{"id":24758,"date":"2026-01-30T20:28:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T19:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/?p=24758"},"modified":"2026-01-30T20:28:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T19:28:40","slug":"journey-through-belfast-as-4-corners-festival-2026-begins-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/2026\/01\/journey-through-belfast-as-4-corners-festival-2026-begins-this-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Journey Through Belfast As 4 Corners Festival 2026 Begins This Weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

From Friday 30 January to Sunday 8 February 2026, the 4 Corners Festival returns to venues across Belfast with a rich and varied programme built around its latest theme, Journey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now in its 14th year, the festival continues to invite people from across the city to step beyond familiar places and perspectives, offering opportunities for encounter, reflection, creativity and connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to festival organisers, the 2026 theme reflects the many paths that shape individual and collective life, from outward journeys across places and cultures to inward journeys of change, resilience and growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The programme brings together conversation, music, worship, exhibitions, workshops and shared experiences. While all events are free to attend, booking is advised through the <\/span>4 Corners Festival website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the 15 events taking place during the upcoming festival week:<\/b><\/h1>\n

1. Journeying To Resilience Exhibition Launch and Exhibition<\/b><\/h2>\n

30 January 2026 from 1.00 pm<\/span><\/p>\n

Exhibition open 30 January to 8 February, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily, with a late opening on Thursday 5 February<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1DA<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The festival opens in the city centre with the launch of Journeying To Resilience, a powerful photographic exhibition by Westcourt Camera Club. The exhibition shines a light on stories of people across Belfast who have faced adversity, overcome personal challenges and broken destructive cycles on their journey toward recovery, hope and new beginnings. Developed following a series of creative writing workshops with individuals who have experienced personal transformation, the exhibition sets the tone for the week ahead and marks the official start of the 2026 festival.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. A Youth Journey from Belfast to Katanga<\/b><\/h2>\n

31 January 2026 from 7.30 pm<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Knock Methodist Centre, 17 Knock Road, Belfast, BT5 6HS<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

In November 2025, five young people from South Belfast Alternatives travelled to Kampala, Uganda, to witness how youth living in informal settlements are transforming their communities through vision, determination and resilience. Emmanuel Trinity, Founder and CEO of era92 Group, will share his own journey from street-connected childhood to award-winning social entrepreneur, while local author and peacebuilder Tony Macaulay will explore how the exchange came about and interview the young participants about their experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Morning Service<\/b><\/h2>\n

1 February 2026 from 9.00 am, with attendees seated by 8.30 am<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Ag\u00e1p\u00ea Centre, 238 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6GF<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The broadcast service takes place on Sunday morning and will be transmitted live on BBC Radio Ulster. This year\u2019s service explores the theme of Journey and will be led by Rev David Campton, the preacher will be Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. The Journey So Far\u2026<\/b><\/h2>\n

1 February 2026 from 7.00 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>St Brigid\u2019s Parish Church, Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6FP<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Later that evening, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover and Suffragan Bishop of Canterbury, reflects on her life journey from Montego Bay in the Caribbean to Kent, where she has found herself at the centre of conversations around migration and ecclesiastical leadership. Music will be provided by the Pro Bono Choir, a Belfast-based ensemble of lawyers known for performing sell-out concerts in support of charitable causes.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Winning Through Uncertainty<\/b><\/h2>\n

2 February 2026 from 7.30 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>St Comgall\u2019s Centre, Ionad Eileen Howell, Divis Street, Belfast, BT12 4AQ<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

American entrepreneur, bestselling author and international keynote speaker Sam Goodwin shares his extraordinary life story, shaped by travel to all 193 countries of the world and by a period of wrongful imprisonment in Syria. Drawing on themes from his book <\/span>Saving Sam,<\/span><\/i> Goodwin reflects on resilience, uncertainty and how challenging journeys can shape leadership, purpose and perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. The Good Journey<\/b><\/h2>\n

3 February 2026 from 7.30 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Jennymount Methodist Church, North Queen Street, Belfast, BT15 3DH<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Few figures in Northern Ireland are as closely associated with peacebuilding as Rev Dr Harold Good. In this evening of conversation, Shannon Campbell joins Harold Good to explore the encounters, decisions and moments of grace that have marked his journey, from pastoral ministry to international peace work. The discussion reflects on faith, perseverance and what it means to continue journeying toward understanding in divided times.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Reimagining Masculinity: Insights for Those Working with Young Men<\/b><\/h2>\n

