BELFASTTIMES
SINCE 2011
A MAGAZINE WITH A BELFAST FOCUS
EDITOR
JEFF MEREDITH
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FROM THE EDITOR
And so a new chapter begins We’ve talked about having a magazine type format for a while, something to summarise and highlight what’s happening on our website and social media
Welcome to this new adventure, I hope you enjoy the first edition of this monthly magazine. As always, get in touch on social media if you’ve any questions or maybe something you’d like to see featured here
Have a superb July and make the most of the summer months. We’ll be out there doing our thing, whatever that is, one morning it might be a sea swim and that afternoon it might be a launch event for something new or getting prepared for the next edition of this magazine.
Happy Julying
Jeff
DIDYOUKNOW?
In 1888, Linenhall Library was celebrating its centenary year.
JULY
FESTIVALS AND MORE
Pride 150+ events 18-27 July
Belfast Whiskey Week 100+ events 18-26 July
EastSide Arts Festival 60+ events 24 July – 2 August
Tradfest Sunday 27 July - Sunday 3 August
Orangefest 12 July 10am-3.30pm
Féile an Phobail 31 July -10 August
Rose Fair 4-6 July Noon to 5pm
Late Night Art Belfast 3 July 6-10pm
MUSIC IN THE PARKS
Bands will perform outdoors on:
Sunday 20 July in Ormeau Park from 2pm to 5pm
Sunday 24 August in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park from 2pm to 5pm
Sunday 14 September in Botanic Gardens 2pm to 5pm
SUNDAYS ON MARITIME MILE
Every Sunday until 31 August 2025
THE ART EDIT
Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration, Titanic Belfast 2 May – 30 September 2025
In collaboration with the V&A, Titanic Belfast is hosting a free exhibition of the work of one of the foremost British artists of the 20th-century, Lucian Freud
Golden Thread Gallery is delighted to bring an exhibition by Sophie Calle, one of the most celebrated and influential conceptual artists in the world, to audiences in Northern Ireland for the first time.
Wild Ireland | Past, Present, Future Ulster Museum, Belfast Until 31 August 2025
Renowned wildlife painter, Julian Friers, has collaborated with Ulster Museum to create over 50 remarkable paintings of our flora and fauna, past and present
Nationhood: Memory and Hope is a new exhibition of powerful and poignant photography celebrating the diversity of the UK today. It offers a wealth of insights on how we each try and shape both our identities and communities to make the world a better place.
The State of Belfast at The MAC, is an exhibition and discursive forum cocurated and designed by the MAC and associated partner Participation and Practice of Rights specifically their ongoing campaign Take Back the City. From 18 Jul 2025 until 21 Sep 2025
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SUMMER THEATRE
AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
GREASE
THU 17 JUL - SAT 19 JUL
A GRAND OPERA HOUSE TRUST SUMMER YOUTH PRODUCTION
Fall in love all over again with GREASE in this fully staged, costumed and choreographed production, the perfect platform for Northern Ireland’s rising stars, aged 16 to 21, to shine and captivate audiences.
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
MON 21 JUL - SAT 26 JUL
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns following its sell-out run in August 2023.
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
TUE 12 AUG - SAT 16 AUG
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
TUE 5 AUG - SAT 9 AUG
The 2025 Olivier Award Winner of BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s completely sold-out electrifying Fiddler on the Roof is coming to the Grand Opera for one week only in what is set to be the theatre event of 2025.
DIDYOUKNOW?
The opera house opened 130years ago
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Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment. Laura Whitmore will star in this brand-new production, following the play’s first sell-out UK tour.
MOTHER OF ALL THE BEHANS
MON 18 AUG - SAT 23 AUG
Join Imelda May for an evening of songs & stories celebrating the life of Brendan's Mammy, Kathleen Behan.
SUMMER THEATRE
AT THE LYRIC
THE TUNNEL
BRASSNECK THEATRE COMPANY & SEAMUS PRODUCTIONS
THU 31 JUL - SAT 16 AUG
Academy Award-Winning director Terry George joins forces with Brassneck Theatre Company to present the Irish premiere of his thrilling masterpiece
DIDYOUKNOW?
TheLyricTheatrehas beenonRidgeway Streetsince1968
IN THE NAME OF THE SON GREEN SHOOT PRODUCTIONS
MON 19 AUG - SUN 31 AUG
If you thought the Oscar-nominated movie IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER about the wrongful imprisonment of the Guildford 4’s Gerry Conlon was a great story, you won’t believe how his life panned out AFTER he was released from prison!
ROSE + BUD
THU 24 JUL - SAT 26 JUL
A heartfelt, coming of age comedy about finding yourself, or maybe yourselves
LYRIC THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOL 2025
VARIOUS AGE GROUPS AND WEEKS
This summer, inspired by their very own Lyric Theatre production of 'The Importance of Being Earnest', the theme is Books and Story Telling.
