council in Belfast, bringing together schools from both sides of the border. These projects included special and mainstream schools, primary and secondary pupils, older people’s groups and adults with learning disabilities. All levels of ability were represented, including wheelchair users.
Children danced alongside older people and adults with disabilities, learning through experience about inclusion, support and togetherness. Carmel described these projects as an opportunity to cross barriers and to show that dance could belong to everyone, regardless of age, background or physical ability.
It was through this work with Border Arts that the Inclusion Dance Company was formed. The company was made up of learning disability service users, staff and volunteers from Glenside Day Centre in Strabane. Inclusion Dance went on to perform at high-profile medical and healthcare events across Northern Ireland, carrying a message of visibility and inclusion into spaces where people with learning disabilities were rarely seen on stage.
Carmel’s relationship with health and care settings deepened further through her work with Arts Care. For the past 16 years she has worked as a Dancer in Residence within the Western Health and Social Care Trust, delivering sessions across Omagh, Strabane, Derry and Enniskillen, as well as Lisnaskea. Her work has taken place in day centres and hospital wards, engaging people living with mental health conditions, addiction, dementia, stroke and learning disabilities, as well as older people.
Her sessions combine dance, fitness, yoga and relaxation, with a focus on health and wellbeing. Each session is adapted to the group and the individual, allowing participants to engage safely, comfortably and at their own pace. Music is chosen carefully, often reflecting the era of the participants, encouraging memory, reminiscence and participation
Carmel has also worked extensively within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, bringing groups into the dance studio at Knockbracken Healthcare Park where possible, giving inpatients the chance to leave the ward and experience movement in a creative space. In good weather, sessions move outdoors, using the natural environment as part of the experience.
Her training spans dance, fitness, yoga, performing arts, meditation and relaxation, all of which are woven together into programmes designed to be engaging, varied and safe. The benefits of this approach are seen not only in improved mobility, balance and coordination, but in lifted spirits, social connection and increased confidence among participants.
One long-running strand of her work has been with Arts Care dance companies, including the ETC Dance Group, which meets weekly at Knockbracken. Made up of dancers from Orchardville and Morton Day Centres, the group focuses on Laban dance principles and creative movement, working towards themes that allow dancers to collaborate in pairs or small groups. Carmel said she feels a great sense of pride in the group and is delighted by the pride they feel in themselves, as they deliver messages of inclusion and diversity through performance.
Beyond trusts and hospitals, Carmel has maintained strong links with community organisations. She is a dance facilitator with the Pushkin Trust at Baronscourt Estate, a charity that uses creative arts and the natural environment to promote imagination and cross-community engagement among young people. There, she creates dance alongside writers, poets and musicians, drawing on themes such as landscape and source, and using the estate’s environment as inspiration for choreography. She has described these projects as creating memories that children will carry with them for life.
Her commitment to community health and wellbeing was also evident in Let the Dance Begin, a six-year Arts Care and Pushkin Trust project that brought together community groups, schools, older people, adults with learning disabilities and mental health service users. Dance, art, music and writing were all woven into the programme, alongside education, health and local businesses. At the culmination of the project, Carmel directed and produced a large-scale performance at the Alley Theatre in Strabane, showcasing dance, poetry and music as a united voice.
More recently, her Here and Now facilitation for Arts Care has focused on intergenerational work in County Tyrone, bringing together primary school children and older people with learning disabilities to create choreography centred on inclusion, support and togetherness. At Castlederg Healthy Living Centre, she worked with a group of women known as the Derg Divas, creating choreography that was performed at a Here and Now showcase in Belfast. She is due to return to the group to continue the work, focusing on creative Laban dance principles.
Throughout her career, Carmel’s approach has remained consistent. Dance is not about steps or technical perfection, but about meeting people where they are and offering them a way to connect. In her sessions, a raised hand, a shared rhythm or a simple gesture can be enough to participate. Those in wheelchairs, those seated, and those standing are all dancers, each contributing in their own way.
Arts Care chief executive Barry Macauley said the award was richly deserved.
He said: “I am so delighted for Carmel and I can think of no one more deserving. It comes as no surprise to us at Arts Care, given the amazing contribution she has made to the lives of vulnerable people over the years through dance and movement.
“There will be so many members and staff of day care facilities, hospital wards, residential care homes, schools and community groups throughout Northern Ireland, who will be genuinely overjoyed by this wonderful news and the recognition for Carmel.”
