CONTENTS 3. Welcome
17. A Children’s Guide to Anarchy
4. Booking Tickets
18. Baby Rave: Rave in the Nave
5. Our principal funders
19. Kiddy Céilí
6. Festival Family Day Out
20. Open Mic
7. I...um I
21. Volume Control
8. BullyBully
22. Acoustic Picnic
9. Club Origami
23. MEGAPHONE
10. Grand Soft Day
24. Babaithe Cultúir
11. Little Top
25. An Slipéar Gloine
12. Making Waves
26. Dumbo
13. Hollow
27. Madagascar 3
14. Tabula Rasa
28-31. For the Grown Ups
15. Doughnut
32-34. At a glance
16. Call to mind
2
WELCOME It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, we certainly think so at Young at Art, as the whole team are bursting with excitement to bring you the 26th edition of the international Belfast Children’s Festival! “Roll Up! Roll Up!” There’s a distinct circus theme running throughout this year’s programme. Check out all the ‘thrills and spills’ (and possibly some ‘death-defying feats’!) that we have lined up. We also have a very special ‘Dutch Focus’ this year, as we bring you some of the finest performances for young audiences from the Netherlands. We have hand-picked incredible shows, events, activities and creative experiences for all the family, plus inclusive performances specially created for those with additional needs. Whether you are 3 months, 3 years, 33 years or 93 years old, you are most welcome to come and experience the finest performances and events for the young and the young at heart, right here in Belfast. We can’t wait to see you there! Eibhlín de Barra, Director, Young At Art
ABOUT US Young at Art is Northern Ireland’s leading arts provider for children and young people and home to Northern Ireland’s flagship international arts and cultural event for children and young people, the annual Belfast Children’s Festival. We create and curate exceptional arts experiences for children and young people, and the adults in their lives, throughout the year.
USING THIS BROCHURE
Icons Guide— Guide Dogs Welcome
Young at Art is committed to offering a festival accessible to all. Using the icons provided in this brochure, you will be able to find out more about venue accessibility. Further information on access and support resources are on our website: www.youngatart.co.uk
Wheelchair Friendly Induction Loop System available Buggy Park
RP
Relaxed Performance (Suitable for neurodiverse audiences and those with learning disabilities)
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BOOKING TICKETS
SCHOOLS & GROUPS PROGRAMME
Many festival events sell out so book early to avoid disappointment. Maximum ticket price is £12 per person (plus £1.50 booking fee per transaction*). Babes in arms (under 2yrs) free (excludes Baby Rave, and Little Top). If you would like your toddler to have their own seat, please purchase a ticket.
We have a separate specially-selected schools programme of international and local performances, which take place during school time. It promises to be the perfect outing for children aged 2yrs+.
For more information on our full booking policy terms and conditions including refunds, please visit www.youngatart.co.uk
We can also offer packages to youth/community groups wishing to attend events and performances at Belfast Children’s Festival.
BOOK ONLINE (24hrs):
Find out more by emailing bookings@youngatart.co.uk.
www.youngatart.co.uk or by telephone: 028 9024 3042 (Telephone booking line open from Thursday 26 January to Friday 15 March; Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm) * Some venues will also be selling tickets for events. They may have a different booking transaction fee.
