Culture Night Belfast is set to make its highly anticipated return on Friday, 19 September 2025, in a new format designed to be fully inclusive and accessible to all.

Belfast-based event management company MayWe, in partnership with Daisy Chain Inc, has been appointed to deliver the popular cultural celebration.

The new iteration of Culture Night will concentrate on venue-based events spread out across the city, moving away from the street-based activities that characterised its previous format. The organisers aim to revive the original ethos of Culture Night Belfast, putting "real people, individual artists, and passionate people" at the forefront to showcase the diverse spectrum of arts and culture and its societal impact. MayWe stated their objective for Culture Night Belfast’s return in 2025 is to "provide a model that places artists and creatives at the centre of the agenda." This approach is intended to lay the foundation for future events, ensuring the programme remains true to its core values.

Historically, Culture Night Belfast, which first launched in 2010, grew significantly, drawing over 100,000 visitors at its peak in 2019. However, it faced challenges with overcrowding, safety concerns, and a perception that the focus had shifted away from artistic participation towards social drinking. A review commissioned by Belfast City Council highlighted the need for a new model that prioritised the cultural sector, paid artists fairly, and ensured better crowd management and accessibility.

The appointment of MayWe and Daisy Chain Inc signals a commitment to a refreshed vision for the event, aiming to deliver a curated experience that is rooted in community and creativity. The new format is also expected to address concerns about alcohol-dominated areas by decentralising activities from a single main thoroughfare.

Further details on specific venues and programmed events are expected to be announced closer to the date.