Colleagues and families have long spoken about the impact of Carmel’s work. Participants often show immediate lifts in mood during sessions, with calmer atmospheres and increased social interaction afterwards. Over time, many build confidence, rediscover aspects of their identity and find ways to express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
One example highlighted in Arts Care documentation is Martin, a long-term dancer who has worked with Carmel for more than two decades. Before he began working with Carmel, his family didn’t realise dance was missing from his life. Now it is central to his identity. Over the years, Carmel has supported Martin to grow in confidence, to the point where he now leads other participants, welcoming newcomers, teaching sequences he has created, and helping others feel at home.
In performance, Martin takes great pride in his role, often stepping forward with a sense of excitement and joy. For his family, the transformation has been remarkable – they describe the pride he feels, the buzz of anticipation before each session, and the lasting joy he carries home afterwards.
Perhaps most movingly, Carmel gave Martin a way to express deep personal emotion at a time of grief. After his father passed away, Martin struggled to put his feelings into words. But in one of Carmel’s sessions, he chose to dedicate a dance to his dad. Through movement, he was able to honour his father and share his emotions with others – something that would not have been possible otherwise. That moment revealed not just the therapeutic power of dance, but also Carmel’s unique ability to create safe, creative spaces where emotions can be explored and expressed with dignity.
Through dance, Carmel creates opportunities for those she works with through expression, connection and pride that might otherwise be lost in the routines of healthcare or the limitations of illness and disability. Her practice doesn’t just improve wellbeing on paper – it changes how people feel about themselves and how they are seen by their families, carers and communities.
Carmel’s impact extends far beyond one individual. In care homes, her sessions have calmed agitation, lifted moods, and created friendlier, more connected atmospheres. Staff often report that residents are more settled and sociable after taking part. Families see their loved ones smile, sing or reach out in ways they haven’t for months. In hospital wards, her sessions offer children distraction from pain and anxiety, while in mental health settings, they provide a gentle and empowering way to reconnect with the body.
What makes Carmel’s difference so powerful is that it is both immediate and lasting. In the moment, she brings laughter, music and movement that transforms the atmosphere of a room. Over time, she builds confidence, resilience and belonging. She doesn’t just offer dance as an activity – she offers it as a language, a tool for connection, and a pathway to self-worth.
For Carmel, these moments are at the heart of her work. She has consistently described her role as a privilege, shaped by the people she works with rather than by personal ambition or recognition. Whilst she acknowledges the British Empire Medal may bear her name, she believes it also reflects the thousands of individuals across Tyrone and Northern Ireland whose lives have been touched by her belief that dance belongs to everyone.
As her work continues in County Tyrone and beyond, the honour serves as national recognition of a local artist whose quiet, sustained commitment has transformed ordinary rooms into spaces of connection, creativity and dignity.
Northern Ireland is set for an unforgettable 2026, packed full of major events, landmark milestones and exciting new visitor experiences.
From Belfast hosting the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (August), to Derry marking 40 years of its world-famous Halloween festival (October), Northern Ireland is gearing to embrace a giant year of events.
A new direct flight from Dublin to Derry is also planned, while Fermanagh’s stunning lakes, waterways and natural landscapes have become part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Belfast is celebrating being named as European City of Sport 2026 while other significant milestones include the Lyric Theatre celebrating 75 years along with Ulster Orchestra (60).
The Ulster American Folk Park in County Tyrone will toast 40 years in conjunction with its American connections and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Fleadh Cheoil comes to Belfast in August for the first time
The world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is coming to Belfast. The city will host the 2026 Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2-9 August, marking the Comhaltas’s 75th year, with Ards CCÉ also celebrating their 50th year. Events range from large concerts and big name acts to street performances, pop-up gigs and community céilís, while competitions in music, song and dance range from local county and regional level to provincial and All-Ireland titles.
Over 400 events, including 230 championships, were delivered in 2024 over eight days, attracting more than 650,000 and delivering an economic value of around €70 million (approx. £58.5 million) to last year’s host region of Wexford.
New Experiences
Finn Lough is developing a new spa village featuring a glass dome spa pool, surrounded by planting and relaxation space. The new spa will also include loughshore hot tubs, a central courtyard designed as a rain garden, and a secret garden with treatment rooms. Finn Lough is set to introduce Europe’s first electric hydrofoiling experience using the cutting-edge Vessev VS–9, offering guests a smooth, silent and environmentally friendly way to explore Lower Lough Erne.
