BELFAST is to host hundreds of events from the world of music, dance, film, visual arts, literature and theatre.
The 57th Belfast International Arts Festival, which runs from October 15 to November 3, will be accompanied by outreach and educational events.
The international programme focuses on crossing artistic borders and pushing boundaries, organisers said.
It was launched today by one of its signature artists, Cuban-born Parisian musician, La Dame Blanche.
Festival Artistic Director, Richard Wakely unveiled the programme, which will this year feature more than 200 events.
"The 2019 Belfast International Arts Festival will open on 15 October with the UK premiere of Median, a contemporary paring of choreography with digital projection and electronic sound from Japanese multi-disciplinary artist Hiroaki Umeda. Think of the most creative music videos by Radiohead and Aphex Twin, meets the stealth and intensity of The Matrix," he said.
"Also featuring in the programme will be ASUNA, a wonderful young artist from Tokyo with his quirky, immersive sound installation, 100 Keyboards. It is an honour to have been selected to host some of Japan's finest artists."
This year's Embrace free public events programme will be headlined by a breathtaking premiere performance by French all-female circus-arts troupe led by Chloe Moglia, called La Spire, which will take place in Botanic Gardens on October 19 and 20.
The musical offering will feature two shows in the Grand Opera House by Glen Hansard and ska favourites, The Selecter.
For further information visit https://belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
