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Belfast to mark St Patrick’s Day with music, song and colour

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Belfast is the place to be this St Patrick’s Day, with a packed programme of events from Belfast City Council, stretching right across the city, from 1-17 March.

Following the annual Spar Craic 10K race, leaving from City Hall at 9am, the city centre will be the setting for the annual St Patrick’s Day parade on Tuesday 17 March.

Starting at City Hall at 1.30pm, this year’s parade will celebrate the legends of St Patrick, as well as the city’s diversity, with local dance troupes, schools, community groups and musicians.

Expect colourful costumes, music, dance and carnival characters as the cavalcade makes its way down Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place, before returning to City Hall.

Belfast TradFest have added an extra day to their popular St Patrick’s Music Festival, now with five days of events from 13-17 March.

Enjoy a multi-cultural, cross-community celebration of all aspects of traditional music and song – a great taster ahead of this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil.

Following the parade on Tuesday 17 March, head to the festival village in the Cathedral Quarter (1pm-5pm) for Highland piping competitions, set and céili dancing, pilgrimage walks, bodhrán circles, a trad picnic and an afternoon of family fun, with the main stage in Writers’ Square and an acoustic stage in St Anne’s Square.

Ticketed highlights include Dougie MacLean and Ursula Burns, followed by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Band and Andy Irvine, both at Mandela Hall (Saturday 14 March), a Pipe Band Extravaganza at City Hall (Sunday 15 March), the Michael McGoldrick Trio and Music Generation Cross Border Folk Orchestra at the Ulster Hall (Monday 16 March) and a special St Patrick’s Day concert at The MAC on Tuesday 17 March, with The Bow Brothers and the Aoife Scott Band.

Féile an Phobail will also be hosting world-class Irish traditional music and workshops in venues across the city from 10-17 March.

The popular Féile Trad Trail will include over 100 sessions, featuring some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians.

St George’s Market will share St Patrick’s Day craic on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March, with live traditional music across both market days, along with special trader offers and family fun.

Among the acts performing will be musicians from Ards CCÉ, who are partnering with the council to host Fleadh Cheoil.

Spraoi Cois Lao – the biggest Irish language family fun day of its kind – is also making a return to Custom House Square on Saturday 7 March, 1pm-4pm.

Organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail, it offers a packed afternoon of activities, with live music, dance performances, Zumba, a céili mór, taster sessions for beginners and food stalls – all provided through the medium of Irish.

As part of this year’s St Patrick’s programme, Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia – an international festival celebrating Irish language and culture – also takes place from 1-17 March.

The festival provides opportunities to enjoy Irish through a programme of entertaining and fun events, with activities for both learners and fluent speakers.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: “St Patrick’s Day is growing in popularity year on year in Belfast, as both residents and visitors take the opportunity to enjoy a celebration of the traditional arts, culture and heritage that shape our city.

“Working in partnership with festival organisers and cultural and arts organisations has really opened up what we can offer around St Patrick’s Day, enabling us to provide a broad programme of events and activities and creating a festival that is welcoming, vibrant and inclusive.

“This year’s programme offers something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s live music, a day out with the family at the parade, a walk or tour to learn more about the life of St Patrick or the chance to try your own hand at traditional instruments. I’m looking forward to sharing in the celebrations and exploring what’s on offer from 1-17 March.”

For more info on St Patrick’s Day events, including dates, times and ticket info for music performances, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricks

Young Aspects is This Weekend!

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Get ready for a weekend bursting with imagination! Young Aspects is happening in Bangor on Friday 27 February – Sunday 1 March, bringing an exciting programme of workshops, events and hands-on activities designed to inspire young minds and ignite a love of stories.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this year’s festival transforms venues including North Down Museum, Bangor Carnegie Library and Boom Studios into vibrant hubs of creativity. From playful picture book sessions for little ones to dynamic writing workshops for teens, Young Aspects connects children with talented writers, illustrators, and artists in fun, interactive ways.