Castlewellan Arboretum: Annesley Gardens and Arboretum are nestled within Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down. The walled Garden provides a central focal point for the Arboretum and a £2.7m investment will restore the historical nature of the planting. The Grange will be developed into a vibrant visitor core, featuring the establishment of a welcome centre, community space, café facilities and open event area.
Conquer the Skies: Dragon Ride: A breathtaking new chapter is about to unfold at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge. Get ready to soar through the skies of Westeros on Dragon Ride – an epic, state-of-the-art experience that will bring you closer than ever to the world of ice and fire.
Hotel Developments
2026 will be a very different year with a lot of new openings including Aloft and Residence Inn, Belfast, (228 rooms), Adagio aparthotel, Belfast (136 rooms), Premier Inn, Belfast International Airport (80 Rooms), Yotel, Belfast (165 rooms) and Tempo by Hilton, Belfast (144 rooms).
Extensions also feature in hoteliers plans with The Ebrington, Andras House Group and several others planning to increase their room numbers. The likelihood is that around 800 new rooms will come to market in 2026.
The historic Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast’s Linen Quarter is being transformed into the Bedford Hotel, opening early Spring 2026. The multi-million pound project will feature 82 stylish bedrooms, a destination restaurant, private dining spaces, and a café bar. Renowned chef Noel McMeel, famed for creating the G8 Summit menu, will lead the culinary team.
Derry’s hospitality scene is thriving with the opening of two major new hotels in late 2025 on Strand Road. The Maiden City Hotel offers 43 stylish rooms, a residents’ lounge, Olive Room restaurant and Spire Bar. Nearby, the Walled City Hotel is within the beautifully restored 1920s former Bank of Ireland building, opening with 40 rooms and expanding to 72 by 2027, marking a major investment in the city’s tourism and heritage.
This follows a series of major announcements including a £7 million investment in Derry’s City Hotel, soon to be rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton, major refurbishment of Da Vinci’s Hotel (due February 2026) and the Galgorm Group’s acquisition of Roe Park Resort in Limavady. Construction has also begun on a new £15m venue dedicated to the city’s maritime and social history, the DNA Museum, due to open in 2027.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat or an unforgettable adventure, Northern Ireland has it all. Start planning your perfect escape in 2026 at discovernorthernireland.com.
The 4 Corners Festival Wonderful Wander is back for this year’s festival and this time the guided city walk will explore how transport has shaped the city of Belfast.
Kicking off at Lanyon Station to the new Grand Central Station on Saturday February 7 storytellers Jim Deeds, David Campton and Mylie Brennan will take participants along the Lagan Tow Path and through Belfast’s historic centre.
Speaking of what people can expect this year David said: “With the theme of this year’s festival being ‘Journey’ it seemed obvious that the wander should explore some of the features of transport to, from and within Belfast, past and present, finishing at the iconic new transport hub that will potentially be a game-changer for our city.”
Celebrating the rich history of the city through stories, poems and songs the Wonderful Wander is just one of a number of events taking place across the city as part of the wider 4 Corners Festival from January 30 to February 8
The route this year is about 1 ½ miles long, on the level, and should take around 2 hours. If you stick with us to the end we hope that there will be a special surprise awaiting!
This year’s theme ‘Journey’ reflects the idea that everyone is shaped by the paths they take through life, both outward journeys across places and inward journeys of change, reflection and growth.
Mylie said: “The Wander is a fantastic way to learn more about our beautiful city, whether you’re new to Belfast or if you’ve been here your whole life.
“As a professional tour guide, I’m excited to wander around with my pals, David and Jim, talking about our history and the people who shaped it. We all love Belfast, telling stories, and having a laugh, so our guests can expect to learn something new and have a bit of fun along the way.”
The 4 Corners Festival is a faith-based initiative delivered across venues in all four corners of the city, with events designed to encourage people to step beyond the physical and psychological “corners” of Belfast and encounter new perspectives, new ideas and new connections.
The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.
All events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the festival and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com
Young people and youth-led conversations will take centre stage at the 4 Corners Festival 2026, which returns to Belfast from January 30 to February 8 with the theme Journey.
The festival is a faith-based initiative delivered across venues in all four corners of the city, with events designed to encourage people to step beyond the physical and psychological “corners” of Belfast and encounter new perspectives, new ideas and new connections.
The 2026 youth programme includes schools-based activity, sports and friendship-building, student discussion, youth travel and peacebuilding, and space for honest conversation about masculinity and non-violence.
