Events

Thursday 1 Aug - Friday 9 Aug
2pm - 6pm

An exhibition of artists’ limited edition prints. Produced and curated by our members, this exhibition will showcase a series of limited edition prints of original artwork. All work will be for sale and can be purchased on site. 

Translink and EastSide Arts have come together to create a very special event just for grandparents and their grandchildren. The Translink Smartpass offers free journeys on all Translink services for the over-60’s and since under 5’s also get free travel on all Translink services, what better way to spend a special together than to travel to C.S. Lewis Square with Translink and meet Mr Tumnus? Simply book your (free) ticket online and present your Smartpass on arrival. Mr Tumnus (the first person that Lucy meets when she arrives in Narnia in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) will take you on a magical tour of the Narnian sculptures in C.S. Lewis Square, followed by refreshments in Jack Café. Why not stay on and enjoy the Festival Fayre celebrations in C.S. Lewis Square at 5.30pm to round off your day?

On the first Thursday of every month, galleries and studios stay up late so audiences can enjoy Belfast’s extraordinary art scene in a different way. Meander round on your own, or with friends. Look at all sorts of art, hear some background from the artists and soak up the atmosphere. Join us for this special Late Night Art East as part of the festival, at the following venues:

To book, visit www.belfastarttours.co.uk or contact Rhonda on 07742101036

Matt McGinn is a singer, songwriter and producer from the foothills of the Mourne Mountains in Hilltown, Co. Down. You can hear by his warm worn powerful rasping voice, and his worldly-wise lyrics that this is not Matt's first dance. Far from it...

 In 2018 he released his third full length studio album, 'The End of the Common Man' to great acclaim for both its musicality and strong social message. His current project 'Lessons of War' sees collaborations with musicians across the globe who have experienced war or conflict.

Matt will be joined onstage by John McCullough, Colm McClean & Nicky Scott

 "An outstanding blend of soulful passion and melody that will haunt and inspire...9/10" AMERICANA UK

F: 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
S: 10am, 11am, 12pm

Baby Daddy is a show for babies aged 6-18 months with an all-male cast.  Three actor-musicians perform to 6-8 babies at a time (and their grown-ups) in our specially-designed tourable theatre space. The performance will last 30 minutes, with optional stay and play.

Baby Daddy has been developed in consultation with Bright Sparks Daycare, Belfast.

Suitable for babies aged 6-18 months

Words and music collide in this exciting collaboration between the EastSide Choir and Women Aloud NI. For the second year running, members of the award-winning writing collective will respond to a selection of songs – performed live by the choir - with readings of brand new work, penned especially for this evening. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the results of this unique partnership, in the atmospheric setting of St. Martin’s Church.

EastSide Community Choir was formed in June 2016, and continues to grow in popularity under the musical direction of Ryan Greer, performing music across all genres.

Women Aloud NI was founded by Jane Talbot in 2015. It is a voluntary organisation which aims to raise the profile of the women's writing scene in Northern Ireland

This is a perfect session to allow those new to the concept of Sound as a healing and therapeutic tool, the chance to experience it in a safe environment.

Magic is currently going through a revival in the UK and the magic scene in Northern Ireland is growing from strength to strength. This course introduces enthusiastic beginners to the secret world of the magician, guided by professional magician Caolan McBride.

Suitable for ages 15+

Collaborative DIY 'zine workshop based on mental health and creative therapy hosted by Thread & Ink collective.

Following sell-out tours of Dundonald Cemetery two years in a row, EastSide Arts Festival makes a return to the Cemetery for 2019. Led by local 'taphophile' (look it up!) Peter McCabe, this 90-minute tour will call at 20 graves including those of (Flight Lieutenant) Henry Joy McCracken, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon, Dr Fleming Fulton and Horatio Todd, as well as the final resting places of 2 survivors of the Titanic, and a local man who was shipwrecked 5 times!

Come and join the party at the annual Festival Fun Day where there will be a host of activities for all ages!

Highlights include;

We are also delighted to invite community groups, volunteers, artists and individuals to get in the party spirit by making something crafty to decorate the square.  If you would like to get involved or find out more information, visit www.eastsidearts.net

Join Belfast street artist Emic who will show you the basics of aerosol painting techniques like line control, tagging, fades. Together the group and the artist will work together to create a large-scale mural on the walls of the Vault. The workshop is suitable for beginners and those with previous experience.

