In our UNESCO City of Music and right across Northern Ireland, gig promoters are often the unsung heroes of the music scene. These passionate individuals and collectives are the lifeblood of our industry, orchestrating the magic that happens on stage night after night. It’s easy to overlook their contribution, but without them, the music we love wouldn’t reach the ears it deserves to.

Here at Music Connections, we believe it’s crucial that we recognise their efforts and give them the support they need to continue their invaluable work. Nurturing these promoters means nurturing the future of music itself, ensuring that the sounds we love continue to resonate across our cities and towns.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best gig promoters on our radar—those who are making waves and keeping the spirit of live music alive in Northern Ireland.

If you think we’ve missed someone who deserves a spotlight, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at news@musicconnections.com. Together, let’s continue to celebrate and support those who make our scene what it is today.

Strange Victory Presents

Helmed by Darren Smyth, Strange Victory has long been regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s most reliable and well-informed gig promoters.

Since 2008, Darren has promoted over 200 shows featuring some of the most acclaimed international acts, particularly in the realms of indie rock, folk, and experimental music. For an independent promoter, it’s an unparalleled track record—something the Strange Victory website proudly showcases.

Learn more about Strange Victory here.

Moving On Music

An independent, not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, Moving On Music is the leading promoter of jazz, folk, roots, traditional, classical, and other niche music in Northern Ireland. Established in 1995, they’ve spent almost 30 years as a cornerstone of the music community. Whether it’s their incredible annual jazz festival, Brilliant Corners, their monthly experimental music night, Handmade Music, or countless other events, no team is more clued-in or dependable.

Follow Moving On Music here.

Bright Green Octopus

Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music status owes much to independent live music promoters like Bright Green Octopus.

Supporting grassroots music since 2015, they’ve passionately championed local talent in venues such as The Pavilion. Their commitment is as impressive as their perseverance, ensuring Belfast’s music scene remains vibrant for years to come.

Follow Bright Green Octopus here.

Bedroom Community

If you’ve attended shows at the Ulster Sports Club in recent years, there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed one organised by Bedroom Community. As one of Belfast’s newest independent promoters, their Instagram page reflects a deep passion for the local music scene, spanning genres and offering something for everyone.

Get the latest on Bedroom Community here.

SONI

Run by singer-songwriter, Pay*Ola frontman and tireless music champion Philip McCarroll, SONI (Sounds of NI) has long been a staple for up-and-coming artists from Northern Ireland. Whether at The Pavilion, the iconic Empire Music Hall, or elsewhere, SONI shows consistently feature the best in fresh, genre-spanning music.

Follow SONI here.

The Distortion Project

Northern Ireland’s leading heavy metal concert promotions company, The Distortion Project, is helmed by James Loveday.

Over the last few years, he’s been responsible for countless shows of a heavier disposition in venues like Voodoo and Limelight. In addition to promoting concerts, The Distortion Project offers band and tour management, making it a key player in the rock and metal scene.

Stay in the loop with The Distortion Project here.

Table It! Promotions

One of Belfast’s most promising young music professionals, Addison Paterson launched Table It! Promotions in January 2020. Despite the challenges posed by lockdown, she’s curated a string of well-thought-out shows at venues like The Black Box and The Sunflower. For Table It!, it’s about quality over quantity, and we’re all for it.

Follow Table It! here.

Asphyxia

For a relatively small city, Belfast punches above its weight when it comes to live music. Asphyxia is a newer name in the DIY circuit but is making waves.

Helmed by Ross Cullen, Ethan Rea, Conall Coulter, and Sienna-Lillie Munn (pictured above) Asphyxia is known for transforming venues like the Ulster Sports Club with vibrant decorations, band posters, and subcultural ephemera—bringing the energy of their early house shows to bigger stages.

Stay up-to-date with Asphyxia here.

The Night Institute

A legendary club night, The Night Institute is at the forefront of Belfast’s electronic music scene. Run by Jordan Nocturne and T-Bone (Timmy Stewart), TNI is more than just a party—it’s a creative community with a world-class record label. Whether in pubs, clubs, or open-air venues, TNI continues to push boundaries.

Follow The Night Institute here.

Twitch

Few electronic music promoters in Belfast are as essential as Twitch. Celebrating 18 years of unmissable events and parties, Twitch covers the full spectrum of electronic music. Their influence is undeniable, and there’s no doubt they’ll continue to shape the scene for years to come.

Hit up Twitch here.

Crilli DnB

As Belfast’s only dedicated drum & bass and jungle night, Crilli DnB has been blazing a trail since 2005. With nearly two decades of experience hosting world-class events, Crilli has cemented itself as the go-to for genre enthusiasts, showcasing impeccable curation and unmatched dedication.

Follow Crilli here.

Danse Intermission

Danse Intermission is a Belfast-based party that delivers all your Italo and cosmic music needs.

Created in January 2020 by Lorcán and Andrew, this event series is rooted in a passion for dance music, intertwining art, history, and culture. Their events are known for their immersive atmosphere, blending different elements to create a unique experience for attendees.

Give Danse Intermission a follow here.

Plain Sailing

In recent years, Plain Sailing has quickly established itself as one of Belfast’s most exciting electronic music nights. Helmed by Andrew Moore and Peter Gibney, this dynamic duo has hosted parties at the Ulster Sports Club, Laverys, and beyond. Their events bring fresh artists to the city while showcasing their talents as two of Belfast’s top DJ pairings.

Get the latest on Plain Sailing here.

Volume Control

Based at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Volume Control is an award-winning youth events and industry mentoring programme. It empowers young people aged 14-18 to plan and deliver their own live music events, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in the music industry.

Learn more about Volume Control here.