A key youth event, Passports Ready! takes place at QUB PEC, Botanic Park, Stranmillis at 10am on February 4, bringing primary school pupils from four Belfast schools together with Peace Players NI for a day focused on sports skills and building connections, celebrating friendship and support on the sports field and in life.
The programme also includes a Youth Action-led workshop, Exploring Masculinity With Young Men in Schools, which takes place at Youth Action, 14 College Square North, on the morning of February 4, creating space for honest conversation with young men aged 13 to 18 about how masculinity is shaped and expressed in everyday life, including pressures of proving oneself, gender roles, positive male influences, non-violence and empathy.
A second Youth Action session, Reimagining Masculinity, takes place at 1.15pm on February 4 and is aimed at youth practitioners, educators and community leaders, focusing on young men’s perspectives and how to support respect, non-violence and authentic masculinities.
Students are also specifically included in the 2026 schedule through Out To Lunch With Dr Jemar Tisby at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, University Street, at 12.30pm on February 5, where students from Queen’s and Ulster Universities will gather for a lunchtime conversation with the activist, historian and author, challenging students to think critically about Christianity, race, faith and justice.
Youth travel and global connection is reflected in A Youth Journey From Belfast To Katanga at Knock Methodist Centre, 17 Knock Road, at 7.30pm on January 31. The event centres on a November 2025 journey by five young people from South Belfast Alternatives who travelled to Kampala, Uganda to explore how youth use vision and resilience to change their communities. Emmanuel Trinity, Founder and CEO of era92 Group, and peacebuilder Tony Macaulay will share how the idea developed and will interview the young participants.
The programme also includes All Aboard at Methodist College’s Whitla Hall, Malone Road, at 7pm on February 5, where Play it by Ear will take audiences on “the journey of a lifetime” with the help of children from some local schools.
The festival’s final day includes Our Corner of Creation at Forthspring Inter-Community Group, 373 to 375 Springfield Road, at 1.30pm on February 8, bringing young people from across Belfast together to explore environmental care and community stewardship of the earth’s resources, with discussion in mixed groups on both the beauty and brokenness of the city and realistic steps that can address the challenges it faces.
Speaking about the importance of youth participation within the festival’s wider ethos, Ed Petersen of Clonard Monastery, representing the 4 Corners Festival, said: “I love the overall ethos of the 4 Corners Festival to encourage all of us to get out of our corner of the city, not only just the geographical corner of the city to experience other parts of Belfast but also just around other ideas and opportunities.
“Young people can meet new people and explore various different subject matters together with people from different areas of Belfast or even beyond.”
The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.
All events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the festival and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com
The 4 Corners Festival is set to return to venues across Belfast from January 30 to February 8, 2026, with a programme built around its new theme, ‘Journey’.
Now established as an annual festival in the city, 4 Corners was conceived as a way to inspire people from across Belfast to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all, encouraging people to step beyond the physical and psychological “corners” of the city through events that bring new places, new perspectives and new connections.
The 2026 programme includes events spanning conversation, music, comedy, drama, exhibitions, workshops, schools and sport, with all events free of charge.
According to organisers this year’s theme ‘Journey’ reflects the idea that everyone is shaped by the paths they take through life, both outward journeys across places and inward journeys of change, reflection and growth.
Speaking at the recent launch Rev Steve Stockman, 4 Corners Festival co-founder explained what makes the festival different in Belfast’s festival calendar, and how the team thinks about the festival’s reach beyond church walls.
He said: “I think I’d like to think that the festival has this blend between the sacred and the secular that not many other festivals have. We’re very conscious that we’re all Christians, and we want to make that contribution, but we’re not frightened of going outside the walls of the church and having some really good connections and partnerships with those who don’t have a faith or have another faith.
“I think in that sense, it probably crosses more boundaries than just the four corners. I like that idea, and I think that’s unique to the festival.”
Fellow festival co-founder Father Martin Magill, said one objective of the festival is to encourage people to explore Belfast and meet across divides, with a strong emphasis on welcome and friendship.
He said: “The background to our city is shaped by the legacy of the Troubles, so part of what we do is encourage people to get to know the whole city and to meet one another, and build friendships across the various divides. Another key element is churches working together, using the arts to communicate an important message — and that message is about building friendships.”
Now in its 14th year, the forthcoming festival will explore how encounters with people, ideas, faith and community can challenge perspectives and deepen understanding. Through shared experiences across the city, ‘Journey’ will invite people to reflect on how change, personal and collective, can lead to renewal for individuals, communities and Belfast itself.