One highlight not to miss: the Book Doctors, presented by Children’s Books Ireland, will be hosting free Book Clinics at Bangor Carnegie Library on Saturday 28 February. Step into the surgery for a unique consultation and leave with a personalised reading prescription tailored to your child’s interests!

The programme also features favourites like Digital Art Workshops, Book Binding, Creative Writing, and a Story Sketch Walk – perfect for budding readers, writers, and artists.

Speaking about the programme Patricia Hamilton, Aspects Festival Director, commented:
“Young Aspects gives young people of all ages creative experiences to engage with books, writing and stories in an exciting and unusual way. From bookbinding to illustration, bedtime stories to forest learning, it’s a packed weekend of activity. We hope to see you there!”

To view the full programme and to book tickets, visit: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair Aims To Support Third Sector Amid Recruitment Pressures

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Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair is back this spring, with third sector organisations invited to take part.

At a time when many charities and community organisations are navigating funding uncertainty and increased pressure around recruitment and workforce stability, the Fair provides a cost-effective platform to connect with values-led candidates and volunteers committed to supporting the sector.

With 50 percent of exhibitor tables already booked and the early bird rate closing on 20 February, organisations are encouraged to consider booking now to take advantage of the discounted rate.

Taking place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast, the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair brings together third sector employers and people actively seeking meaningful paid and volunteer opportunities.

Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the Fair has quickly become a key date in the third sector calendar. Now entering its third year, it provides a focused platform for charities to promote live vacancies, attract volunteers, raise awareness of their work and connect face-to-face with motivated candidates.

At the most recent Fair, more than 270 paid roles and 335 volunteer opportunities were showcased, generating over 465 application requests on the day. Exhibitors reported high-quality conversations with candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, many of whom went on to secure roles or volunteer positions as a direct result of the event.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the Fair offers more than just recruitment opportunities.

“While the primary focus is connecting charities with people who want to make a difference, the event has also become an important networking space for the sector. Organisations are able to build relationships with other charities, share ideas and strengthen their presence across Northern Ireland.

“At a time when many organisations are navigating funding uncertainty and increased pressure around recruitment, creating spaces where charities can meet passionate, values-led people is more important than ever. Each year we see the quality of conversations and connections grow, and that is what makes the Fair valuable for the organisations taking part.”

Returning exhibitors say the event provides a valuable platform for connection and visibility.

Joanna Malone, Digital Executive at MACS, Northern Ireland’s only youth-specific homelessness charity, said: “Exhibiting at the Charity Careers & Volunteer Fair is a brilliant opportunity to connect with people who genuinely want to make a difference. For MACS, it’s a chance to share who we are, what we stand for, and how our work helps young people across Northern Ireland who are at risk of homelessness. 

“We love being able to speak directly with people who share our values of compassion, empowerment and togetherness, and who might want to join us in helping young people build brighter futures. It’s also a brilliant way to showcase your culture and values beyond a job description.”

The Fair is free to attend for jobseekers and volunteers and will once again bring together organisations from across health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development.

Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting can find out more online, with around 30 stands available and allocation managed on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair. 

Drawn Together: A Tribute to Richard Croft at Ards Arts Centre

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is proud to present Drawn Together, an exhibition celebrating the life and work of acclaimed artist Richard Croft PPRUA (1935–2025). Curated before his passing last year, this mini-retrospective shines a spotlight on Croft’s lifelong passion for drawing – the foundation of his creative practice.

The exhibition brings together a selection of sketches alongside their corresponding paintings and prints, offering a rare insight into how Croft developed ideas from initial marks to finished works. Spanning over 70 years of sketchbooks, the collection explores themes of landscape and still life, often evolving into striking abstractions.

Born in London and based in Northern Ireland since 1959, Croft was a respected teacher and artist whose work captured the beauty of local and international landscapes. In 1967 he was elected as an Academician of the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts and was President of the Academy from 1997 – 2000.

As part of the programme, Amanda Croft, Richard’s daughter, will host a special gallery talk and tour, sharing personal reflections on his life and artistic journey.