FIND OUT MORE To be the first to hear about festival news and updates subscribe to our mailing list at: www.youngatart.co.uk or follow us on social media
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Subsidised ticket deals with accompanying classroom resources linked to the curriculum ensures deeper learning as well as an enjoyable experience.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL Belfast Children’s Festival has Silver Green Tourism accreditation and we are committed to becoming a more sustainable event. We encourage families and individuals travelling to and from our events and performances to consider walking, cycling or using public transport where possible. To plan your journey using public transport, use www.translink.co.uk/journeyplanner
MESSAGES FROM OUR PRINCIPAL FUNDERS For many children, the Belfast Children’s Festival will be their first experience of live, professional arts. There is no better place to start. Our early encounters with theatre and storytelling can have a deep and lasting influence on our creative imaginations and the way we view the world around us, so we owe it to our children – all of our children - that these formative experiences meet the highest possible standards. Twenty-six years championing the rights of children to enjoy full creative lives and in the process, building one of the biggest and certainly one of the greatest children’s arts festivals on these islands, means that every one of the hand-picked events that you will have the opportunity to enjoy, comes with BCF’s copper-fastened quality assurance. As principal funder, the Arts Council is indebted to the National Lottery and National Lottery Players for the investment we are able to make in the annual Belfast Children’s Festival and in the important work that Young at Art does throughout the year, engaging children of all backgrounds and abilities in arts activities. I hope you and your young people enjoy the festival and come away feeling entertained, inspired, and buoyed by the knowledge that you have just shared something special and memorable together. Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Our city is bursting with creativity and potential! Thanks to Belfast Children’s Festival’s reputation for excellence and innovation, this flagship event in Belfast’s cultural calendar attracts visitors from near and far. It’s fantastic to see the festival continue to build in popularity, reach, engagement and impact year in, year out. This year, the team has curated nine exciting days, culminating in a Family Day in Cathedral Quarter. And I’m particularly pleased to see plans for the industry showcase, providing a valuable platform for work from local performers and international artists – many visiting Belfast for the first time. Belfast Children’s Festival engages with young people across all communities, celebrating their achievements and amplifying their voices – which chimes with the themes I’ve set out for my year in office. This is a significant year for Belfast as we celebrate our creativity and culture through our vibrant Belfast 2024 programme - a welcome chance to inspire and nurture our next generation of creative talent, as well as showcasing this generation’s creatives to a global audience. I wish the Belfast Children’s Festival organisers and performers the very best of luck – and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible enjoying the special experiences the festival brings. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy
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Festival Family Day Out
Age: All ages Duration: 1pm-4pm
Young at Art (NI) Our ever-popular Festival Family Day Out is taking place again this year across the Cathedral Quarter. With an exciting and varied selection of pop-up performances, workshops, walkabout characters, storytelling, circus, comedy, music and so much more, there’s something for everyone. And what makes it even better? It's totally free! Check out the full line-up at www.youngatart.co.uk VENUE: CATHEDRAL QUARTER
Sat 16 March 1pm-4pm Tickets: Free (please note, some performances require booking)
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MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE, CIRCUS, MAGIC
Age: 6+ Duration: 60 mins
I...um I Het Houten Huis (NL)
De Volkskrant
THEATRE
CH UT
S
The audience will get a chance to look behind the scenes at the end of the performance to get a sense of the set's ingenuity!
“Once in a while you get to see a production that is so bizarrely good, that you want to recommend it to everyone.”
D
A powerful performance exploring what it's like to lose your grip on reality. This astonishing show is set within a rotating box where the main character performs his daily routine, moving effortlessly between bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and office. Trap doors open, hidden objects are revealed, all timed precisely and seemingly defying gravity. Slowly though, this carefully planned routine starts to unravel and we become witness to our main character's battle with time and reality... and a giant fish.
FOC
U
VENUE: DOWNSTAIRS AT THE MAC
Fri 8 March 7pm Sat 9 March 5pm Sun 10 March 3.30pm Tickets: £12
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Age: 3+ Duration: 40 mins
BullyBully What do a toddler and the average world leader have in common? Do some presidents throw fits in the middle of a supermarket? Or scream furiously until they get their own way?
"Acrobatic painting with a playful layer of craziness."
In BullyBully, two world leaders meet in no man's land. What follows is an awkward encounter between two childish but powerful adults who gradually get used to each other and learn to meet in the middle. This is a madcap musical about childish grown-up men, featuring two performers, songs, funny quarrels, a bit of bickering and eventually, a happy ending.
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Maas Theater en Dans (NL)
VENUE: NAUGHTON STUDIO, LYRIC THEATRE
Sat 16 March 2pm, 4.15pm Tickets: £12
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Circus Magazine
PHYSICAL THEATRE, NON-VERBAL
S
CH UT
U
FOC
Club Origami
Age:0-6 Duration: 40 mins + 10 mins stay and play
7 Circles (UK/JPN) Rip, fold and scrumple! Shall we see what we can make with a single square of paper? As you scrunch the paper, see how your imagination begins to dance...
