Menu
16/10/2009
Queen's Festival Kicks-Off
The biggest arts festival in NI starts this weekend with dozens of cultural events scheduled, writes Carla Liébana.
The 47th Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens will be get underway tonight and, during the next two weeks - from October 16 - 31 - more than 70 different international shows of high quality will be available for all the family to enjoy.
Once again, although it is mainly targeted at local people, the festival always attracts many foreign visitors too.
This year, in addition to the Waterfront Hall and the Grand Opera House it has also extended its venues, returning to the newly refurbished Ulster Hall as well as the Ulster Museum and innovative locations, such as Barrow Square, Clonard Monastery, May Street Church and the Synagogue in North Belfast
Valery Gergiev, one of the most charismatic musicians of 20th century, will be the responsible of opening the festival.
The renowned Russian director will conduct the Mariinsky Orchestra who will play Shostakovich's 7th symphony - The Leningrad.
But music will also be represented by multiple styles: it will be possible to enjoy a concert of the UK band Cornershop and also of Tinariwen, the guitar-poets from the southern Sahara - the icons of freedom and resistance.
The legendary musical theatre Barbara will also perform, too, having delighted audiences for more than 50 years around the word.
Among the many presentations scheduled, it's necessary to point to one - Noam Chomsky's talk: which is a valuable opportunity to listen one of the world's sharpest commentators on international affairs and the struggle for human rights.
Theatre lovers will be able to enjoy a lot of interesting and varied plays.
Shakespeare's 'Macbeth: Who is that Bloodied Man?', is a very special version of the classic tragedy, which includes trade-mark stilts, fire and motorbike chases.
'Straight for the Jugular' is another outstanding theatre production. DV8 Physical Theatre presents a story about experiences of gay people surrounded by violence and bigotry.
The festival has also organised art expositions and cinematographic cycles, as well as a number of events address especially to children.
In fact, in partnership with Belfast Children's Festival, Belfast City Hall will also have activities for all the family on Sunday October 18 - also marking the reopening of the building.
(CL/BMcC)
The 47th Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens will be get underway tonight and, during the next two weeks - from October 16 - 31 - more than 70 different international shows of high quality will be available for all the family to enjoy.
Once again, although it is mainly targeted at local people, the festival always attracts many foreign visitors too.
This year, in addition to the Waterfront Hall and the Grand Opera House it has also extended its venues, returning to the newly refurbished Ulster Hall as well as the Ulster Museum and innovative locations, such as Barrow Square, Clonard Monastery, May Street Church and the Synagogue in North Belfast
Valery Gergiev, one of the most charismatic musicians of 20th century, will be the responsible of opening the festival.
The renowned Russian director will conduct the Mariinsky Orchestra who will play Shostakovich's 7th symphony - The Leningrad.
But music will also be represented by multiple styles: it will be possible to enjoy a concert of the UK band Cornershop and also of Tinariwen, the guitar-poets from the southern Sahara - the icons of freedom and resistance.
The legendary musical theatre Barbara will also perform, too, having delighted audiences for more than 50 years around the word.
Among the many presentations scheduled, it's necessary to point to one - Noam Chomsky's talk: which is a valuable opportunity to listen one of the world's sharpest commentators on international affairs and the struggle for human rights.
Theatre lovers will be able to enjoy a lot of interesting and varied plays.
Shakespeare's 'Macbeth: Who is that Bloodied Man?', is a very special version of the classic tragedy, which includes trade-mark stilts, fire and motorbike chases.
'Straight for the Jugular' is another outstanding theatre production. DV8 Physical Theatre presents a story about experiences of gay people surrounded by violence and bigotry.
The festival has also organised art expositions and cinematographic cycles, as well as a number of events address especially to children.
In fact, in partnership with Belfast Children's Festival, Belfast City Hall will also have activities for all the family on Sunday October 18 - also marking the reopening of the building.
(CL/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 August 2019
Local Theatre Talent Set For Edinburgh Festival
Three local theatre groups are due to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe later this month. With the support of the Arts Council and British Council of Northern Ireland, the arts organisations will stage productions that showcase some of the best of local talent at the popular festivals.
Local Theatre Talent Set For Edinburgh Festival
Three local theatre groups are due to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe later this month. With the support of the Arts Council and British Council of Northern Ireland, the arts organisations will stage productions that showcase some of the best of local talent at the popular festivals.
16 February 2024
Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy Launches Belfast XR Festival
Belfast Lord Mayor, Ryan Murphy, has officially launched the 2024 Belfast XR Festival at the Black Box in Hill Street. Now in its third year, Belfast XR specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.
Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy Launches Belfast XR Festival
Belfast Lord Mayor, Ryan Murphy, has officially launched the 2024 Belfast XR Festival at the Black Box in Hill Street. Now in its third year, Belfast XR specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.
10 August 2022
60th Belfast International Arts Festival To Mark Diamond Anniversary
The Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) will mark its diamond anniversary year with a programme of events that addresses the current and future nature and role of arts and culture in society, the contemporary issues that are influencing our international artists, and Northern Ireland's place in the global world.
60th Belfast International Arts Festival To Mark Diamond Anniversary
The Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) will mark its diamond anniversary year with a programme of events that addresses the current and future nature and role of arts and culture in society, the contemporary issues that are influencing our international artists, and Northern Ireland's place in the global world.
15 April 2004
Street theatre festival prelude held outside Belfast City Hall
A man was today seen suspended 30 feet above the ground outside Belfast City Hall. However, this wasn't a state hanging but the beginning of a five-day festival celebrating street theatre from across the world.
Street theatre festival prelude held outside Belfast City Hall
A man was today seen suspended 30 feet above the ground outside Belfast City Hall. However, this wasn't a state hanging but the beginning of a five-day festival celebrating street theatre from across the world.
20 May 2024
Belfast Photo Festival Launches 10th Anniversary Programme
NI's leading visual arts festival, the Belfast Photo Festival, has unveiled the full programme for its landmark 10th anniversary edition from 6-30 June.
Belfast Photo Festival Launches 10th Anniversary Programme
NI's leading visual arts festival, the Belfast Photo Festival, has unveiled the full programme for its landmark 10th anniversary edition from 6-30 June.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