On the theme itself, Father Martin said: “For me, journey is on so many levels. It is really a journey towards a greater maturity in body, mind and spirit. Coming from a Christian Catholic faith perspective, the journey, for me, is also about becoming more like the one I follow, becoming more like Jesus. That, for me, is the primary journey”.
While Father Martin spoke of the inner and spiritual dimensions of journey, Rev Stockman focused on how the theme connects individual experience with wider social and communal journeys.
He said: “For me, journey is something we are all on. We’re on spiritual journeys, whether we admit it or not. We’re on journeys of peacebuilding, journeys that take people to other countries, and journeys where lives take turns geographically, spiritually and socially.
“It’s a very wide theme, but I hope that, at the end of the day, the festival helps us journey towards understanding, respect and tolerance and towards becoming a better society.”
The festival will open in late January with invitation-only events, followed by a city-centre exhibition and a full run of public events across Belfast through to the closing Sunday on February 8.
The programme includes Beyond Boundaries, an invitation-only event delivered in partnership with Ulster University for sixth form pupils from across Belfast, facilitated by playwright and broadcaster Nuala McKeever, focused on exploring how to face change and difference with openness rather than fear.
A public exhibition, Journeying To Resilience, will be launched at 2 Royal Avenue on January 30 and will run daily from January 31 to February 8, showcasing photography from Westcourt Camera Club following creative writing workshops with individuals on paths of personal transformation.
A cross-city Glider event, Come Glide With Me, will travel West to East from St John’s Church on the Falls Road to Stormont Presbyterian, and East to West on the return, featuring live music, spoken word, poetry, reflections from a tour guide and a community relations gathering while the opening weekend includes A Youth Journey From Belfast To Katanga, sharing a November 2025 journey by young people from South Belfast Alternatives to Kampala, Uganda, and exploring how youth use vision and resilience to change their communities.
The festival’s annual broadcast service will take place at the Agápê Centre on February 1, broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster, exploring Journey with Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin.
That evening, The Journey So Far will feature Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin speaking on her journey from Montego Bay to Kent, with music by the Pro Bono Choir, a Belfast ensemble of lawyers who perform for charitable causes.
Other programme highlights include Winning Through Uncertainty with Sam Goodwin at St Comgall’s Centre on February 2; The Good Journey, an evening of conversation about the life and ministry of Rev Dr Harold Good at Jennymount Methodist on February 3; and Stories from the Road, a night of music and comedy at the Oh Yeah Centre on February 4.
On February 4, Youth Action will host two workshops: Exploring Masculinity With Young Men In Schools for young men aged 13 to 18, and Reimagining Masculinity, an afternoon session for those working with young men in schools, youth work, community or faith settings.
It will be followed on February 5 with an Out To Lunch With Dr Jemar Tisby at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church where university students will have an opportunity to attend a closed event where the historian and author will be challenging students to think critically about Christianity, race, faith and justice.
The festival’s closing event, The Journey Toward Reconciliation, takes place on Racial Justice Sunday at St Peter’s Cathedral on February 8, with Dr Jemar Tisby speaking on racial reconciliation within the Church and practical steps to fight discrimination and journey together toward peace.
The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.
All events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the festival and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com
As the final Saturday before Christmas approaches, Coleraine town centre is set to come alive with festive entertainment and the perfect opportunities to wrap up your shopping in style.
On Saturday, 20th December, from 9am–4pm, the ever-popular Causeway Speciality Market returns to the town centre, offering a fantastic range of artisan produce, ideal for those looking for that special something.
There is also plenty of free family fun throughout the day:
The Snow Globe returns from 12–3pm for those perfect festive photo moments Express Face Painting and Balloon Modelling will keep younger visitors entertained from 1–3pm
The festive characters will roam the town centre, ready for selfies, laughter and some Naughty-or-Nice List checking. Enjoy live music performances from the brilliant Aaron Jamieson, adding a festive soundtrack to your shopping.
Look out for Riley, the juggling, unicycling elf, and a fine festive stilt walker bringing fun and spectacle to the streets from 1–3 pm.
Also running throughout the day is the must-see Christmas Experience in the Diamond Centre. Families can meet Santa, Mrs Claus, the Snow Queen, and the hardworking elves in the magical Toy Mine.
Booking is essential for The Christmas Experience. Tickets are available from Community Rescue Service shops in Coleraine or online at www.communityrescue.org.
