Belfast International Arts Festival – Northern Ireland 2025
Background & History
The Belfast International Arts Festival, originally established in 1962 as the Queen’s University Festival, is Northern Ireland’s longest-running international arts event. Initially hosted by Queen’s University until 2015, it transitioned into an independent organization, becoming a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The festival has grown into a globally recognized celebration of contemporary arts, showcasing theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, and film. Its mission is to be a preeminent, progressive arts event, engaging both local and global communities in diverse, high-quality artistic experiences. The 63rd edition in 2025 continues this legacy, presenting world-class performances across Belfast.
Event Highlights
- World-class performances in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, and film, featuring international and local artists.
- Notable shows include Martin Hayes Trio at the Grand Opera House, Lisa O’Neill at The MAC, and Chris Smither at The Black Box.
- Unique collaborations like “Our Voice Together Now,” a dance exchange between Belfast, Cairo, and Ramallah, and “Future Parade,” a youth-led creative project.
- The International Showcase, highlighting Northern Ireland’s theatre and performing arts, and free events like “Wild” by Motionhouse at CS Lewis Square.
Date & Duration
Dates: October 15 – November 9, 2025
Duration: 26 days
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Venue / Location
City: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Main Office: 4th Floor, Cathedral Quarter Managed Workspace, 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom.
Notable Venues: Events take place across over 30 venues, including the Grand Opera House, The MAC, Lyric Theatre, The Black Box, Ulster Hall, and CS Lewis Square.
Contact Information
Phone: +44 28 9033 2261
Box Office: +44 28 9024 6609
Email: enquiries@belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
Website: belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
Box Office Email: ticketing@visitbelfast.com
Ticket Information
Tickets can be purchased online through the festival’s official website or via Visit Belfast’s Box Office at +44 28 9024 6609 or ticketing@visitbelfast.com. In-person booking is available at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre. Estimated ticket prices range from $11 to $29 per day, based on historical data, with final pricing to be confirmed in August 2025. Community Ticket Schemes may offer free or subsidized tickets. VIP or special seating options may be available for select performances, subject to venue policies.
Cultural Experience
Visitors can immerse themselves in Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene, with performances blending global and local traditions. Expect contemporary theatre, avant-garde dance, traditional Irish music, and thought-provoking literary talks. Costumes and set designs vary by performance, from modern minimalist to traditional Irish aesthetics. The festival fosters inclusivity, with events reflecting diverse cultural identities and community collaborations, such as the youth-driven “Future Parade” and international dance projects.
Food & Drinks
While the festival itself does not focus on food, Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter offers a range of dining options. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish dishes like Ulster fry, soda bread, or seafood chowder at nearby restaurants. Local pubs serve Guinness, craft beers, and Irish whiskeys. Some events, like “My English Persian Kitchen” at the Lyric Theatre, feature live cooking, showcasing Persian cuisine.
Family & Accessibility
The festival is family-friendly, with events like “The Musicians of Bremen Live!” and “Unlocking Sherlock” at Cityside Retail Park designed for younger audiences. Accessibility features include performances with integrated audio descriptions, such as “Head Over Wheels” at CS Lewis Square. Venues like The MAC and Lyric Theatre offer wheelchair access and other accommodations; check specific venues for details.
Getting There
- Airports: Belfast International Airport (BFS) is 20 miles from the city center (30-minute drive). George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is 3 miles away (10-minute drive).
- Public Transport: Translink operates buses and trains to Belfast city center. The Europa Buscentre and Great Victoria Street train station are nearby. Metro buses serve the Cathedral Quarter.
- Parking: Limited parking is available near 109-113 Royal Avenue; public car parks are located at Cathedral Quarter and Victoria Square.
- Walking: Many venues, including the main office, are within walking distance in the Cathedral Quarter.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
When will the full festival programme be announced?
The full programme for the 2025 Belfast International Arts Festival will be announced in August 2025 on the official website, belfastinternationalartsfestival.com.
How can I purchase tickets for the festival?
Tickets can be bought online via the festival website, by phone at +44 28 9024 6609, or in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre. Check for Community Ticket Schemes for potential free or subsidized tickets.
Are there any free events during the festival?
Yes, the festival offers free events, such as "Wild" by Motionhouse at CS Lewis Square and exhibitions, as part of its Embrace Programme to promote accessibility.
Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?
Many venues, like The MAC and Lyric Theatre, offer wheelchair access, and some performances include audio descriptions. Contact specific venues or the festival office for detailed accessibility information.
Can I submit a performance proposal for the festival?
The Belfast International Arts Festival is a curated programme and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Contact the festival team for partnership or collaboration opportunities.