Join artist/printmaker Jonathan Brennan for this fun introduction to linocut where you will learn how to carve, ink and print your own lino creation. Printing using a spoon and a press will be covered. Bring some ideas - drawings, photos - simple bold images work best. Materials provided.

Join your guide Lynn Corken on this fascinating journey through the East Belfast of Van’s youth; a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the places that the singer knew as a child growing up in this part of the city.  Many of these places, and the people who lived here, were inspirational to Van and are referenced in his lyrics and music.  The tour lasts approx. 2 hours and covers a distance of 3.5km. Come prepared for the weather and wear comfortable footwear.

Step in and try a bit of Ballroom dancing with Live to Dance. Fancy a Foxtrot? Want to learn a Waltz? Come along to a 2-hour taster class and give it a go… No partner necessary, no previous dance experience, bring your two left feet and all your friends!

Become a pro at making the world’s most famous cocktails and enjoy the spoils of your labour with this cocktail masterclass. Learn when to shake, when to stir and how to balance a wide variety of ingredients in this session with Brand Ambassador Alex Johnston as he guides you in how to make some delicious beverages.

1st - 3rd August 

A Thought for your Pennies… Never judge a cover by its book… Everything will be rain as right… What happens when the world stops making sense?

A powerful human story about family, love and the breakdown of the familiar in living with Dementia. Ray was raised by his grandfather, who lived his life as an International boxer. Unfortunately, Granda’s health regresses with a common condition among older fighters called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, causing rapid deterioration. Ray must now transition from Granda’s student to his carer, whilst also pursuing his own boxing career, the girl he loves and the everyday struggles of life.

Presented by Tinderbox Take Away Theatre Programme

Age 14+

Project Dance is a C.R.E.A.T.I.V.E learning weekend for everything dance.

This is the first dance event of its kind to happen in Northern Ireland and promises to be an incredible weekend. Over 2 days Project Dance will host over 40 workshops and seminars with some of the dance industry’s top professionals, teaching all styles of dance from Ballet to Breaking, for every age and ability. Dancers will also get the opportunity to train on a one-to-one basis with world class professionals, learn about mental health within the arts and attend seminars promoting health and well-being.

East Belfast Yoga and artists from Vault Artists Studios collaborate to bring you two very special festival yoga practices, each supported by a musician and visual artist from east Belfast's largest arts collective. Completely unrehearsed, the artists will respond to the yoga and the yoga flow will respond in return.

Accessible to yogis of all levels, the teachers come from Yoga Quarter, a yoga studio based in Ballyhackamore. Mats provided. 

East Belfast Yoga is an initiative of Yoga Quarter and Maitri Studio Belfast.

Mr. Mess is going about his day but accidents are never far away.  From uppity umbrellas to bursting balloons, nothing is going to plan.  With a smile on his face & a giggle in his heart, Mr. Mess fumbles his way through the simplest of tasks.  He's lanky, foolish & there's more to his suitcase than meets the eye!

Mr. Mess is a fun family show suitable for all ages. There’s no dialogue, so even the littlest audience members can follow & may even get to join in!  Expect lots of fun & balloon popping in this charming show.

The show runs at approximately 35 minutes 

Suitable for ages 4yrs+

Performed by Stephen Beggs & Conor Doran. A duo of excellent local actors perform David Mamet’s thoughtful comedy about two men on a park bench talking about life, the universe….and ducks. This bite-size classic of world theatre is touching, life-affirming, tear-jerking and laugh-out-loud funny – all in 45 minutes!

If you miss it, sure you’ll have no idea what’s going on.

With building positive relations at its core, the Institute for Conflict Research is delighted to accompany the launch of the Intercultural Friendship Group’s vegan cookbook ‘Peaceful Tummies, Peaceful Neighbours’ with a panel discussion and a ‘taste’ of things to come. Join us for an afternoon with the Netflix Chef’s Table star Asma Khan, east Belfast’s Cultured Club Alchemist, Dearbla and the intrepid pursuer of liberties for all, Baroness Chakrobarti, CBE PC.