Explore everything Coleraine town centre has to offer. From independent stores full of fashion, jewellery and unique gifts, to a range of well-loved high street retailers, there’s something for every type of shopper. And when it’s time to take a break? There’s no shortage of cafés, restaurants and bars, all just a short stroll from the action, perfect for warming up and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Wrap up warm, bring the whole family, and enjoy a final festive Saturday in Coleraine.
Delight in the sparkle, cheer and magic of our Christmas events
Whether it’s a short break with loved ones, a day out or a giant experience, Northern Ireland has everything you need to make this year’s Christmas merry and bright.
From classic pantos to candlelit concerts and mindfulness mornings to artisan markets, there’s a packed programme of events taking place across Northern Ireland sure to get you into the spirit of the season and help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Christmas by Candlelight, Ulster Hall – 16 December – Step into the spirit of the season with an unforgettable evening of beloved Christmas classics performed live by candlelight. From timeless favourites like White Christmas and Let It Snow to the enchanting melodies of O Holy Night and Winter Wonderland, this is a celebration of music and magic you won’t want to miss.
The Elf Inspectors, The Mac – until 24 December – Oh no – the magic of Christmas has disappeared. Step into a world of wonder and join the Elf Inspectors on a mission to bring it back. This interactive theatre adventure, created by the award-winning Replay, promises festive fun for all ages.
Festive Fables, W5 – until 23 December – This Christmas, little ones are invited to pull up a log, snuggle in and step into a world of festive wonder. W5’s Festive Fables storytime brings Christmas to life in a cosy, imaginative setting, where twinkling lights and winter wonder fill the air. From playful elves to daring reindeer, sparkling snowflakes and enchanted forests, storytellers make Christmas come alive with every word.
A Magical Christmas Experience, Titanic Belfast – until 23 December – Make memories at A Magical Christmas Experience. Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year. Meet your Elf guide and travel as a group on a new immersive journey to the North Pole. You’ll visit the Enchanted Forest, make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree and take some time to explore the Elves’ Workshop.
County Antrim
Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim Castle Gardens – until 30 December – Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a glistening, festive wonderland once again. The resident fairies have a few new ideas of how to make Enchanted Winter Garden more magical than ever before. But the true magic? You’ll have to come and see for yourself.
Lisburn Light Trail at Castle Gardens – until 22 December – Step into a world of pure festive magic this Christmas as the Christmas Light Trail makes a return to Castle Gardens. Come along and take in the wonderful sights of the light show and visit the mini Christmas Market. The Light Trail is the perfect final stop on your festive day out in Lisburn after doing some Christmas shopping.
County Armagh
Cantilena at Christmas, Market Place Theatre, Armagh – 23 December – Seasonal favourites Cantilena return to The Market Place Theatre to get you in the festive spirit as we count down to Christmas once again. Check out The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre website for other fantastic performances and events.
Mission Santa, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium – until 23 December – It’s a real Code Red! Join their E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure. Help save Santa inside Mission Control during a live theatrical show, along with a visit to see Santa. Your out-of-this-world adventure includes admission to a full dome show in the dome theatre, a present for each child and a printed family photograph.
Christmas Cracker Show, Montalto Estate – 13 December – Step into the Carriage Rooms for a magical celebration filled with festive tunes, joyful dances and fairytale fun with Santa, Buddy the Elf and friends. Enjoy sing-alongs, interactive activities and plenty of photo opportunities, all sprinkled with Christmas magic and cheer.
The Snowman™ and the Snowdog, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens – until 4 January– Discover a winter wonderland at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens with The Snowman™ and The Snowdog trail. Stroll past hand-painted sculptures through the gardens, relive scenes from the beloved film, meet Santa on select days and enjoy the castle’s festive decorations.
Christmas Festive Family Trail, Mount Stewart – until 4 January – Wrap up warm and set off on a magical winter adventure at National Trust’s Mount Stewart this winter with this festive family trail. Embrace the winter chill and get out in nature this festive season.
County Fermanagh
Santa’s Corner, Share Discovery Village – until 21 December – Santa’s Corner promises an unforgettable festive experience this Christmas. Write your personal letter to Santa, dash around like Rudolf on the bouncy castle and meet Mr Claus himself.
Christmas at Marble Arch Caves – until 23 December– Embrace the festive spirit with a variety of exciting events and experiences for everyone. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or a cozy escape in the warmth of the Visitor Centre, there’s something for you to enjoy. Make Marble Arch Caves a part of your holiday plans this season.
County Londonderry
Beauty and the Beast, Millennium Forum – until 31 December – Get the whole family ready for an enchanting adventure bursting with dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy and spectacular dance routines. Beauty and the Beast promises fun for all the family.
