THE second annual Look North: The North Belfast Festival will "celebrate the heritage and creative talents of north Belfast" later this month.
Taking place from February 24 to 26, the programme includes appearances by local authors, artists and young people from north Belfast and beyond. Events vary from talks, walks and poetry readings to panel discussions, live music, tours of historic buildings and creative writing classes.
Planned and delivered by the North Belfast Festival network, the festival is led by The John Hewitt Society and includes The North Belfast Heritage Cluster, The Duncairn Arts Centre, Beat Carnival, Imagine Belfast, Ulster University and other interested individuals who reside in or work in north Belfast.
Speaking at the festival launch at The Duncairn last week, Dr Frank Ferguson of The John Hewitt Society said: "It is a great pleasure to bring a festival to this part of Belfast where John Hewitt was born and grew up, and which shaped his views on life.
"The festival is open to all and is important in recognising the rich heritage and cultural contributions of north Belfast."
Launching the festival, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black, said: "It's great to see the 2023 events build on the success of last year's first programme.
"Everyone is welcome at these genuinely inclusive events, taking place in no fewer than 19 venues, including the beautiful Duncairn Centre and the stunning Ulster University campus. I'd like to congratulate all the festival partners led by the John Hewitt Society, with input from many individuals and community, voluntary and church groups.
"It's wonderful to see what we can achieve when we work together and truly collaborate."
Bill Shaw, director at The Duncairn, said: "The Duncairn Arts Centre was created to reflect and showcase the wealth of creative output in this side of the city.
"We're delighted that this exciting programme brings north Belfast further into the cultural spotlight and we're thrilled to be working in partnership with so many people and organisations that make north Belfast the special place it is."
:: To view the full schedule and book events or workshops, see northbelfastfestival.com, where you will also find details of how to enter the Look North Short Story Literary Competition.
