News

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

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