Christmas Wonderland, The Jungle – until 23 December – The Jungle becomes a twinkling world of festive wonder, where every path sparkles and every corner hides a little Christmas cheer. Families can wander through the enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, and soak up the glow of dazzling lights and joyful laughter.
Cosy Christmas Stories with Mrs Claus at Seamus Heaney HomePlace – 14 December– Join Mrs Claus in the Helicon for a heart-warming afternoon of cosy Christmas stories. Little ones are invited to gather beside the twinkling Christmas tree as Mrs Claus shares her favourite festive tales and leads a few cheerful Christmas songs sure to lift everyone’s spirits.
County Tyrone
Santa Trail, Glenpark Estate – until 22 December – Enjoy a magical festive day out with twinkling lights, delicious treats and lots of joyful moments. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto and create cherished Christmas memories with the whole family.
Christmas at the Ulster American Folk Park – until 22 December – Experience Christmas as it was celebrated in rural Ulster centuries ago, from a single-room cabin to the festive Campbell House. Meet Mrs. Mellon and sample her traditional Christmas cake. Explore the wintery streets of America, enjoy festive décor and flavours and see how European settlers shaped the American Christmas. Write a letter to Father Christmas, take a photo at the sleigh and let the kids discover the Christmas tree trail.
Little Bo Peep’s Christmas Mix Up at Strule Arts Centre – 16 and 17 December– Join Little Bo Peep and her pet Baa-Baa the Black Sheep on a festive adventure. When Bo Peep’s sheep go missing just before the Christmas Fair, chaos unfolds. With help from the audience, can they find the flock, foil a witch’s wicked dinner plans and save Santa’s Christmas Jumper? Filled with laughs, songs and Christmas cheer, you’re in for a wooly good time at this fun-filled family show.
For a winter stay with tonnes of great value, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. You’ll find even more information on the best places for food and drink, local Christmas markets, snug and cosy accommodation and of course… festive shopping.
Here are ten exciting things to do 15 – 21 December
Santa Cruise with Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Killinchy, County Down, until 21 December. Join Santa for a hair-raising sleigh ride around the islands aboard their fast speed boat, Black Jacket. Hold onto your Santa hats as you fly through the waters of Strangford Lough. You will be carol singing all the way, listening to some Christmas tunes whilst riding the waves back to Santa’s Grotto.
Winter Circus by Tumble Circus, Belfast, until 4 January. Tumble Circus welcomes you to the ninth annual Winter Circus – a high skill, all-human and all-thrill circus featuring hardcore acrobats, eye-popping jugglers and hilarious comedy acts.
Papa Elf is Coming to Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 11,12,18, 19 December. All the way from the snowy mountainous regions somewhere between Bavaria and Uzbekistan, Papa Elf is making his final festive visit to WWT Castle Espie. Join for a joyful Christmas story time filled with laughs, wonder, then maybe some more wonder, and a pigeonhole cabinet full of festive spirit for the whole family.
Christmas at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 13,14,18,19 December. Wander through the wintery, cobbled streets of Ulster decorated for the festive season, from the humble surroundings of a single-room cabin to the indulgent Christmas of the Campbell House. Children can get hands-on with festive crafts, play with wooden toys, follow the Christmas bauble trail and write a letter to Father Christmas. There are marshmallows to toast, popcorn chains to make and a festive sleigh – perfect for a family photo.
Winter Solstice in the Woods at Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Killeavy, County Armagh, 20 December. This is the perfect chance to stop and connect with the Winter Solstice light on sacred Slieve Gullion mountain. Your forest experience will end with a tea ceremony including organic winter berry cordial and shortbread from a local bakery.
A Cappella Christmas at Titanic Belfast, Belfast, 21 December. Experience the magic of Christmas in perfect harmony at Titanic Belfast with a festive evening of music and celebration. Following the success of Some Distant Shore in June 2024, Titanic Belfast is delighted to once again partner with Cappella Caeciliana for a special Christmas performance.
Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 11 – 14, 16 – 23 December. The Jungle NI becomes a twinkling world of festive wonder, where every path sparkles and every corner hides a little Christmas cheer. Families can wander through the enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, and soak up the glow of dazzling lights and joyful laughter.
Mrs Claus’s Cottage, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 13 – 14 and 18 – 23 December. Families are invited to step inside Mrs Claus’s cosy cottage where they will meet the kind-hearted Mrs Claus herself and explore her charming festive home. Join her for a magical experience filled with warmth and cheer as she shares heartwarming holiday tales. Be captivated by this enchanting festive adventure, where children can also join the elves in their workshop to create special keepsakes.