DANCE, NON-VERBAL
Dive into the magical world of Club Origami, an immersive and interactive dance show inviting family audiences to imagine, create and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving. Dance, fashion and live music meet the magic of origami to sweep us up on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made of paper and play. VENUE: CRESCENT ARTS CENTRE
Sat 16 March 11am (RP), 2pm Tickets: £12
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Grand Soft Day Branar and NIE (ROI/UK)
Age: 2-6 Duration: 45 mins
THEATRE
A show of all seasons: Splashing in puddles, wind whipping your hair, crunching frost under your feet, and rain dripping on your nose, now that’s a grand soft day. This is a playful show about always being prepared even though you do not know what the day will bring. An international co-production from the award-winning teams of Branar (Ireland) and New International Encounter (UK/Norway), Grand Soft Day, predominantly non-verbal with some English, Irish and Italian, is a curious and charming new show that celebrates the wonder of the world around us. VENUE: NAUGHTON STUDIO, LYRIC THEATRE
Sat 9 March 2pm, 4pm Sun 10 March 2pm (RP), 4pm Tickets: £12
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“A gentle celebration of sensory pleasure ” The Irish Times
Age: 0-18 months Duration: 45 mins
Little Top Starcatchers & Superfan (SCOT)
CIRCUS
Little Top is a magical first circus experience for babies and their adults. At a time in their development when children are discovering their own physicality and the pleasures and perils of gravity, Little Top invites babies to experience spectacular balances, astonishing tumbles and inventive juggling in a specially designed set, that miniaturises the magic of the Big Top! In a colourful, cosy and welcoming space, professional circus acrobats, acro-balancers and jugglers perform up close in babies’ line of sight, making eye contact and interacting and responding to their young audience. Babies and adults alike are transported into a playful, joyous, upside down, topsy turvy world where people can fly, patterns fill the air and anything is possible.
VENUE: BRIAN FRIEL THEATRE, QUB
Fri 15 March 10am, 1pm Sat 16 March 11am, 2pm Tickets: £12 (includes adult and baby)
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Age: 8-13 with additional needs Duration: 30 mins + 15 mins sensory play
Making Waves Jess Rowell (ROI) Making Waves is a magical sea voyage in which the audience and performers set sail in search of hidden treasure. Join the adventure and be transported by the ebb and flow of the ocean through gentle soothing currents and on into the dynamic rhythmic beat of crashing waves.
DANCE, NON-VERBAL, ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Meet the school of fluorescent fish and see the swooping gulls. Let the wind fill your sails and carry you along accompanied by a sensitively evocative sound score. Making Waves is an immersive multisensory dance theatre performance designed specifically for disabled children and young people aged 8 to 13 years with mild to complex needs. Designed to be inclusive, audience members are seated in pods representing boats on stage, allowing everyone to become part of the adventure. The specially designed boats are also suitable for wheelchair users.
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VENUE: BRIAN FRIEL THEATRE, QUB
Sat 9 March 11am, 1pm, 3.30pm Sun 10 March 11am Tickets: £12 To book contact the festival box office team bookings@youngatart.co.uk or 02890230660 “On a scale of gorgeousness, this magical project breaks the barometer” Kildare Arts Service
Ages 8-18 Duration: 45 mins
Hollow Replay Theatre Company (NI) in association with The MAC Descend into a mechanical world deep below the earth’s surface. Replay Theatre Company presents Hollow, a non-speaking inclusive theatre adventure inspired by the mysteries and sensations of subterranean exploration. It is the story of three living, breathing cogs who depend on each other’s unique abilities to maintain and operate a great perpetual machine. What might happen if our cogs stop spinning…?
THEATRE, ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Created and delivered by Replay Theatre Company, a world-leader in inclusive theatre, this production serves the creative preferences of disabled and/or neurodivergent young people. Hollow will perform to one autistic and/or neurodivergent young person per show within an immersive setting. Each audience member may be accompanied by up to three familiar adults, creating a meaningful shared social experience and memories that last.