This event is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

East Belfast Yoga and artists from Vault Artists Studios collaborate to bring you two very special festival yoga practices, each supported by a musician and visual artist from east Belfast's largest arts collective. Completely unrehearsed, the artists will respond to the yoga and the yoga flow will respond in return.

Accessible to yogis of all levels, the teachers come from Yoga Quarter, a yoga studio based in Ballyhackamore. Mats provided. 

East Belfast Yoga is an initiative of Yoga Quarter and Maitri Studio Belfast.

Join local Crime Fiction Ulster Noir writers Simon Maltman & Gerard Brennan for an evening of readings, chat and music. They will discuss crime writing from East Belfast and beyond, amid the boom in Irish Crime Fiction. Expect some readings, a bit of banter and a few crime related songs!

Simon Maltman is an Amazon Bestselling author. His most recent novel is The Sidewinder, released by Solstice Publishing. 

 "A terrifically gritty thriller." 

 Jo Spain

Gerard Brennan is a Spinetingler award-winning author. His most recent novel is Disorder, released by No Alibis Press. 

“A unique voice in contemporary Irish fiction.”

Stuart Neville

We’ve teamed up with Irish Tour Tickets this year to offer a bespoke George Best Bus Tour taking in a guided tour of Windsor Park, access to the George Best House and a visit to the final resting place of ‘the Belfast boy’ in Roselawn Cemetery. On this tour you will hear stories of George’s early life growing up in east Belfast, his incredible footballing career and how his charisma still touches the lives of so many people from all around the world today. 

This two-hour walking tour, led by local historian, author and tour guide, Lolly Spence, will take you through the heart of east Belfast, following in the footsteps of the ‘Yardmen’ who built the ships that would wear out the oceans.  The walk will cover about two miles, so a good level of fitness is required.  Please wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella, just in case.

In partnership with Tullycarnet Yarnspinners

Join Liz Weir and friends for a relaxing afternoon of tales and tunes in Tullycarnet Library. Tullycarnet has been hosting yarn spinning outings for adults for the past 26 years and during this special event, a variety of storytellers and musicians will accompany Libraries NI Storyteller-in-Residence Liz Weir for a relaxing afternoon of tales and tunes.

Peacock Angell draws the audience into the world of working-class Northern Irish shipyard poet and dramatist Thomas Carnduff, performing original musical settings of his poems interwoven with fascinating biographical excerpts from early-20th century Belfast.

Violinist/singer Ruth Angell (Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers) brings her spellbinding voice, and Sid Peacock his dextrous acoustic guitar, to this truly captivating mix of music, poetry and history. With special guest Steve Tromans.

'Wildly creative.' Independent on Sunday

This event is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Sam McCready who was a lifelong supporter of east Belfast and friend to the festival. He and his wife Joan were key collaborators for Songs of the Shipyard at ESAF ‘17. He is very much missed.

Uncover the hidden Gaelic history of East Belfast on this 90 minute bus tour from the ill-starred Irish lord Conn O’Neill to the family raised entirely in Irish on the Castlereagh Road in the 1950s. Hear about the native Irish-speaking Methodist preacher buried on the Newtownards Road and the activities of the Ballymacarrett, Bloomfield and Breda branches of the Gaelic League. Visit the east Belfast that you never knew existed. 

Aidan Campbell takes us on a journey around east Belfast exploring some of the homes of the wealthy business owners and the families who lived in them.

Steven Rainey is a writer and broadcaster from Northern Ireland. Throughout the festival, he'll be hosting events at the Framewerk Gallery, where he'll be discussing writing and reading, as well as continuing work on his novel.

Some of the best local music writers come together for a 'State of the Nation' address, looking at the recent past, the present, and the near future of music writing. With print media increasingly becoming a thing of the past, are the days of the traditional music journalist numbered? Or will this roguishly ignoble profession manage to pull off another evolution?
 

Throughout the seventies, eighties and nineties, the events of the Troubles were headline news throughout the world. Reporting the Troubles brings together over sixty stories from the journalists who were on the ground. A remarkable, important book that spans the thirty-year conflict, from the day in 1969 that the violence erupted on Duke Street in Derry, to the Good Friday Agreement and the Omagh bomb.