4 February 2026 from 1.15 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Youth Action, 14 College Square North, Belfast, BT1 6AS<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This afternoon gathering brings together youth practitioners, educators and community leaders to reflect on what it means to support young men navigating masculinity in the 21st century. Informed by earlier workshops with young men aged 13 to 18, the session explores themes of empathy, non-violence, integrity and belonging, offering space to listen deeply to lived experience and consider how environments can be created where young men are supported on their journey toward confidence and emotional honesty.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. All Aboard<\/b><\/h2>\n

5 February 2026 from 7.00 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Methodist College Whitla Hall, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6BY<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Play it by Ear invites audiences of all ages on a joyful and imaginative journey, supported by children from local schools. Through music, performance and storytelling, All Aboard explores the many kinds of journeys people experience, from exciting adventures to quieter paths closer to home.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Getting To Iona<\/b><\/h2>\n

5 February 2026 from 7.30 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>St Colmcille\u2019s Church, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This theatrical storytelling event traces two journeys separated by centuries. In 563 AD, St Columba set sail from Ireland to Iona, founding a monastery that would become a centre of Christian life across Europe. In 1963, John Barry and fellow pilgrims re-enacted that journey by curragh, later publishing their account in Joyful Pilgrimage. In 2024, Barry\u2019s grandson Tom transformed these stories into a stage production exploring pilgrimage, faith and what journey means in the modern world.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Whole and Holy: Disability, Dignity, and Belonging in Faith Communities<\/b><\/h2>\n

6 February 2026 from 1.30 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Grosvenor House, Belfast Central Mission, Glengall Street, Belfast, BT12 5AD<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This interactive workshop challenges faith communities to think beyond physical access and consider what genuine inclusion looks like in practice. Led by Church of Ireland minister Rev Aaron McAlister, the session explores dignity, belonging and the spiritual gifts disabled people bring to church life, using storytelling, reflection and practical group exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. In Conversation With Andy White: 40 Years Since Rave On and a Journey in Life and Art<\/b><\/h2>\n

6 February 2026 from 7.30 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HL<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Marking 40 years since the release of Rave On Andy White, this evening reflects on the life and work of the Belfast poet and musician whose career has taken him around the world. In conversation with Rev Steve Stockman, Andy White looks back on the album, the city that shaped it, and the creative journey that followed, with music woven throughout the evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. 4 Corners Knitters<\/b><\/h2>\n

7 February 2026 from 2.30 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>St Colmcille\u2019s Church, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

A long-standing favourite within the festival programme, 4 Corners Knitters brings together people from across the city to knit, talk and connect. The items created during the afternoon are gifted to asylum seekers and organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness, combining creativity with practical solidarity.<\/span><\/p>\n

13. Irish Pilgrim: When The Saints Go Marching<\/b><\/h2>\n

7 February 2026 from 7.30 pm<\/span>
\n<\/span>St John\u2019s Church, Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 6EN<\/span><\/p>\n

Barry Sloan shares humorous and thought-provoking stories from his travels following the trail of sixth-century monk Columbanus across Europe. Blending music, storytelling and reflection, the event explores faith, history, identity and the ways journeys can challenge assumptions and build unexpected connections.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Step Into a Shared Journey: Female 5K Fun Run<\/b><\/h2>\n

8 February 2026 from 9.00 am<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Queen\u2019s University Malone Dub Playing Fields, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5LA<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This uplifting 5K fun run brings women together to share a journey of movement and connection. Participants can run individually or as part of a relay team, with the event open to ages 18 or over and to all abilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

15. The Journey Toward Reconciliation: Racial Justice Sunday<\/b><\/h2>\n

8 February 2026 from 7.00 pm<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>St Peter\u2019s Cathedral, St Peter\u2019s Square North, Belfast, BT12 4BU<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The festival concludes on Racial Justice Sunday with Dr Jemar Tisby, author of <\/span>The Color of Compromise<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>The Spirit of Justice<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>How to Fight Racism<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drawing on his scholarly work, Dr Tisby addresses the church\u2019s role in confronting discrimination and offers tangible steps toward racial justice, reconciliation and peace, both locally and globally.<\/span><\/p>\n

All events at the 4 Corners Festival are free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance via<\/b> www.4cornersfestival.com<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office\u2019s Central Good Relations Fund, the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, Belfast City Council\u2019s Good Relations Fund, St Anne\u2019s Cathedral Sit Out and Linen Quarter BID, as outlined in the official festival press materials.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From Friday 30 January to Sunday 8 February 2026, the 4 Corners Festival returns to venues across Belfast with a rich and varied programme built around its latest theme, Journey.\u00a0 Now in its 14th year, the festival continues to invite people from across the city to step beyond familiar places and perspectives, offering opportunities for … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[1938,1937,541],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24758"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24758"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24758\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24760,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24758\/revisions\/24760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24758"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24758"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24758"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}