VENUE: FACTORY AT THE MAC
Fri 8 March 10am, 12noon, 2pm Sat 9 March 10am, 12noon, 2pm Sun 10 March 10am, 12noon, 2pm To book contact the festival box office team bookings@youngatart.co.uk or 02890230660
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Age: 8+ Duration: 40 mins
Tabula Rasa Emmen Jude Donnelly/Circusful (NI) Peek beyond the curtain and step into the wonder of Tabula Rasa! A magical space that holds many incredible feats from the world of circus and dance. This one-off show, curated specially for the Belfast Children’s Festival, will mesmerize the audience as bodies effortlessly flip, float and fly, filling air and ground with colour and awe. Curated by aerial artist Emmen Jude Donnelly, Tabula Rasa aims to connect young audiences with modern movement and physical performance. VENUE: CIRCUSFUL
Fri 8 March 6pm Tickets: £12
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CIRCUS
Age: 6+ Duration: 45mins + Q&A
Doughnut Stephen Beggs (NI) After The Event, life was difficult until one day The Inventor discovered a wonderful thing that could solve everyone’s problems.
THEATRE
Unfortunately, some people wanted the thing for themselves. Should The Inventor share it or grow it? Will it get too big? When will the bubble burst? Surely there must be a better way than this? Take a bite of the Doughnut and find out in this funny, fastmoving work-in-progress.
VENUE: THE LAB AT THE MAC
Sun 10 March 3pm, 5pm Tickets: £6
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Age: 10+ Duration: 30 mins
Call to mind Maiden Voyage Dance (NI) Call to mind explores themes of memory, perspective and the past’s influence on the present.
DANCE
Just like events and memories from our own individual and collective past, what unfolds is open to interpretation. Stories are told, secrets emerge. Who knows what is truth and what is fiction? Performed by a trio of dancers and a trio of live musicians, Call to mind navigates discordant times and moments in our lives, using movement and sound. Individual and collective truth is reflected in the interactions between the performers as well as what you see and hear. Ultimately, the truth is your own. Call to mind is a dance and live music collaboration created by choreographer Sarah Golding with composer and percussionist Steve Davis which takes inspiration from Harold Pinter’s Old Times.
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VENUE: CRESCENT ARTS CENTRE
Sat 9 March 3pm, 5pm Sun 10 March 3pm, 5pm Tickets: £12
A Children’s Guide to Anarchy
Age: All ages Duration: Drop In
DUMBWORLD (NI) Inspired by the 1931 publication La Anarquia Explicada a Los Niños, an instructional manual for children published during the Spanish Civil War that explained the ideas and practises of anarchy, Composer Brian Irvine and Director John McIlduff, in collaboration with the children of Oakwood Primary School in Glasgow and the Red Note Ensemble, have created a collection of seven musical animated video posters that explore key elements of “anarchical” thinking such as autonomy, kindness and human connectivity from a child’s perspective.
MUSIC, VISUAL ARTS
The work was developed in a year long process of co-creation involving pupils, teachers, artists and musicians. VENUE: THE ATRIUM, BC BUILDING, LEVEL THREE, ULSTER UNIVERSITY
Fri 8 March – Sat 16 March Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm (Closed Sunday) Tickets: Free. Drop In.
