Guide to Saturday by guest writer Rebecca Murray (@MurrayReb)

Bound up in culture and craic Belfast mingles history and laughs in a way that is unique to our own wee City. It is truly a place like no other and well worth rambling through its museums, parks and not to forget pubs. Saturdays have an eclectic vibe and there is plenty to take advantage of every weekend.

This Saturday why don’t you take advantage of some of the many events occurring Belfast. Whether you’re visiting from afar or just fancy experiencing a part of Belfast you have been neglecting it’s worth getting out of bed early for.

Morning:

I could never under-sell some morning grub in St. George’s Market. Whether you’re after a hearty Ulster Soda Farl with bacon, sausage- the works, or something lighter and a bit of banter with the market vendors. There’s live music to entertain you on your stroll and plenty of handmade crafts, clothes and jewellery to barter over. There will be a Chinese cookery demonstration at the market at 12pm. Fun for the whole family where you can learn to cook and taste some authentic Chinese cuisine and celebrate the Chinese New Year.

However if you’re a little light headed from a heavy Friday night why not take a stroll around Botanic Avenue where you will find some of the freshest food and coffee in the city. Not to mention a variety of quirky shops like the Rusty Zip Vintage clothes shop, a proper blast from the past with a refreshingly economical price range. The French Village Café has ambient seating, great service and some of the best French toast and bacon you will taste. It is also conveniently located near the Ulster Museum, nestled through the Botanic Gardens it is free and a great start to any Saturday.

Afternoon:

W5 at the Odyssey, whether you’re a Harry Potter fanatic, an Alien Hunter or interested in the digital arts you’re sure to find something to keep you interested in their special imagination event.

The Linen Hall Library is hosting an exhibition on The Story of Belfast and will take visitors from prehistoric times through the heady industrial revolution, when Belfast was the centre of the world’s linen trade, to the modern day. It is an event interesting to locals and visitors alike and not to be missed. The Library also has a tasty coffee shop for an afternoon break.

Evening :

Round off the Saturday by dropping off the kids and engaging in some naughty but nice adult Valentine’s inspired adult puppet shows at the Grand Opera House: The Ulster Karma Sutra is running from the 12th Feb until 23rd Feb.

If the theatre isn’t for you and your rugby boots are tickling your feet why not treat yourself to what is set to be a raucous night in the Botanic Inn (The Bot –to its’ local tribe!) where Rugby Supporters Night – Area 22 is going live. You will have the opportunity to meet, greet and question the likes of Stephen Ferris and Andrew Trimble who will join Ulster coach Mark Anscombe and Lions legend David Irwin in the Bot’s causal setting. Continue the night with a pint or two in hand and pub crawl your way into town where Belfast’s lively Saturday night will keep the craic flowing and tunes pumping.

Lavery’s is one of Belfast’s liveliest pubs on a Saturday Night and has a range of rooms to suit all, from classic pub cheer to a nightclub with current music blasting. Maybe something a little quirkier for you is Filthy McNastys, with its secret garden perfect for those seeking an ambient, heated outside space.

Deanes Deli regularly has acoustic and jazz acts performing on a Saturday for something a little quieter but equally as entertaining (not to mention some of the tastiest food in town!) and its central location makes for easy hopping between clubs and bars like the Apartment Bar or Café Vaudeville –both renowned for their choice of cocktails.

Get yourself into Belfast and Take Back the City! You’ll be missing out if you don’t!

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