About
EastSide Arts Festival, 25 July – 4 August 2024, returns with a spectacular and exhilarating celebration of the arts this summer. Over 11 days, festival-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy unique events that showcase east Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene and creative talent.
With 60+ events spread across every corner of the east, audiences of all ages will be treated to an extraordinary array of music, comedy, dance, theatre, cabaret, talks, tours, film and family events sure to inspire and engage.
As ever, the festival provides a platform for local artists, entertainers, and performers to shine, whilst bringing people together to enjoy the best of the east. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to experience thought-provoking theatre and literature, revel in unforgettable music and cabaret, and uncover the hidden gems and historical landmarks that make up east Belfast’s rich heritage.
Some of this year’s festival highlights include:
WHISK(E)Y WARS Friday 26 July, 8pm, £18, Titanic Distillers - Tam Tully fights tragedy and treachery to save her Ulster family distillery from ruin – by crafting the perfect single malt. Laced with dry Northern Irish wit and casked in raw emotion, it’s a story you won’t forget. Written by and starring Joyce Greenaway.
A NIGHT OF CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC WITH THE BOONDOCKS, Thursday 1 August, 8pm, £15, Harland & Wolff Staff Club - Anthony Toner, Mark Crockard and Marcus McAuley have come together as ‘The Boondocks’ to play the old-school country songs by artists including Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Gram Parsons and John Prine.
THE SHORT STORY WRITERS’ TOOLKIT, Saturday 27 July, 10am, £25, EastSide Visitor Centre Gallery - Interested in writing short stories but struggling to know where to start and how to end? This interactive course, facilitated by Belfast-based writer Jan Carson, will guide you through the basics of writing imaginative and engaging short stories.
DRAGTASTIC CABARET WITH BSL INTERPRETATION Friday 2 August , 8pm , £15 , Shorts Sports & Recreation Club - Lady Portia, Cherrie Ontop and Miss Onya Becks will be joined by Californian glamor duo Deven Green & Handsome Ned, making an exclusive UK and Ireland guest appearance, and the incredible Miss Dora Belle who will provide BSL interpretation for this festival favourite.
THE NIGHT INSTITUTE PRESENTS: EASTSIDE ELECTRONICS: LIL’ LOUIS (THE FOUNDING FATHER OF HOUSE), Saturday 27 July, 5pm, £25, C.S. Lewis Square - The Night Institute celebrates electronic music with very special guest Lil’ Louis, international artist, producer, songwriter, DJ, author and director who celebrates 50 years in music this summer. DJs include Timmy Stewart, Jordan Nocturne, Ricky Chong and Kate Harahan.
JAZZIE B DJ SET, Friday 2 August, 9pm, £22, Banana Block - EastSide Arts Festival is delighted to welcome legendary UK artist and one of the most in demand soul and funk DJs on the circuit, Jazzie B, founder of one of the most iconic soul bands of all time, Soul II Soul.
PARKFEST Sunday 28 July, 12pm, FREE, C.S. Lewis Square & Orangefield Park - Enjoy a whole host of activities, performances and pop-ups for the whole family. With creative events in C.S. Lewis Square and games and environmental activities in Orangefield Park, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the day with friends, family and neighbours along the Connswater Greenway.
CIARAN BARTLETT’S COMEDY CLUB WITH COLIN GEDDIS, AARON BUTLER AND JAZMYNNE SIERRA, Saturday 3 August, 6:30pm & 9:30pm, £22, Banana Block - MC Ciaran Bartlett returns to Banana Block with a sensational lineup of Belfast’s premiere comedians. It promises to bring you the funniest stories and most epic one-liners around.
THREE PAY DAYS Wednesday 31 July, £10, 5:30pm & 8:30pm The Sanctuary Theatre - Directed by Paula McFetridge, Three Pay Days is a riveting new play from Alice Malseed, author of The Half Moon. It’s a searing portrayal of the human cost of austerity within a rigged social security system.
TUMBLE CIRCUS PRESENTS ‘BANJAXED’, Sunday 4 August, 12pm & 4:30pm, £5, Malone Rugby Club - Come and experience hammer-smashing inspired circus crafted in Belfast by Tumble Circus: the Irish Cirque de Soleil – if Cirque de Soleil was hit by a bus. 35 minutes of death-defying aerial hula hoops, duo trapeze, slapstick, and loads of craic for the whole family.
Plus look out for Soultrane and Hotbox Entertainment championing music of black origin and MOBO-inspired artists, walks and talks exploring history, heritage, beats & bites, silver screenings with Strand Arts Centre at Connswater Shopping Centre, literary an poetry readings, board games, Shakespeare and much more!
For the full festival programme and ticket information visit www.eastsidearts.net
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EastSide Visitor Centre, BelfastEastSide Visitor Centre provides a base from which visitors can explore the east of the city. Visitors can access information on attractions from digital screens with interpretation panels and a wall map.
