MESSAGES FROM OUR PRINCIPAL FUNDERS

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, as principal funder through our National Lottery funds, is delighted to support the Belfast Children’s Festival bringing our younger audiences and their families amazing creative experiences that will inspire, delight, and live with them long into the future. A leading children’s arts festivals on these islands, it attracts the best acts from around the world, making it not only one of our most enjoyable and entertaining festivals, but also one of our most trusted and reliable.

As Young at Art celebrates the 25th birthday of its flagship festival, we can reflect on the fact that they will have been responsible for introducing thousands upon thousands of children in Northern Ireland to the wonders of the arts. We all know how influential our early experiences are on the people we will become, so it’s heartening to think that those who first visited the Belfast Children’s Festival back in the late 1990s may now be returning with their own children, who will embark on their own life’s journey, similarly enthused and enriched by the arts.

Happy 25th birthday!

Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland

We’re excited to be supporting the Belfast Children’s Festival once again in this, their special milestone 25th anniversary year; and their first significant full international programme since 2020.

A cornerstone of our city’s cultural experience for children, we’re proud to have invested in and supported the Belfast Children’s Festival over the years, and to see it continue to grow in reach, innovation and impact.

Belfast really values its vibrant festival scene, which celebrates local talent, showcases the work of our emerging artists and, most importantly in the case of Belfast Children’s Festival, inspires our next generation of creative talent. The international element of this year’s programme from 3-12 March is far-reaching, connecting us through creativity to other countries across the globe and attracting visitors to Belfast from near and far.

Personally, I can’t wait to see the City thronged with thousands of young people and their adults for the Big Belfast Birthday Bash family event on Sat 11 March, enjoying all of the tailored events on offer, including many free activities.

I’d like to wish the Belfast Children’s Festival the very best of luck for this special year and I know that this year’s 25th anniversary edition will spark the imaginations of many.

Foreword by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black