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Baby Rave: Rave in the Nave
Age: Under 4 Duration: 45 mins
Young at Art (NI) It’s back! The original and ravers’ favourite, Baby Rave, returns to its ‘spiritual’ home. We can’t wait to get our groove on with ravers young and old(er) in Belfast Cathedral and boogie to the Baby Rave playlist, specially curated by Young at Art’s resident DJ, Kwame Daniels. Baby Rave is a participatory dance event for children under 4 and their grownups, encouraging you and your baby to dance and explore rhythm and music together. Our DJ spins against a dynamic backdrop while you and your baby bounce with a team of dance facilitators in an ambient ‘club’ environment decorated with funky lights, soft materials and parachutes. Book early! This is always the festival’s hottest ticket! VENUE: BELFAST CATHEDRAL
Sat 9 March 10.30am, 12noon, 2pm, 3.30pm Tickets: £12 (1 adult + 1 baby), additional tickets £6 Please note: this event is suitable for children under 4 years, and is not suitable for older siblings
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MUSIC, INTERACTIVE
Age: 4+ Duration: 75 mins
Kiddy Céilí Young at Art & An Droichead (NI)
MUSIC, INTERACTIVE
After its hugely successful debut at last year’s festival, we’re thrilled to welcome Kiddy Céilí back for BCF24, in partnership with An Droichead! You and your little one can enjoy all the fun of a Céilí, learning some classic Céilí dances and fun moves, with live Traditional Music….and just in time for St Patrick’s Day! No previous experience is necessary. Tá Kiddy Céilí ar ais arís Ó Ionsaí na hInse go Ballaí Luimnigh tá scoth an cheoil, na craice agus damhsa geallta, tabhair leat do bhróga damhsa agus déan damhsa linn. VENUE: BELFAST CATHEDRAL
Sat 16 March 2pm, 3.45pm Tickets: £12 (1 adult + 1 child), additional tickets £6
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Age: 11-18 Duration: 12noon-3pm
Open Mic Oh Yeah Music Centre (NI) Open Mic showcases the work of young artists (aged under 18) and offers them a safe and welcoming environment where they can perform. Open Mic was set up by the Oh Yeah Music Centre to support young artists who couldn’t access traditional open mic nights in pubs and clubs due to their age. Come and check out Northern Ireland’s newest talent, performing their original work in Oh Yeah. To get involved, email youth@ohyeahbelfast.com VENUE: OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE
Sat 9 March 12noon-3pm Tickets: £3
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MUSIC
Age: 14+ Duration: 6.30pm-10.30pm
Volume Control Oh Yeah Music Centre (NI) Volume Control is a music event showcasing young new bands curated by a team of young promoters, as part of Oh Yeah’s youth mentoring programme.
MUSIC
The group receives training (and a qualification) from local bands and artists, in the curation and delivery of live music events and all the bands who play Volume Control gigs are chosen by the young people! Part of our festival programme for older young people, Volume Control is a chance to see the next generation of talented and passionate young people emerging both as performers and event organisers. VENUE: OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE
Fri 15 March 6.30pm-10.30pm Tickets: £8
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Age: All ages Duration: 1pm-4pm
Acoustic Picnic Oh Yeah Music Centre (NI) Acoustic Picnic is back! Always a festival favourite, join us for an afternoon of live music from OTH collective along with crafts, games and activities for children and young people. Open to all ages, it’s the perfect place to relax and have fun with your loved ones in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. Families are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Book early, this event sells out quickly! VENUE: OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE
Sat 16 March 1pm-4pm Tickets: Free. Booking Essential
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MUSIC
Age: 14+ Duration: 90 mins
MEGAPHONE Fighting Words NI (NI) “Be a voice, not an echo.” Maybe Albert Einstein said this – or maybe it’s just a meme? At MEGAPHONE, we’ll all know exactly where the words are coming from.
“Quote / review to come” THEATRE To come
Fighting Words NI’s latest Young Playwrights project will be a collection of solo performances written and performed by Belfast writers, aged 14-18 years. Working with professional mentors (directors, performers, writers and dramaturgs), the writers will explore their personal histories, deepest wonderings and bravest imaginings to each create and perform their own brand-new piece of writing for the stage. Come along and hear their voices: vital, uncensored and used to their fullest power. VENUE: NAUGHTON STUDIO, LYRIC THEATRE
Tues 12 March 8pm Tickets: Free. Booking Essential
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Babaithe Cultúir YAA in partnership with Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich (NI) Bígí linn fá chóinne siesiúin spéisialta de Babaithe Cultúir mar chuid do BCF24. Réimse d’eispéiris idirghníomacha chruthaitheacha a chuireann le samhlaíocht na bpaistí óga trí dheiseanna a thabahirt dóibh triail a bhaint as rudaí nua. Bíonn Saoirse acu prácás a dhéanamh agus a gcuid scileanna cruthaitheacha a fhisorú i spás sábháilte, fáilteach Gaelach. Is déis iontach é am a chaitheamh le do pháiste!
