1 August 2018
From unique locations on Northern Ireland’s beautiful beaches and islands to world records and musicals, you don’t want to miss the chance to experience a culturally immersive short-break in Northern Ireland.
Sarah Fisher, Communications Officer at Tourism NI said, “We are excited to support so many engaging events celebrating the culture of Northern Ireland in 2018. We have a dynamic scene made up of a multitude of hugely talented individuals and committed organisations. Given that Lonely Planet has named Belfast and the Causeway Coast as the number one region to visit in 2018, we would encourage everyone to get out and experience not only these fantastic events, but the arts and culture available in all pockets of Northern Ireland”.
- Arts Over Borders, 2 – 19 August: The Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival (2 – 5 August) and Lughnasa FrielFest (9 – 19 August) will celebrate the work and themes of Samuel Beckett and Brian Friel in unique performances throughout northern literary lands. Renowned stars of screen and stage will perform in intriguing locations such as secluded lakeland islands, stunning beaches, Marble Arch Caves (and secret locations too!).
- What Where, 2 – 5 August: Canadian born and Northern Irish raised actor Michael Condron, well-known for his role in Game of Thrones, will join a small team of esteemed actors to depict Beckett’s last play ‘What Where’. This powerful new production hosted by Belfast-based theatre company Kabosh will be held at a secret location in Fermanagh, with the audience departing by bus from Enniskillen Castle.
- The Odyssey by Homer, 9 – 19 August: On the shores of Derry~Londonderry’s Downhill, Magilligan, Ballycastle and Portstewart beaches, Maxine Peake and Imogen Stubbs will take part in an all-female cast honouring Friel’s enthusiasm for the works of Homer. As part of the Arts Over Borders programme, the series is believed to be the first time a woman has performed the orator role of Homer’s play in its 2000-year existence.
- Lisa McGee in Conversation, 18 – 19 August: Friel inspired many Northern Irish playwrights, screen writers and creatives, including none other than the original Derry Girl Lisa McGee. Ahead of a presentation of Friel’s translation of Russian author Chekhov’s Three Sisters, McGee will open the second weekend of Lughnasa FrielFest at Ulster University by discussing her admiration for the iconic dramatist and the meteorological success of Derry Girls.
- Féile 30, West Belfast, 2 – 12 August: Celerating 30 years, Féile an Phobail returns with a bumper line-up of acts which includes street theatre, concerts, discussions, debates and readings, in what is the largest community festival and summer school in Ireland! Noteworthy events include Cara Dillon in concert at the stunning Clonard Monastery, headliner Olly Murs and the Wolfe Tones both playing at Falls Park.
- Stendhal Festival, Limavady, 10 – 11 August: Celebrating all things creative, Stendhal Festival is a multi-award winning festival held in the stunning, scenic surroundings of Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady. The festival hosts a programme of music, poetry, comedy, dance, theatre and contemporary arts and crafts suitable for all the family.
- Good Vibrations, Lyric Theatre, 1 – 30 September: The Lyric Theatre will bring to the stage a musical version of the life and success of Belfast legend Terri Hooley as part of the theatre’s celebration of 50 years at the heart of live theatre in Northern Ireland. ‘Good Vibrations’, named after Hooley’s record shop and label, will explore his efforts to galvanise young musicians in Northern Ireland. The production will explore his drive to create a new community brought to life by the underground punk scene.
- Belfast Culture Night, 21 September: A highlight in NI’s cultural calendar, this celebration has gone from strength to strength and is marking ten years as the city’s largest cultural festival. Having attracted a record-breaking 100,000 visitors in 2017, Belfast Culture Night is seeking to smash another world record this year as visitors are encouraged to partake in the largest tap dance lesson. Register on the Culture Night Belfast website to become a record breaker on 21st September!
- The Belfast International Arts Festival, 16 October – 3 November: This festival brings an eclectic fusion of cutting edge performances to Belfast covering a variety of genres and creative practices which include 11 premiers, 124 events in 23 venues and representation from 12 countries. Artists and performers will be part of an impressive calendar of theatre, visual art, literature, dance and music. Multi Grammy award-winning musicians and Blues legends will delight at #BelFest, with more of the incredible line up still to be revealed. Tickets on sale from 16th August.
- MAC International 2018, 9 November – 31 March 2019: Seen as NI’s version of the Turner Prize and the largest arts prize in Ireland, MAC International offers artists from around the world an opportunity to exhibit at the MAC in Belfast and compete for a prize of £20,000 awarded to the artist deemed to have made an outstanding contribution to the exhibition. MAC International will be free to visit and presents a snapshot of the most exciting and ambitious art practices from across the world.
For more information and full programme of events, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.