Join the book’s editors – award-winning journalists Deric Henderson (former Ireland Editor of the Press) and Ivan Little (UTV, ITN, Belfast Telegraph) – as they discuss their first-hand experiences in the field and answer your questions about life as a reporter during this momentous period in Northern Ireland’s history.

Deric and Ivan will be joined by special guest Eamonn Mallie (RTE, BBC, Downtown Radio) for this event. 

‘The King Of East Belfast’ is the story of two men, both called Clark Groves.  One was a bookie at Holywood Arches in the 1950s – a big man with a character to match.  His grandson owned and ran the much-loved Groves Hardware at Ballyhackamore throughout the Troubles and into peacetime.  2020 will see the premiere of a theatre performance about the life and times of these two men.  This year, come along and hear theatre maker Stephen Beggs discuss the story so far.  Expect tall tales and true stories a plenty!

 

Take a break from your shopping for some beary bookish fun with children's author, Myra Zepf.  Hear bear stories, dress as Benno the bear and learn how to make a simple origami bear to take home. Could you really bear to miss it?? All ages of children (and their grown-ups) are welcome.

The Irish Video Game Orchestra are giving players of any age an opportunity to sit along with their musicians and play through a few of the pieces included in their main concert at 7pm in The Big Top. If you would like to take part in this please contact the IVGO via Facebook or Instagram, or at ivgorchestra@gmail.com before the end of July - this is to confirm instrument availability and provide parts.

Recommended ability is Grade 4-8 and above. 

Please bring cash on the day. 

The Irish Video Game Orchestra are a team of forward-thinking musicians who merge modern music with classical composition to create new and exciting renditions of scores from video games, anime, film and TV. The IVGO have been shortlisted for national and international awards and have played across Ireland, entertaining audiences of all ages with a dynamic mix of modern and classical music, played alongside a stunning large screen visual display.

Join award-winning children's author, Myra Zepf for a story-making brainstorm, using props and prompts to spark your imagination and give your brain a creative work out!

Suitable for ages 6+

Sway (or perhaps shuffle!) your way to our very special Tea Dance at Knocknagoney Community Centre. Whether you're up for a shimmy or would prefer to wind down to your favourite tunes, you'll find a warm welcome - and cup of tea - here. With fantastic live music and plenty of friendly faces, why not book yourself in for the perfect afternoon treat?

Booking essential, please email hindsm@belfastcity.gov.uk or call 02890761432

Are you a budding photographer with a keen interest in your local Greenway or even just fancy trying something new? Join our photographer Carrie Davenport for a short crash course on basic photography and then enjoy a tour of the beautiful Connswater Community Greenway, stopping to take in the scenery and some photos along the way.

In association with Connswater Community Greenway Trust

Ireland's only revolutionary circus. Hand crafted and brewed in Belfast. Tumble Circus are fully organic, gluten free and gender neutral. Be prepared to have your mind blown, witness kick ass circus skills and laugh out loud comedy. One hour of hammer-smashing Belfast inspired circus to start the weekend early…in style!

Tumble Circus is an international, award-winning company based in east Belfast, run from caravans, hotel rooms and a Ford Transit van. The company has toured extensively throughout Ireland, Europe and the world.

Full bar service available.

Age PG

Out of the heart of darkness that was Northern Ireland in 1978 shone a chink of light – punk rock. From both sides of the sectarian divide, the children of war came together to choose music over bombs and bullets. This special double-bill screening will give you a rare glimpse into this alternative Ulster – buzzing with luminous characters and creative energy.

In his global cult classic Shellshock Rock (1979), documentary maker John T. Davis captured the reactionary sounds of bands Stiff Little Fingers, Rudi, The Undertones and Protex. Davis’ subsequent film, Self-Conscious Over You (1980), is an invaluable record of the Good Vibrations benefit concert in the Ulster Hall.  

As a special festival event we will also be screening a short 8mm film recently discovered in an attic, recorded by John Roddy on a Cine Camera, of people attending the Pound Club in 1969. You never know who you might see! 