Participants will dive into the playful world of Wilde’s famous comedy, exploring the fun of mistaken identities, silly misunderstandings, and the joy of pretending to be someone else.
ONTOUR NI
FESTIVAL MUSIC
Summer is festival season across the UK and Ireland and Belfast is a big attraction thanks to Boucher, EMERGE, CHSQ, VITAL, Féile an Phobail and the recently finished BELSONIC.
THE EPIC NORTH COAST
MANANNAN MAC LIR
3 PLACES TO STAY ON PORTRUSH MAIN STREET
Portrush is the place to be seen in this summer as The Open returns In anticipation of the arrival of one of golf’s biggest events, Main Street in the seaside resort has seen a number of new accommodations opening
Check out the 3 most recent openings on Main Street ready and waiting for your next escape to Portrush
The Marcus
39-41 Main Street, Portrush
A lovingly restored historic building in the heart of the bustling seaside resort town Portrush, and a short stroll from its beautiful beaches Enjoy an on-site modern bar and restaurant. The Marcus is part of the Hilton hotel group which is set to open three new properties in Northern Ireland in 2025
The Adelphi
67-71 Main Street, Portrush
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts is proud to welcome Portrush Adelphi to the group A 34-room hotel in the heart of the iconic seaside town of Portrush officially opened on 21st April 2025 The property becomes the sixth in the Marine & Lawn portfolio and the brand’s second hotel in Northern Ireland. Located just steps from the coast The opening occurs just ahead of Portush’s turn in the global spotlight as host of the 153rd Open Championship
Bank Apartments
60 Main Street, Portrush
Bank Apartments includes six serviced apartments and a ground floor venue called Safehouse Café Bar
The listed building, originally built in 1898 for the Belfast Banking Corporation, is part of Andras Hotels, Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group
The apartments are beautiful (we’ve stayed in one)
THE 153RD OPEN
The Open Championship returns to the stunning Causeway Coastal Route from 13 July - 20 July 2025. Royal Portrush Golf Club first staged The Open in 1951 and again in 2019.
Home to the famous Dunluce Links course, it's sure to bring quite the show as the world's best attempt to overcome this iconic course.
The Royal Portrush Golf Club was founded in 1888 as The County Club DID YOU KNOW?
Ranked among the top 10 golf courses globally, Royal Portrush Golf Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience.
www.artonatin.com
A BELFAST ICON
TITANIC BELFAST
THE FASHION FILES: SUMMER HATS
Matalan Crochet Sun Hat £10
Tu Neutral Woven Cloche Hat £12 50
M&S Denim Pull On Hat
£17.50
John Lewis Reversible Bucket Hat, £22
Oliver Bonas:Yellow Gingham Check Hat £28
Tk Maxx - Check Bucket Hat £7.99
THE FASHION FILES: LINEN LOOK
John Lewis, Linen shirt, £59
M&S Linen Shorts £12
PRIMARK Closed Toe Mule £12
PRIMARK The Edit Linen Shirt £24
PRIMARK The Edit White Linen Short £18
WHERE NIGHTS OUT BEGIN
OUT & ABOUT: JUNE REWIND
In the month that celebrated longest day of the year, June was busy with McConnell’s Distillery releasing the final whisky in their core range, McConnell’s Cognac Cask Finish, Freixenet, launched a twomonth ‘takeover’ of The Foundry’s beer garden, and Tradfest launched
On stage attheLyricTheatre
The Lyric theatre invited us backstage for a tour ahead of the opening night of The Importance Of Being Earnest, and we got on board two ultra luxury ships in Belfast Harbour.
We reviewed two shows at the Grand Opera House, Kinky Boots and Only Fools and Horses, and The Sound of Music by Belfast Operatic came to Belfast Cathedral And we went to our first ever Belsonic concert at the Snow Patrol festival debut.
Launch of Tradfest
Freixenet ‘Sunset & Sparkle’ at The Foundry
McConnell’s Cognac Cask Finish Launch Event
Only Fools And Horses at the Opera House
Snow Patrol at Belsonic
Sound Of Music by Belfast Operatic at Belfast Cathedral
B E L F A
S T 1 8 8 8
BELFAST 1888 THE COLLECTION
Our latest collection has arrived at our stall in St George’s Market. Our locally made collection is a nod to a notable year for the city.
Follow @belfasttimes on Instagram or Facebook for 1888 updates as we continue to discover more interesting facts about the
B E LFAST —1888—
1 8 8 8
In 1888 Queen Victoria gave her permission for the Belfast Academy to be renamed Belfast Royal Academy.
