News

Belfast’s night-time economy could be set for a major lift with the introduction of a new late-night bus service, due to launch in November. Announced in September, the “night mover” service is designed to support the city’s hospitality, cultural and creative industries by improving transport links after hours. For venues, artists and audiences alike, it … Continued

In the latest edition of Conversations, we sit down with a bona fide NI music legend and true ambassador of our creative community. As a founding member of North Coast instrumental giants And So I Watch You From Afar, Rory Friers has spent two decades taking boundary-pushing sounds from local rehearsal rooms to some of … Continued

Live Music Now Northern Ireland has received continued support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Annual Funding Programme, ensuring a second year of investment in its work across health, education and community settings. The funding will allow the organisation to deliver a wide range of programmes designed to improve access to live music for … Continued

Output Belfast has once again confirmed its reputation as a cornerstone of the NI music calendar. The free conference and showcase festival returned to the Cathedral Quarter for one of its most successful outings to date, drawing large crowds of industry professionals, artists and audiences. Across the day, talks and panels explored pressing issues for … Continued

The shortlists for this year’s NI Music Prize have been announced. Once again set to take over the iconic Ulster Hall on 12th November as part of this year’s Sound of Belfast Festival, the biggest night in the NI music calendar will celebrate and honour the best in local music. Acts across the scene will … Continued

Composers across Belfast are invited to apply for the third edition of the Leiria International Music Composition Competition. Held annually in Leiria, Portugal – a UNESCO Creative City of Music, like Belfast – the competition is designed to promote contemporary music creation and build connections between local musicians and emerging composers worldwide. The 2025 edition … Continued

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced the four new acts joining its Scratch My Progress talent development programme for 2025: GUSH, The Thing Is…, Pinsleep and Lord Jane. Now in its 14th year, the scheme continues to provide mentoring, showcases and practical support for emerging artists, with backing from PRS Foundation and IMRO. Over the … Continued

One of NI’s leading independent promoters, Moving On Music, has announced that it is seeking a new Music Touring Officer for a fixed-term contract beginning late November/early December 2025. The role is being offered as maternity cover and will run until 31st October 2026. Since its foundation in 1995, Moving On Music has become a … Continued

The longlists for this year’s Northern Ireland Music Prize are now live. Recognised as the biggest night in the NI music calendar, the Prize returns once again to the iconic Ulster Hall on Wednesday, 12th November as part of the Sound of Belfast festival. As ever, the big prize is the Best Album award. Among … Continued

Starr Records, one of Belfast’s most iconic record shops, has announced the launch of its own station, Radio Starr, set to go live this November as part of the Sound of Belfast programme. The new platform will celebrate and amplify Belfast’s creativity in the run-up to the Northern Ireland Music Prize. Radio Starr will feature … Continued