Entertainment

EastSide Arts Festival returns to Belfast with packed programme

Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann of The Orb
Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann of The Orb
The EastSide Arts Festival returns to Belfast this month
The EastSide Arts Festival returns to Belfast this month

BELFAST'S EastSide Arts Festival will return next week with an 11-day programme of arts and cultural events.

Running from July 27 until August 6, this year's festival promises over 60 events encompassing music, comedy, dance, theatre, cabaret, talks, tours, film and family events.

“We are thrilled to present this year’s EastSide Arts Festival, showcasing the extraordinary talent that resides within our community," says festival director Rachel Kennedy.

"The festival is a celebration of our diverse artistic landscape, where individuals of all backgrounds can come together and experience the transformative power of the arts, reinforcing east Belfast's position as a thriving hub of creativity."

Some of this year’s festival highlights include:


Ciaran Bartlett
Ciaran Bartlett

Ciarán Bartlett’s Comedy Club with Micky Bartlett and Paddy McDonnell - Thursday July 27, Banana Block


Top local comedians join forces for a one-off performance, with Ciarán Bartlett as MC for the evening.


Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann of The Orb
Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann of The Orb

The Orb (live), with support from Explosion Sound Selectors - Friday July 28, Banana Block


Ambient pioneers The Orb celebrate the release of their new album Prism with their only appearance in the north this summer.

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Thomas Carnduff Appreciation Society presents Work, Place and Language - Saturday July 29, Templemore Baths


Malcolm Guite, Gaynor Kane, Rosemary Jenkinson, Mark Ward and Elizabeth McGeown will be in conversation on the theme of Work, Place and Language, led by Dr Connal Parr.


David Holmes
David Holmes

EastSide Electronics - Saturday July 29, CS Lewis Square


The Night Institute and God’s Waiting Room join forces for this 1,000-capacity open-air show featuring David Holmes, Timmy Stewart and Jordan Nocturne.

EastSide ParkFest23 - Sunday July 30, CS Lewis Square & Orangefield Park


The annual Festival Fun Day joins forces with the EastSide Greenways team to deliver ParkFest23. Animation will take place along the Connswater Community Greenway, linking the two main events at CS Lewis Square and Orangefield Park.


Cherrie Ontop
Cherrie Ontop

Life’s a Bowl of Cherrie - Sunday July 30, Titanic Hotel


Join award-winning entertainer Miss Cherrie Ontop in Drawing Office One at the Titanic Hotel for an evening of songs, with grand piano accompaniment from Darren Day.


Anthony Toner in Victoria Park. Picture by Ken Haddock
Anthony Toner in Victoria Park. Picture by Ken Haddock

In at the Deep End -  A Night of Music with Anthony Toner and Friends, Tuesday August 1, Templemore Baths


To celebrate the re-opening of the historic Templemore Baths, songwriters Matt McGinn, Ciara O’Neill, Anthony Toner and John McCullough present an ‘in the round’ evening of water-themed songs.

After-Work Club - Friday August 4, Boundary Brewery


A rare opportunity for adults to indulge in the type of intuitive, 'messy' play we loved as children.


County Down musician Joshua Burnside was the 2007 winner of the Northern Ireland Music Prize
County Down musician Joshua Burnside was the 2007 winner of the Northern Ireland Music Prize

Joshua Burnside presents Folk in the East - Friday August 4, Harland & Wolff Staff Club

The east Belfast-based singer/songwriter curates an evening of slow-burning folk.

‘Eats-Side’ Food and Drink Tour - Saturday August 5

Looking to explore the food scene in east Belfast? Then join Experience & Explore NI on a food and history tour led by a fully qualified guide. As part of this intimate and personalised experience, you’ll be introduced to some of the exciting new ventures that have sprung up in this part of the city.

For the full festival programme and ticketing information, visit eastsidearts.net