Boys wear blue and girls wear pink. Or can they wear both? Is it true that girls and boys are so different? Two clowns explore all these questions and play with what is means to be a boy or a girl… or maybe both… or maybe neither! With silliness and fun, this show aims to find out if we can all be who we want to be and accept others as they are too!

Directed by Gemma Mae Halligan, starring Gemma Mae Halligan and Jude Quinn. This is a non-verbal show with music by Neil Foster, duration approx. 40 minutes.

Age 4+

East Broadway is a local theatre company based in east Belfast, offering theatre opportunities for children and young people aged 4-18. This workshop will give a taster of what they offer at East Broadway and how working with a qualified team can benefit your learning ability. East Broadway host a summer scheme for ages 4-16 from the 19th- 23rd August called ‘The Greatest Summer Scheme’ themed on the hit film ‘The Greatest Showman.’ You will be able to secure a place on the day of the workshop.

Pay at the door. 

Born in 2017, the NINE-piece Box Car Blues Brothers band hail from Belfast and surrounding boroughs. Bringing you full on rhythm and blues, blues, and soul sounds with sunglasses on. 

Join us for a high energy soul, blues and rhythm and blues revue this Summer. All the hits from the movie and more will keep you moving from beginning to end, and wanting more...

Shake A Tailfeather * Everybody Needs Somebody * Soul Man * Think * Minnie the Moocher * Rawhide * Sweet Home Chicago * Hey Bartender * Flip Flop & Fly * Jailhouse Rock and many more hits from the Blues Brothers and soul universe

The 2018 emergence of Kitt Philippa with new single ‘Human’ and follow up single 'Grace' has been championed by Mary Anne Hobbs (BBC 6 Music), Phil Taggart (BBC Radio 1) and RTE 2FM amongst others. Throughout 2018, KP showcased their new material to festival audiences across Ireland and the UK including support slots with SOAK, Villagers, Lisa Hannigan and Hilary Woods. They closed out 2018 by winning 'Single of the Year' at the Northern Ireland Music Prize for their single 'Human'.

“They are extraordinary. I think they are a shining future star” Mary Anne Hobbs (BBC 6 Music)
 

Belfast dream-pop trio Beauty Sleep have just launched their highly anticipated new album, Be Kind, featuring singles ‘The Dark’, ‘Rainbow Ballroom’ and ‘The Feeling Back’. With subtle, indie-tinged pop hooks, soaring guitar driven choruses and a sound fueled by a unique, vibrant spirit, the captivating debut record showcases a young group clearly in love with the process of creating music together. Expect to hear golden vocal harmonies, dazzling synths and earworm hooks from a band with a well-deserved reputation for their frenetic live performances when they take to the Big Top stage.
 

“It’s upbeat, joyous and melodic dream pop music.” Nialler9

Sonja Sleator has established herself as one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable singer/songwriters. Her personal and engaging songs have led to appearances on local radio, television and at festivals including Hard Working Class Heroes.

“Raw and honest songwriting” – XS Noise.

 

Join historical novelist and east Belfast native Heather Richardson for a chance to delve into the history of the area, and use what you find out as the starting point for your own creative writing. This practical workshop will combine exploring the area, analysing local history resources such as the 1911 census, and trying your hand at bringing the past to life through fiction.

Suitable for beginners and more experienced writers. The workshop will involve a short walk close to the workshop venue.

Drag Queen Story Time brings your favourite childhood stories to life through the art of drag!

Join Lady Portia Di’Monte, Onya Becks and Cherrie Ontop for a morning of family friendly fun, where they will read from books that will take you on an adventure filled with laughter and colour and teach you to be you!

Drag Queen Story Time has been in libraries and venues across Northern Ireland, championing individuality and inclusivity amongst its young audiences, and is now coming to EastSide Arts Festival! Featuring singalongs and dancing, this event is suitable for all ages and families.

New to east Belfast, QSS are delighted to welcome you to visit our studios as part of this year’s festival. With 37 studios on site, this event provides a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to gain behind-the-scenes access to the workplaces of some of Belfast’s brightest emerging and established artists and to explore a vast and diverse selection of artwork. Guided exhibition tour @ 2pm with Art Historian, Dr. Riann Coulter.

