News

Nightlife advocacy group Free The Night has welcomed the findings of an Independent Review of the Liquor Licensing System in NI, released on 21 February 2025. The review, conducted by the University of Stirling with researchers from Sheffield and Edinburgh, sets out 26 recommendations to modernise licensing laws and bring NI in line with the rest of … Continued

Gig-goers across the UK are being invited to take part in the first-ever Music Fans’ Voice survey, offering a direct opportunity to influence the future of live music. Commissioned by Belfast City Council and other local authorities, the survey gathers fan perspectives on key issues like ticket pricing, venue sustainability, and access to live music. … Continued

Soft Gut Song Camp returns to Analogue Catalogue Recording Studios in 2025, continuing its role as a key collaborative opportunity for songwriters and producers across Ireland. Since launching in 2021, it has provided a space for artists to develop their craft in a focused, collaborative setting. With support from IMRO, the first camp of the … Continued

Northern Ireland-born radio promotions executive Vicki McCall has launched On Aire, a new company offering artist-focused radio plugging, strategy, and consultancy. With nearly a decade in the business, McCall is bringing a fresh, thoughtful approach to campaigns, prioritising artists’ long-term growth and creative vision. The launch follows McCall’s departure as Head of National Radio Promotions … Continued

Belfast City Council is considering the return of Culture Night Belfast in 2025 – and they want your input. Before the pandemic, Culture Night was one of the city’s largest free cultural events, attracting around 100,000 people in 2019. It transformed Belfast’s streets with music, art and performance, making it a key moment in the … Continued

AVA Festival returns to Belfast on 30th-31st May 2025, taking over the iconic Titanic Slipways for its 11th edition. As one of Ireland’s leading electronic music and arts festivals, this year’s event will feature performances from Underworld, Overmono, Ewan McVicar, KI/KI, VTSS and other international and local talent. Irish artists are strongly represented, with performances … Continued

Applications are now open for performers to take part in the 15th anniversary of Stendhal Festival, one of the country’s most celebrated festivals and a summer institution. Scheduled for its return to Limavady in Co. Derry/Londonderry across 4th–6th July 2025, the festival invites submissions from musicians, comedians, poets, dancers, visual artists and performers of all … Continued

The line-up for this year’s Brilliant Corners has been announced, and it’s set to be a must-attend event for any jazz enthusiast. Over the course of eight days, the island’s premier annual jazz festival will take over The Black Box and other venues across Belfast, a UNESCO City of Music, from 28th February to 8th … Continued

Emerging musicians and producers across Northern Ireland: The Creators Forum at AVA London 2025 is an unmissable opportunity for artist development. Presented in association with pointblank Music School, this intensive programme offers: AVA, founded in Belfast, has grown into a global force in electronic music culture. This programme reflects its commitment to inspiring and elevating … Continued

The deadline for the Sounds Atypical Music Grant has been extended to Friday, 24 January 2025, at 4.00 pm. This grant, delivered in partnership between the University of Atypical and Belfast City Council, supports d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent musicians in creating accessible music events and activities across Belfast. The funding is available in three tiers: … Continued