Age: 0-4 Duration: Duration: 60 mins + 30 mins free play
IRISH LANGUAGE, INTERACTIVE
Cé go mbíonn an seisiúin trí mhéan na Gaeilge, tá fáilte roimh gach duine, cibé cumas sa teanga atá acu. Join us for a special BCF24 edition of Babaithe Cultúir (Culture Babies). This interactive and imaginative experience supports young children’s creative expression by enabling them to try new things, and the freedom to get as messy and playful as they want, in a safe, fun and welcoming Irish Language environment. Babaithe Cultúir will help to build very young children’s self-confidence, interpersonal and technical skills as well as offering a wonderful way to spend one-on-one time with your child. Delivered in Irish. All levels of Irish welcome. 24 4
VENUE: CULTÚRLANN MCADAM Ó FIAICH
Tues 12 March 12noon Tickets: £6, additional children £3
An Slipéar Gloine
Age: 4-8 Duration: 60 mins
Paddy Donnelly/ Fearghas Mac Lochlain (ROI) Is athinsint é ‘An Slipéar Gloine’ ar an seanscéal ‘Luaithrín’. Tugtar beocht nua don seanscéal seo le rithim, rím agus le léaráidí draíochtúla. Nach bocht an saol atá ag Luaithrín lena leasmháthair Camilla agus a cuid iníonacha gránna, Straoisín agus Smaoisín. Fearghas Mac Lochlainn a scríobh An Slipéar Gloine i véarsaí ríme. Paddy Donnelly a rinne na léaráidí áille. Tá Gradam Reics Carló (Oireachtas na Gaeilge, 2020), agus Gradaim Speisialta na Moltóirí (KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards, 2023) bainte amach ag leabhar speisialta seo. Glacaigí páirt sa seisiún idirghníomhach, spraíúil seo le scéalaíocht, pictiúir agus craic i gcuideachta Fhearghas agus Phaddy! An Slipéar Gloine is an age-old story brought to life wonderfully with rhythm, rhyme and magical illustrations. Luaithrín is upset by her step-mother, Camilla, and her IRISH LANGUAGE, INTERACTIVE two awful daughters, Straoisín and Smaoisín. Written in rhyming verses by Fearghas Mac Lochlainn and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, An Slípear Gloine is the winner of the Gradam Réics Carló 2020, An tOireachas, and the Judges Special Awards, KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards. Join Fearghas and Paddy for a fun interactive session, full of storytelling, drawing and craic! VENUE: CULTÚRLANN McADAM Ó FIAICH
Sat 9 March 11.30am Tickets: Free. Booking Essential
25 5
Age: Cert PG Duration: 112 mins
Dumbo Strand Arts Centre (NI) The owner of a struggling circus enlists the help of war veteran Holt Farrier to care of the newest member of his troupe, a baby elephant named Dumbo, whose oversized ears make him a laughing stock to the rest of the performers. When Holt’s children discover that Dumbo’s ears enable him to fly, the peculiar animal becomes a star alongside the beautiful and charming acrobat Colette Marchant. However, when charismatic businessman V.A. Vandevere swoops in to capitalise on Dumbo’s fame, the dark side of show-business begins to reveal itself. This new interpretation of the beloved Disney story, from the imagination of director Tim Burton, is a soaring tale of tolerance, friendship and believing in your abilities. The screening is followed by an Elephantthemed arts and crafts workshop. VENUE: STRAND ARTS CENTRE
Sat 9 March 12.10pm (Film) Sat 9 March 2pm (Workshop) Tickets: Screening Free. Booking Advised Workshop £5. Booking essential.
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FILM
Age: Cert U Duration: 90 mins
Madagascar 3 Strand Arts Centre (NI) Increasingly homesick for their beloved New York City zoo, lion Alex, zebra Marty, giraffe Melman and hippo Gloria inadvertently end up going wild across Europe, as they do everything they can to get back to America.
“Quote FILM / review to come” To come
Hot on their tails is a hilariously relentless animal control officer, who wants them wiped out - and even intends to hang Alex's head on her crowded trophy wall. So, to evade capture, the pals join a down-on-itsluck travelling circus that they set about reinventing in their own inimitable style. With plenty of laughs, enjoyable new characters and some great animation, this is a colourful and really fun-packed adventure. The screening is followed by a ‘Learn some circus skills’ workshop. VENUE: STRAND ARTS CENTRE
Sat 16 March 12.30pm (Film) Sat 16 March 2pm (Workshop) Tickets: Screening Free. Booking Advised Workshop £5. Booking essential.
