EAST Belfast is set to be transformed once again this summer into hubs of creativity and diversity for the annual EastSide Arts Festival. Running from August 1-11, this year's programme is filled with music, comedy, film, theatre, talks, workshops, exhibitions, literature, heritage tours and events for all ages.
The Big Top at CS Lewis Square returns with a host of events for families, including The Irish Video Game Orchestra, Bollywood dancing and the non-verbal children's drama Pink and Blue.
In the evenings the big top comes alive with a host of music including Kitt Phillipa and Beauty Sleep and ex-Stiff Little Fingers duo Henry Cluney and Jim Reilly’s X-Stiff Little Fingers.
EastSide Arts Festival is always famous for it's talks and tours and this year doesn't disappoint, with everything from Van Morrison and George Best to Gaelic and Gourmet Greenway Foraging.
Theatre highlights include A Night In November, the award-winning play by east Belfast writer Marie Jones at Strand Arts Centre and a new play by Daniel Kelly about living with dementia.
Special events include a 'literary knittery' with Emily DeDakis and Yoga in the Park with East Belfast Yoga and Vault Artist Studios.
Other highlights for younger visitors include travelling to Narnia with Mr Tumnus, listening to three beardy men play music just for babies in Baby Daddy or check out Drag Queen Story Time at Holywood Arches Library.
:: For the full festival programme see Eastsidearts.net
