From 7 to 17 November, Sound of Belfast will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a diverse programme of events, highlighting Belfast’s status as a UNESCO City of Music. Organised by the Oh Yeah Music Centre, the festival spans a wide range of genres including gospel, garage rock, electronic, and rap, with performances and events across the city.

One of the key highlights is Breaking Into Music on Friday, 8 November, aimed at 14-21 year olds. The event offers insights into arts careers, complementing Oh Yeah’s Volume Control mentoring programme. That evening, the Clash of the New Breeds battle of the bands will take place, showcasing local talent.

For the first time, the PRS Foundation Talent Development Conference will come to Belfast, alongside a collaboration with the Output Festival, Ireland’s largest one-day music conference, on 12 November. This will feature a showcase from Oh Yeah’s Scratch My Progress talent development programme.

The festival’s flagship event, the NI Music Prize, will be held on 13 November at the Ulster Hall. It will include the presentation of the Oh Yeah Legend Award to Eric Bell, founding member of Thin Lizzy, followed by a special performance.

Other key events include Sounds Atypical on 15 November, in partnership with the University of Atypical, highlighting d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent musicians, and Out Loud, an evening focused on emerging queer artists.

The festival’s programme also features the Women’s Work showcase, along with performances by Lilla Vargen, ROE, and others at various unique venues across the city.

Charlotte Dryden, CEO of Oh Yeah said, “This festival proves time and time again that we have no end of incredible musical talent to show off in Northern Ireland. That’s why it is so exciting that between The NI Music Prize, Output, the PRS Foundation Talent Development Conference and Breaking Into Music, this year will be the biggest showcase and discussion for NI music that we have ever seen in the city.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Micky Murray said, “As Lord Mayor of Belfast, I am immensely proud of the Sound of Belfast Festival 2024. This year’s festival marks a decade of celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, and community spirit that makes Belfast a UNESCO City of Music. From intimate gigs to large-scale performances, the Sound of Belfast is a celebration of the deep connection our people have with music, and how it reflects the heart and soul of our city.”

“The 2024 festival has an even bigger and more exciting programme for the special 10th anniversary, highlighting the diversity and brilliance of the local music scene. To mark the occasion, Belfast City Council is delighted to be able to offer enhanced support to the festival this year. I encourage everyone to enjoy the festival, and experience how music brings us together and truly shows what makes Belfast a great music city.”

For more details on Sound of Belfast 2024, visit visit here.