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Age: For the Grown-ups
TYANI Showcase The BCF24 TYANI (Theatre for Young Audiences NI) Showcase will include a curated selection of performances from artists and companies from both the North and South of Ireland, discussions and networking events. We’ll see and connect with some of the best and brightest performers and makers creating work for young audiences, and explore some of the foremost industry themes through our series of discussions, symposiums and networking events. Visit our website www.youngatart.co.uk to view itinerary and register for the Showcase. Delegate Programme runs Fri 8 – Sun 10 March Tickets: £90 (includes all performance tickets) Strictly limited places. Early booking advised.
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INDUSTRY
Age: For the Grown-ups
INDUSTRY
Creative Conversations Join us for an afternoon of Creative Conversations and hear from artists, practitioners and leaders in the field of performance work for young audiences. Investigate and explore their practices and approaches, hear how they have made discoveries, overcome challenges, and unpack some of the hot topics of the moment. Meitheal: Creative Conversation with Branar (ROI) For the last two years, Branar has piloted Meitheal, a support initiative for artists and producers creating work for young audiences across performing arts disciplines. Join them as they share their learnings and findings, and hear from some of the individuals about their experience of the programme.
Inclusive Practice: Creative Conversation with Andrew Stanford and Jess Rowell This year’s Belfast Children’s Festival proudly presents two inclusive performance pieces specifically created for children and young people with additional needs. Hollow Director Andrew Stanford (Replay Theatre Company) and Making Waves Choreographer Jess Rowell share their practice and approach and the unique challenges and highlights of making work for this very important audience. VENUE: OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE
Fri 8 March Time: 2pm-4.30pm Tickets: Free. Booking Essential
Doughnut Economics for Kids: Creative Conversation with Stephen Beggs and Jackie Fauteux (YAA) Come and hear theatre-maker Stephen Beggs talking about his development of a new show for young audiences inspired by Kate Raworth’s wonderful model of ‘Doughnut Economics’, and the storyline that has emerged from this process.
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Age: For the Grown-ups
Creative Conversation with Rhona Matheson
INDUSTRY
Playing Like a "Bully"
In association with QUB Drama Starcatchers, Scotland’s arts and early years organisation, are pioneers in the development and creation of for early years. Join Chief Executive, Rhona Matheson, as she discusses their unique approach to making work for babies and children aged up to 5 yrs, and her recent work exploring children’s rights and participation. VENUE: QUB DRAMA DEPARTMENT, 21 UNIVERSITY SQUARE
Fri 15 March 2pm Tickets: Free. Booking Essential
In this physical theatre masterclass, participants will be introduced to the embodied learning method used by Maas Theater and Dance, taking their performance, BullyBully as inspiration. Participants will get to ‘know the actor in yourself’ and discover how to make theatre for small children, whilst taking them as seriously as they would an adult audience. The masterclass will conclude with short presentations and performances by participants of their own ‘BullyBullly’. VENUE: MCGRATH SUITE, LYRIC THEATRE
Fri 15 March 2pm Tickets: £12/ student unwaged £6 (includes ticket for performance of BullyBully)* •Performances Sat 16 March 2pm, 4:15pm, subject to availability
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Peacebuilding: Arts and Participation of Children and Young People
Age: For the Grown-ups
INDUSTRY