Speaking about the exhibition, Amanda said: “My abiding memory of Richard was that he always had a pencil at the ready – drawings of people, places, ideas for paintings and prints all recorded in sketch books.  We are delighted that Ards Arts Centre is hosting this exhibition of my father’s work.”

The exhibition will run Thu 26 Feb – Sat 21 March 2026 in Ards Arts Centre’s Georgian and Sunburst Galleries. Admission is free.

All are welcome to attend the exhibition’s Preview Event at Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 26 February, 7pm – 9pm.

For more information, visit: https://andculture.org.uk/whats-on/drawn-together

Lough in Spring with the Feel Good Festival at Portico of Ards This March

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This March, the Portico of Ards in Portaferry comes alive as the Feel Good Festival (1-31) returns, transforming the historic venue into a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and the senses. Against the beautiful coastal backdrop, audiences are invited to embrace the spring season with experiences that are intimate, joyful, and inspiring.

Highlighting this year’s festival are luminous performances that will take you on a musical journey that captures the magic of renewal, all carefully curated to create emotional resonance and connection.

Pic 2 Tessa Ann from Spring Equinox Sound Spa and internationally renowned singer Peter Corry MBE with his new concert One Singer Some Songs.

The festival opens on 1 March with the much-loved The Fureys in their farewell concert, already sold out, setting the tone for a month of unforgettable performances. Comedy fans will be delighted by Emer Maguire on 6 March and Terry McHugh on 13 March, while classical enthusiasts can revel in the soaring harmonies of The Gesualdo Six on 7 March and the cinematic elegance of the Piatti Quartet performing music from the movies on 15 March. Folk lovers will be enchanted by The Henry Girls and Lore on 14 March, and audiences can immerse themselves in the Spring Equinox Sound Spa with Tessa Ann on 22 March, dance the night away 80s style with Spring Break on 28 March, hear the enduring classics of Peter Corry: One Singer Some Songs on 21 March or attend his confidence building workshop that afternoon, and experience the vocal artistry of Niamh O’Sullivan and Gary Beecher on 29 March.

The Portico of Ards itself becomes part of the performance, its historic architecture and breathtaking coastal setting enhancing every note, every laugh, and every shared moment. Each event is designed with curation and intimacy in mind, offering audiences the rare opportunity to encounter artists up close in a space where the surroundings amplify the experience.

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the festival celebrates artistic excellence and range, presenting Irish and international talent across multiple genres.

Feel Good Festival Director, Neil McClure, said:
“The Feel Good Festival at The Portico of Ards is about more than music – it is about joy, connection, and renewal. This March our carefully curated diverse programme of performances will invite audiences to engage deeply with sound, space, and each other, leaving everyone refreshed and inspired. With a huge thanks to Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their support.”

For tickets and further information visit www.porticoards.com. Follow Feel Good Festival via Portico of Ards on Instagram and Facebook @porticoportaferry and join the conversation with #FeelGoodFestival2026.

Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair to Return to Belfast This Spring

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Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair is set to return to Belfast this spring, marking its third year since launching in 2024.

The Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, bringing charities, community organisations and social enterprises together with people interested in building a career or volunteering with purpose.

The Fair is organised by Charity Jobs NI, a sister company to Happy Jobs NI, and was created to provide a dedicated space for the charity and voluntary sector to connect directly with people who want to make a difference. Free to attend for jobseekers and volunteers, it is now firmly established as a key date in the third sector calendar and focuses on face-to-face conversations that help attendees explore opportunities and leave with clearer next steps.

At the most recent Fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to real hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the event continues to reflect growing interest in purpose-led work across the region.

“Now in its third year and heading into our fourth event, the Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair has really established itself as a key moment in the calendar for Northern Ireland’s third sector. Each fair shows just how much appetite there is for purpose-led work, whether that is people taking their first step into the sector, changing careers, or finding meaningful ways to volunteer.

“What makes this event special is the face-to-face connection. It gives people the chance to explore real opportunities, ask honest questions and leave with a clearer sense of where they can make a difference.”