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, until 4 January. This festive season, step into a world of Christmas magic as The Snowman™ and The Snowdog come to life at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Wander through 100 acres of wintry wonder on a charming outdoor trail featuring beautifully hand-painted Snowdogs. Discover sculptures and one iconic Snowman™, inspired by the beloved animated film.
Christmas at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 13,14, 20, 21 and 22 December. Explore authentic cottages and exhibit buildings decorated for the season, with lights, wreaths and cosy fires. There’ll be traditional Christmas crafts for all ages, plus willow star making in the Weaving Shed. Take in the scents of nut roasting, make cinnamon toast over the open fire, taste traditional Christmas cake and warm up with a festive drink. Meet heritage makers as they demonstrate age-old crafts, say hello to the donkeys, and pick up last-minute Christmas gifts in the museum shop.
Ards and North Down Borough Council has launched its Spring Arts and Heritage Programme, offering an inspiring selection of events, concerts, exhibitions, and creative opportunities taking place across the Borough from January to April 2026.
Music takes centre stage this season with the return of the Ards International Guitar Festival in April. Celebrating its 30th year, the packed programme features an exciting mix of gigs, free fringe activity, and a rock exhibition.
Friday Night Live also returns to Ards Arts Centre with performances by The High Lonesome, Ben Reel and Glass Half Full. Ards CCÉ will open this year’s Music in the Chamber series at Bangor Castle on 19 February with a celebration of Irish traditional music. Opera fans will enjoy Spring Solstice with NI Opera on 20 March, a beautifully curated lunchtime concert featuring much-loved seasonal favourites.
Theatre lovers have two standout productions to enjoy at Studio 1A Theatre in Bangor. On 10 April, Jak-In-The-Box Pop-Up Theatre presents The Bench, a warm and witty exploration of the quirky characters who pass through a local park, performed by Julie Kinsella and Maria Quinn. Later in the month, on 29 April, Isosceles Theatre Company brings the powerful drama The Man Who Left the Titanic to the stage, revisiting the fateful 1912 voyage and examining the legacy of J. Bruce Ismay.
Families can look forward to the return of Young Aspects from 27 February to 1 March, offering workshops, storytelling sessions and author events designed to ignite young imaginations. Writers will also be pleased to see the return of Aspects Festival Club, with monthly events offering writers and audiences alike the chance to share and celebrate new writing.
Those seeking a new hobby can choose from a wide range of creative classes and workshops in ceramics, illustration, calligraphy and more, delivered at Ards Arts Centre and venues throughout the Borough.
At North Down Museum, the ever-popular Arts Night at the Museum takes place on Friday 20 March, offering a free evening of hands-on creative activity for all ages. The Little Historians workshop returns at Easter along with the ever-popular Easter Trail for children and families. The museum will also present new exhibitions exploring The Birth of Irish Motor Racing and Boat Building at Ballyholme.
Arts and Heritage Manager Emily Crawford commented: “Our Spring programme is bursting with activity! From hands-on creative sessions to the Ards International Guitar Festival, Young Aspects, exhibitions, theatre and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit our website or pick up a guide to explore the full line-up.”
Online booking for all music and theatre events, as well as class and workshop enrolment, opens Thursday 11 December.
View the full Spring Programme and book at: andculture.org.uk/whats-on
Three of the finest classical pianists from these islands – Ireland’s Finghin Collins and David Quigley, and Scotland’s Steven Osborne – give concerts at the Festival, while fans of Jazz and musical theatre can look forward to an evening of Leonard Bernstein with the Rob Barron Trio, joined by vocalist Georgia Cécile.
A new direct flight from Dublin to Derry is also planned, while Fermanagh’s stunning lakes, waterways and natural landscapes have become part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
There is also plenty of free family fun throughout the day:
From classic pantos to candlelit concerts and mindfulness mornings to artisan markets, there’s a packed programme of events taking place across Northern Ireland sure to get you into the spirit of the season and help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Friday Night Live also returns to Ards Arts Centre with performances by The High Lonesome, Ben Reel and Glass Half Full. Ards CCÉ will open this year’s Music in the Chamber series at Bangor Castle on 19 February with a celebration of Irish traditional music. Opera fans will enjoy Spring Solstice with NI Opera on 20 March, a beautifully curated lunchtime concert featuring much-loved seasonal favourites.