Dr Edel Lamb and Professor Fiona Magowan, Queens University Belfast This event hosted by the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, Queen’s University Belfast, will bring together practitioners and researchers working with children and young people to explore the contribution of children and young people’s participation in the creative arts to peacebuilding. It will explore questions such as how the creative arts can facilitate the expression of children and young people’s experiences of conflict and post-conflict societies; does it empower them to participate in processes of social justice, transformation and commemoration; and how can listening to children’s creative productions across diverse cultural contexts help us better understand the contribution they have made and can make to peacebuilding, historically, now and in the future. VENUE: THE SENATE ROOM, QUB
Tues 12 March 12noon - 4.15pm Tickets: Free. Booking Essential
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FRI 8TH TIME
EVENT
VENUE
AGE
PAGE
10am-5pm
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY
The Atrium, Block BC, Ulster University
All ages
17
10am, 12noon, 2pm
HOLLOW
Factory at the MAC
8-18
13
2pm-5pm
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS
Oh Yeah Music Centre
For the Grown-ups
30
6pm
TABULA RASA
Circusful
8+
4
7pm
I...UM I
Downstairs at the MAC
6+
7
10am-3pm
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY
The Atrium, Block BC, Ulster University
All ages
17
10am, 12noon, 2pm
HOLLOW
Factory at the MAC
8-18
13
10.30am, 12noon, 2pm, 3.30pm
BABY RAVE: RAVE IN THE NAVE
Belfast Cathedral
Under 4
19
11am,1pm, 3.30pm
MAKING WAVES
Brian Friel Theatre, QUB
8-13
12
11.30am
AN SLIPÉAR GLOINE
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
4-8
26
12.10pm (Film), 2pm (Workshop)
DUMBO
Strand Arts Centre
Cert PG
27
12noon-3pm
OPEN MIC
Oh Yeah Music Centre
11-18
21
2pm, 4pm
GRAND SOFT DAY
Naughton Studio, Lyric Theatre
2-6
10
3pm, 5pm
CALL TO MIND
Crescent Arts Centre
10+
16
5pm
I...UM I
Downstairs at the MAC
6+
7
SAT 9TH
32
SUN 10TH TIME
EVENT
VENUE
AGE
PAGE
10am, 12noon, 2pm
HOLLOW
Factory at the MAC
8-18
13
11am
MAKING WAVES
Brian Friel Theatre, QUB
8-13
12
2pm (RP), 4pm
GRAND SOFT DAY
Naughton Studio, Lyric Theatre
2-6
10
3pm, 5pm
DOUGHNUT
The Lab at the MAC
6+
15
3pm, 5pm
CALL TO MIND
Crescent Arts Centre
10+
16
3.30pm
I... UM I
Downstairs at the MAC
6+
18 7
MON 11TH 10am-5pm
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY
The Atrium, Block BC, Ulster University
All ages
17
10am-5pm
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY
The Atrium, Block BC, Ulster University
All ages
17
12noon
BABAITHE CULTÚIR
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
0-4
25
8pm
MEGAPHONE
Naughton Studio, Lyric Theatre
14+
24
12noon-4.15pm
PEACEBUILDING: ARTS AND PARTICIPATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
The Senate Room, QUB
For the Grown-ups 32
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY
The Atrium, Block BC, Ulster University
All ages
TUES 12TH
WED 13TH 10am-5pm
17
33
THURS 14TH TIME
EVENT
VENUE
AGE
PAGE
10am-5pm
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY
The Atrium, Block BC, Ulster University
All ages
17
10am-5pm
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY
The Atrium, Block BC, Ulster University
All ages
17
10am, 1pm
LITTLE TOP
Brian Friel Theatre, QUB
0-18 mths
11
2pm
CREATIVE CONVERSATION WITH RHONA MATHESON
Drama Department, QUB
For the Grown-ups
31
2pm
PLAYING LIKE A ‘BULLY’
McGrath Suite, Lyric Theatre
For the Grown-ups
31
6.30pm-10.30pm
VOLUME CONTROL
Oh Yeah Music Centre
14+
22
1pm-4pm
FESTIVAL FAMILY DAY OUT
Full schedule online at www.youngatart.co.uk
All ages
6
10am-3pm
A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO ANARCHY
The Atrium, Block BC, Ulster University
All ages
17
11am (RP), 2pm
CLUB ORIGAMI
Crescent Arts Centre
0-6
9
11am, 2pm
LITTLE TOP
Brian Friel Theatre, QUB
0-18 mths
11
12.30 (Film) 2pm (Workshop)
MADAGASCAR 3
Strand Arts Centre
Cert: U
28
1pm-4pm
ACOUSTIC PICNIC
Oh Yeah Music Centre
All ages
23
2pm, 3.45pm
KIDDY CÉILÍ
Belfast Cathedral
4+
20
2pm, 4.15pm
BULLYBULLY
Naughton Studio, Lyric Theatre
3+
8
FRI 15TH
SAT 16TH
34 4
35 5
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Funders:
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