Open to people at all stages of their journey, the Fair offers the opportunity to meet a wide range of charities and sector organisations in person, learn more about the work they do and explore different ways of getting involved across the charity and voluntary sector.

Previous events have sparked hundreds of meaningful conversations, with past exhibitors including Positive Futures, NOW Group, NI Hospice, NSPCC, Inspire, Barnardos, Simon Community, Autism Initiatives and Cancer Focus NI, alongside new organisations joining each year.

Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting are now invited to sign up, with early bird exhibitor rates available until 20 February.

Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said the Fair continues to deliver clear value for organisations taking part.

“We have seen first-hand how valuable this event is for charities and not-for-profits looking to reach the right people. Exhibitors consistently tell us the quality of conversations makes the day worthwhile, and many go on to recruit staff or volunteers directly as a result. With early bird exhibitor rates available until 20 February, this is a great opportunity for organisations to secure their place early and be part of an event that continues to grow in impact and reach each year.”

Bookings for exhibitors are now open, with space for around 30 stands available on the day. Allocation will be managed on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair. 

Children’s cancer charity launch fundraising initiative for schools

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Cancer Fund for Children have recently launched their ReadOn initiative which encourages primary and secondary school students to explore the joy of reading while raising vital funds in support of children and young people impacted by cancer.

ReadOn can take place anytime throughout the school year but the charity is encouraging schools to embrace this challenge in time for World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.

During ReadOn, children are sponsored to read more for fun, at home or in school. The money raised through their efforts fund emotional, social and therapeutic support services for children and families navigating childhood cancer across Northern Ireland.

Speaking on this, Schools and Youth Fundraising Officer with the charity, Rebecca Oates said:

“We are so excited to launch another year of ReadOn and can’t wait to work closely with schools to bring this challenge to life with their pupils. Every week, approximately three children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. By taking part in ReadOn, schools will be teaching their students to embrace reading while also helping other children of a similar age to them.”

ReadOn is being sponsored by EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA in Northern Ireland, who have supported Cancer Fund for Children through a range of initiatives.

Speaking on their support, Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing with Henderson Group said: “We are thrilled to help bring the ReadOn initiative to life for another year. Reading is a fantastic way of escapism and learning, vital for children to discover different worlds and cultures, while encouraging focus and mindfulness.

“We are very proud of our continued support of Cancer Fund for Children, fundraising throughout EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA stores has raised over £2.2 million since 2011, helping support children and their families impacted by cancer.

This year, schools that register for ReadOn can also enter a special competition with Cool FM for the chance to win a school visit from breakfast presenter Rebecca McKinney or Paulo Ross.

To find out more, visit www.cancerfundforchidlren.com/readon.

Ballywillan Drama Group brings a glittering night of musical theatre to Portrush with Broadway Three

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Get ready for a feel-good night out on the North Coast as Ballywillan Drama Group returns to Portrush Town Hall this April with Broadway Three — a fast-paced celebration of musical theatre packed with big numbers, bold harmonies and plenty of surprises.

Running Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th April 2026, Broadway Three is a chance for audiences to experience the thrill of live performance right on their doorstep, with a volunteer community cast bringing the magic of the stage to Portrush for one week only.

Expect an evening of toe-tapping favourites, uplifting anthems and classic show moments — perfect for theatre lovers, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a memorable night out.

Performances take place at 7:45pm each evening, with an additional 2:15pm matinee on Saturday 18th April.

Tickets are £16 and are available to book now via www.ballywillan.com.

Event details

  • What: Broadway Three – Ballywillan Drama Group
  • Where: Portrush Town Hall
  • When: 14–18 April 2026
    • Evenings: 7:45pm
    • Matinee: 2:15pm on Saturday 18 April
  • Tickets: £16

Exciting programme of half-term fun awaits at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

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 Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is gearing up to offer an action-packed half-term programme designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and fun for children and families.

