News

Ed Sheeran made a surprise visit to Belfast this week to launch his charity, The Ed Sheeran Foundation, in Northern Ireland. The foundation, which focuses on improving access to music education and advocating for increased support for the arts, will provide funding to three local organisations: Drake Music NI, HotBox Entertainment and the Oh Yeah … Continued

A bronze statue of legendary Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher has been unveiled outside Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall, celebrating his life, music, and lasting influence on the city. The tribute, inspired by a 1972 Melody Maker magazine cover featuring Gallagher onstage at Ulster Hall, was created by Anto Brennan, Jessica Checkley, and David O’Brien of Bronze … Continued

Ireland’s premier electronic music festival, Emerge, is set to return to Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast on 23rd and 24th August 2025, promising its most ambitious edition yet. With over 80 artists performing across four stages, the festival will combine cutting-edge sound and visuals to create an immersive experience. Headlining the first wave of … Continued

Funded by Belfast City Council in association with Workplus, the Music Matters Internship Programme offers a great opportunity for individuals looking to develop their careers in the Belfast music industry. Designed to help nurture the next generation of music professionals, this programme connects talented individuals with some of Belfast’s leading music businesses, providing invaluable work … Continued

AVA Belfast, Ireland’s premier electronic music festival, is set to return on 30th and 31st May 2025, ushering in a new chapter as it moves into its second decade. Renowned as a cultural catalyst, AVA is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of music, visual arts, culture and community, located in our … Continued

Iain Archer, one of NI’s most celebrated songwriters, has been elected to the Board of Directors for The Ivors Academy, a distinction that underscores his extraordinary career and the high esteem in which he is held within the industry. This prestigious election follows a vote by the Senate, a representative body of 40 songwriters and … Continued

Charlene Hegarty, a well-regarded advocate for musicians and a prominent figure in NI’s music scene, has been appointed as the first permanent Regional Officer for the Musicians’ Union (MU) in Northern Ireland. This appointment highlights Charlene’s extensive experience and dedication to supporting the local music community and reflects the MU’s commitment to addressing the needs … Continued

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival has announced its 2025 Creative Bursaries, aimed at supporting and showcasing the creative talent in Northern Ireland. With opportunities in music, theatre, street arts, and circus arts, the bursaries provide a platform for artists to develop their work. Applications are open until 5pm on Friday, 3rd January 2025. Bursary Categories … Continued

University of Atypical for Arts and Disability, in partnership with Belfast City Council, has launched Sounds Atypical, a £25,000 grant scheme to support Belfast’s d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent music community. This initiative aims to develop, promote, and provide platforms for disabled musicians in performance spaces across the city. The fund is divided into three grant … Continued

The twelfth Northern Ireland Music Prize took place at Belfast’s Ulster Hall last night, marking the conclusion of this year’s Sound of Belfast programme. Launched in 2013 to honour the best in Northern Irish music, the awards celebrated a broad range of talent with live performances and key wins across several categories. The Album of … Continued