Sailortown Festival, Belfast’s most intimate and unique community arts festival returns with a vibrant array of activity from26th – 28th July 2024.
A project of Sailortown Regeneration – dedicated to the promotion and revival of one of the oldest parts of the city – this festival celebrates the unique heritage and culture of Sailortown, with a hint of the unexpected!
Over three days of colourful events, the Festival invites you to explore and celebrate the community of Sailortown, which features some of Belfast’s most iconic locations including St Joseph’s Church, The Dockers Club, The American Bar and Barrow Square.
Highlights include a madcap evening of circus, song, burlesque and funky 80s disco at The Naughty-cal Cabaret at the iconic Dockers Club, The Sail Back to Sailortown multi-media experience, The Captain’s Tea Party at the historic St Joseph’s Church, our old-school Sailortown Fleamarket plus free workshops and a free family fun day!
Festival director Ger O’Donnell said: “Sailortown Festival is an annual event that encourages people to visit historic Sailortown and explore its community in the heart of Belfast. We want visitors to see what’s available not only in the summer months, but all year round in this culturally rich and sometimes overlooked part of the city.
Come and join us for a unique weekend of great performances, cultural activity and fun, and enjoy the unique community spirit of Sailortown!”
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Sailortown Festival events in full:
26 July
Captain’s Tea Party (Afternoon tea with live music at St Joseph’s Church)
Join us for a champagne reception and traditional afternoon tea, set against the iconic candlelit backdrop of St Joseph’s Church. Renowned composer and pianist Darren Day will be providing a touch of class to the event tickling the ivories to some of your favourite classics followed by a fun singalong with Terry Thomas ( AKA) Jeff.
Captain Joe’s Bingo Bash at St Joseph’s Church
Enjoy a lively night of Bingo with a difference, plus craic and tunes!
27 July
The Naughty-cal Cabaret at The Dockers Night Club
Set sail for an unforgettable evening of circus, song, burlesque and disco. This adult-only event promises a captivating blend of death-defying circus, soulful song, side-splitting comedy, and dazzling burlesque performances. On board you will find the best talent from Belfast and beyond. Immerse yourself in a spectacular evening of laughter, wonder and surprise, followed by a genuine 1980s alternative funking Disco.
Hosted by internationally celebrated Belfast comedian Paul Currie, the show brings you former ground breaking Miss Burlesque Ireland Azaria Starfire; the contorting twists and turns of the Sensational Sanita Sisters; nail-bitingly hilarious equilibrist and clown, Hilario Spilachi aka Hillas Smith; Belfast’s only living troubadour Geoff Hatt; and debuting one of Ireland’s greatest unsung song birds, Cat Finn.
Sail Back to Sailortown:
St Joseph’s Church. Join actor and writer Cathy Brennan Bradley; Storyteller, Patrick Ryan; and Singer Songwriter, Ludwig O’Neil for immersive multimedia experience through the history of Sailortown.
Sailortown Flea Market
12pm-5pm want to experience a proper flea market? Remember the days when markets were just regular people selling their wares and olives didn’t cost £1 each? Well come and explore this bustling community market with untold treasures: antiques; arts and crafts; Bric a Brac; food stalls; live music – and meet some fantastic people.
Free Workshops
A programme of free taster workshops all day long including capoeira, dance and movement, boat making and circus skills, all in the magnificent St Joseph’s Church.
28 July
All Free Family Funday
Set your senses to wow at our All-Free Family Fun Day!!! Join us in Barrow Square for our biggest adventure yet. Our host Stephen Beggs navigates you through a day filled with dazzling Aerial Acts, Back Breaking Acrobats, Retro Street Games, arts and crafts, food stalls, face painters, our annual traditional Blessing of the Pets and much much more!
Oh and wear your fancy dress, there will be prizes…
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