From imaginative workshops to interactive science shows and live performances, there is something to spark every young mind this February.
Children aged 6–12 can immerse themselves in creative adventures, designing characters and worlds inspired by K-pop and mythical demon hunters (Tuesday 10th February), or exploring the colourful and fizzy wonders of art-meets-science with Mini Professors in Colour Magic (Friday 13th February).
For budding scientists and thrill-seekers, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is hosting interactive shows vas part of Northern Ireland Science Festival, that bring learning to life. Families can join W5 on Tour: The Hunt – Extreme Existence for an action-packed exploration of survival and adventure (Friday 13th February), or enjoy the hilariously messy, hands-on science antics of Nick Arnold in Horrible Science, packed with experiments, quizzes, and outrageous facts (Saturday 14th February).
Younger children and families are invited to experience sensory-rich dance and music performances with Moonlight Dream (Tuesday 10th February).
Celebrate the return of spring at Awakening | A Celebration of Light, Together, a free family-friendly event open to all, packed with craft, storytelling, music, and spectacular fire performance (Thursday 12th February, 3–5pm). Inspired in part by Chinese New Year alongside the Celtic festival of Imbolc, this event celebrates how cultures around the world mark the awakening from winter into springtime. This event has received financial support from The Executive Office through Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.
Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre’s half-term programme brings families together through creativity, play, and unforgettable experiences, offering something for every child and young person to enjoy.
For more information or to book please visit: https://www.roevalleyarts.com.

Where We Bury the Bones Comes to the Lyric Theatre for One Night Only

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A unique, contemporary music theatre performance created by some of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists will come to Belfast, as ‘Where We Bury the Bones’ arrives at the Lyric Theatre for a one-night-only performance on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Presented by Dumbworld, Where We Bury the Bones is an inventive live performance that blends music, movement, projection and storytelling – exploring how places accumulate history, memory and meaning over time.

On stage, the performance brings together some of the finest musicians from across Ireland, alongside dancers, performers and a soprano singer. A scale model of the site forms part of the visual world of the piece, combining with live movement and projection to create a richly layered and visually compelling experience.

Musically, the work is created by renowned Irish composer Brian Irvine – an Olivier Award nominee, four time Ivor Novello and British Composer Award Winner – whose score blends classical composition with traditional and folk influences, as well as song. The music moves fluidly between styles, creating a sound world that is contemporary, expressive and deeply rooted.

The piece was commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival and takes inspiration from a small stretch of land on the bend of a river; a place shaped and reshaped over thousands of years. Once home to ancient trees, later an abbey and a brewery, and now a public space, it carries the traces of the people who lived there, worked there, loved there and died there. From this starting point, Where We Bury the Bones explores how humans continually write themselves into the landscape, and how those layered histories shape the present.

Speaking about the work, composer Brian Irvine said:

“This piece grew out of a fascination with how places hold stories, whether we’re aware of them or not. The music draws on a wide range of influences – classical, folk, song – because the place itself contains so many layers. It’s about listening closely to what’s already there, and allowing those histories to speak in new ways.”

Directed by John McIlduff, Where We Bury the Bones avoids traditional theatrical form, instead offering audiences something playful, thoughtful and open-ended.

John McIlduff said:

“This isn’t a conventional play, and it’s not a traditional concert either. It’s something in between; a shared experience that invites the audience to look, listen and think differently about place and time. It’s designed to be welcoming and engaging, whether you’re deeply familiar with contemporary performance or completely new to it.”

Since its premiere at Kilkenny Arts Festival in August 2025, the work has received strong critical response and went on to play two nights at Project Arts Centre in Dublin. Reviewing the premiere, the Journal of Music praised Irvine’s score as “consistently excellent… full of colour and widely expressive, from sections of patient piano passagework or arresting pathos to the cataclysmic climax.”

The Belfast performance at the Lyric Theatre offers a rare opportunity to experience this acclaimed work for a single night only, bringing together an exceptional group of artists in one room to create something genuinely distinctive and alive.

Where We Bury the Bones will be performed at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Tickets are available via the Lyric Theatre website.

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