The home of Ash, Snow Patrol, Two Door Cinema Club, Bicep and, of course, Van Morrison, Northern Ireland is renowned the world over for its music and song.
In the late 1970s, it introduced the world to Teenage Kicks. In more recent years, Northern Ireland has become a place where music fans and festival goers can enjoy a wealth of talent and mix of musical cultures and there is something for every music taste. Not quite a gig guide, more the highlights from a music scene that gets better, and bigger, with every passing year.
This is a stonkin’ great weekend of music and fun in the very suitable setting of the Ulster-American Folk Park. Since starting in 1990, Bluegrass Omagh has won global acclaim as one of the biggest and best international festivals of its kind and attracts a wealth of talent from the USA and Europe. It's the perfect day out for all ages!
Since 2017 dance music has had a festival of its own with the AVA Festival, one of Ireland's leading dance music festivals. As well as showcasing the best homegrown talent, organisers always manage to entice top acts into the tent. Located on the iconic Titanic Slipway, this weekend at the end of May is colourful, funky and lots of fun.
It’s big, it’s booming and it can be heard right across the city. When Belsonic takes place in high summer, everyone knows. Stereophonics, Charli XCX, Madness, Snow Patrol and Justin Timberlake are just some of the big acts that will take to the Ormeau Park stage this summer. Slap on the factor fifty and make a beeline for this city centre music festival like no other.
Since it started in 2010, it has made quite the impact on Northern Ireland’s cultural map and has racked up a stack of awards. The festival mixes music genres with comedy, politics and fine food, all based on Ballymully Cottage Farm near Limavady. It has has become the go-to festival for the music cognoscenti in Northern Ireland.
The last week of July usually sees Belfast go mad for trad. Over eight days, lovers of traditional Irish and world music flock to the city from all over Ireland and the UK. Expect lots of music as well as poetry, art, special screenings and intimate chats with surprise guests. Join in as they celebrate for the 7th year in the UNESCO City of Music.
Another weekend to add into your diary is the Eats and Beats Festival in Newcastle. This year will feature a diverse lineup of bands and performers as well as addition events and festivities in venues right across the town, showcasing the food scene of the area. As one of the largest festivals of its kind in the region, It's a foodie’s and music lover’s paradise.
The City Of Derry International Choir Festival returns. Participating choirs taking over Derry with a tidal wave of magical choral music! Get ready for a superb programme of guest artist concerts, competitions, workshops, pop-up choral trail performances and community concerts in venues across the northwest region. This event presents a perfect opportunity to hear a range of choral music while exploring the unique charm of Derry~Londonderry.
This premier arts festival has been featuring great musicians since the late 1960s when Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Ravi Shankar played in its formative years. You can expect an exciting, world-class programme of theatre, dance, classical and roots music, visual arts, film and digital arts, talks and literature accompanied by outreach and educational events. This festival always throws up live acts and performances which enter musical folklore and are remembered for many years after.
The Atlantic Sessions come to Portrush in November. You can catch dozens of Northern Ireland’s finest musicians performing in small and intimate venues over four days. Base yourself here for the festival, explore the Causeway Coastal Route by day and at night wind down with the best in Northern Irish musical talent.
Music is everywhere in Northern Ireland and besides these great festivals, you’re likely to find some of the best of it in the most unexpected places. So keep your eyes, and especially your ears, open.