During the 1960s and 70s, east Belfast’s energetic music scene found its home in The Pound. Relive the atmosphere at this special gig with Pound legends Light and The Monarchs, as they recreate the sounds of Belfast’s hippest club in its heyday.

Belfast rock band Light featured Jim Armstrong (Them) on guitar and played to packed venues throughout the 70s. Tonight, bassist/vocalist Albert Mills joins forces with new talent to faithfully reproduce the old songs.

The Monarchs played with Van Morrison and the same nightclub circuit as The Beatles in Germany. Join original members and special guests John Wilson (Taste, Thin Lizzy) and Rod Derick (The Strawbs, Dr. John) for their first reunion in over fifty years!

Katie Shannon is a Glaswegian artist whose work flows between events, print, installation and performance. At the 343 she presents an episode of an ongoing work in progress derived from a time carved out via elongated adolescence; exploring connections between melancholy, spectral notions of future, nostalgia, music cultures and kinships found at the end of an evening. Her practice is convivial by nature. This audio-visual performance will be produced in collaboration with Cucina Povera aka Maria Rossi, a Finnish-born Luxembourgish musician who experiments with layered vocals, field recordings and minimal synthesis. Rossi will respond sonically (live) to Shannon’s narrative essay and feedback film work. 

 

Back in the day, The Pound was the epicentre of Belfast’s emerging punk scene – now, fifty years later, three veterans of the era are making a reappearance, back on their old stomping ground...Henry Cluney and Jim Reilly graced the stage as Stiff Little Fingers, and are now returning as XSLF in a show that will have Fingers fans singing along to classics like "Alternative Ulster" and "Gotta Gettaway."

Protex played regular gigs in The Pound and once, famously, had to cut their set short to catch the last bus home! They are back, fresh from touring USA, Japan and Europe.

DJ Johnny Hero brings The Ex Producers to the party with anthems like “Newer Wave '79" and "Loyalty"

An hour long painting and drawing workshop for families - participants will experiment with a range of techniques to create one GIANT unique artwork! Prepare to get messy!!! With art facilitators Amy Higgins and Rachel Lawell.

To book, contact gallery@queenstreetstudios.net or call 07495 013947

Suitable for ages 6+

Try out a variety of painting styles and processes in this supportive and interactive painting circle. Materials provided, but feel free to bring along any painting equipment you wish to use. Facilitated by Amy Higgins & Rachel Lawell.

Email gallery@queenstreetstudios.net or call 07495 013947 to book a place. 

Join Lady P and a host of cabaret stars from across Ireland as they pull down the final curtain on the 2019 EastSide Arts Festival with more glitz, glam and excitement then Liberace’s underwear drawer!

This isn't your average cabaret show, oh no, it's got high heels, low humour and big hair! We're talking sequins, stilettos and attitude with your host Lady Portia Di'Monte, Northern Ireland's first lady of Drag and the most beautiful face never to be discovered.

Lady P will be joined by Miss Bunny O'Hare, Miss Onya Becks and Miss Cherrie On Top and a few special guests. Expect sassy banter, sketches, party songs, competitions and live vocals as this ostentatious line-up take you through some of their favourite movies and TV shows and get your toes tapping. What have you got to lose, other than your voice from cheering?!

Age 16+

Tai Chi for Beginners is a range of simple movements which will improve your health, energy and well being.

*This activity is for over 18s due to insurance*

Meet at Victoria Park Pavilion. Class will be held within a marquee.

Developed in partnership with EBCDA.

This is a FREE event but booking is required.

Thursday 1 Aug - Friday 30 Aug

‘Alleys and Rivers of the East’ is a series of artworks by artist Jonathan Brennan on the theme of alleyways, greenways and rivers in East Belfast. Comprising works on paper and unique multi-photograph compositions, the exhibition will also feature Brennan’s short film Alleys of the East. The subject of alleys, or entries, and the ways in which we use them has intrigued Brennan from his arrival in Belfast. Exhibiting some of the alley pieces in 2017, he has since turned his attention to the hidden rivers of East Belfast, following them under bridges and down culverts as they snake through our semi-urban landscape. The result is a fascinating mix of monotypes, cyanotypes, etchings, photographs and video.