Belfast Academy opened on 1st May 1786 with Dr. James Crombie as Principal. In 1790 the Principal changed to Reverend Dr William Bruce. The Reverend was also one of the founding members of the Linen Hall Library, which opened in 1788.
1888 was the Linen Hall Library centenary year, and the occasion was celebrated with the publishing of this book (top right), which is available to see in both Queens McClay library and Linen Hall Library.
Also in 1888 the first trainees started a 3 year course at Belfast’s Nurse Training School in Belfast Union Workhouse Infirmary (now the City Hospital). The school was established by Ella Pirrie in 1887, at the time Ella had been the first Superintendent and Head Nurse at the workhouse since 1884.
You can find this statue honouring Ella outside the City Hospital Cancer Centre.
BELFAST 1888 - THE HARRISON CONNECTION
In 1888 Belfast was heading into some of its golden years, it was the largest linen producer in the world, the city was rapidly expanding and within 20 years it would become the largest city on the island of Ireland. It was a city attracting the best of the best people, including some inventors.
Walking around the city today you can spot blue plaques on buildings highlighting a few inventions, including the John Boyd Dunlop plaque on May Street, the inventor of the first functional pneumatic tyre, which he patented in 1888.
On a recent visit to The Harrison Chambers of Distinction on Malone Road, it was a joy to discover rooms dedicated to some famous people, and yes, there is a Dunlop Suite.
The Oscar Wilde Suite on the top floor acknowledges the man who visited Belfast in 1884. Soon after in 1888, Oscar Wilde published his collection of children's stories titled "The Happy Prince and Other Tales".
Visiting The Harrison is a history lovers treat!
The John Boyd Dunlop room
PIZZA PUNKS
Pizza Punks has flipped the lunch game with a brand-new lunch menu, Enjoy massive 18” NY slices starting from just £4.50 or savour a selection of their superb 12”
sourdough pizza and Sandoughs for only £9.95, available Monday to Friday, 12PM–4PM
TOTALLY TOURISTS: 24 HOURS IN LONDON
Visiting London for 24 hours and trying to cram in as much as possible.
Flying from Belfast City Airport to London Heathrow and jumping on to the Elizabeth Line is the easiest way to travel between the two cities The Elizabeth Line takes you right to Bond Street in the heart of the city.
We stayed in the Cumberland Hotel, just 10 minutes walk from Bond Street at Marble Arch, it’s very central and a great base for any London stay.
First stop from the Cumberland was the underground to Battersea Station and Battersea Shopping Centre.
After experiencing Battersea it was onto the Uber boat ride along the Thames to Tower Bridge passing e iconic sights on the way
From there we walked across Tower Bridge and got the tube back to the hotel for dinner then on to the theatre for the Stranger Things stage production. Gosh that was good!
The following morning we checked out of the Cumberland and walked south to Chelsea and Kings Road to take in the very colourful Chelsea In Bloom where most shops are dressed in floral displays. It’s a major attraction every year.
Buckingham Palace was 20 minutes walk away, and from here we walked to Regent Street, Bond Street and Oxford Street for shopping and foodie stops.
And then it was onto the Elizabeth Line back to Heathrow for the early evening flight home.
Thanks to the Cumberland Hotel for our accommodation base.
Two London Hotels
The Cumberland is a 90-yearyoung landmark hotel, situated at Marble Arch/Oxford Street. The 900-room hotel has a rich musical heritage, having housed many iconic legends. If you’re looking for something central, buzzing, good food, and a bit rock n roll then you’ll love The Cumberland.
art’otel London Hoxton in the heart of London’s Hoxton and Shoreditch neighbourhoods, is a one-of-a-kind hotel experience, fusing art . The hotel is an artists treat, with the 2 original Banksy’s above the entrance and the many pieces by D*Face
REMOTE SCOTLAND ON BOARD BRITANNIA
On the 6 June 2025, P&O Britannia set sail on an 14 night cruise around the UK & Ireland for its 10 Anniversary cruise. th th
Stopping at Invergordon, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Belfast, verpool, Cobh and returning o Southampton, the journey ook in some of the most eautiful scenery of the British les. The journey included 2 ays cruising around the estern Scottish islands.
&O invited us on board to xperience the journey from nvergordon to Belfast on this ecently refurbished beautiful
One thing we’ve learnt in our cruise journey over the years is that P&O always provide great entertainment on board. And Britannia delivered in buckets. But the show stopper on this journey was the awesome scenery. Visiting UNESCO world heritage sights in the Orkneys, walking through Scottish countryside in Stornoway and cruising past castles and lighthouses was a special and unforgettable experience.
Book your own unforgettable experience on Britannia with inside cabins from £799 for a 7 night cruise.
Book your P&O cruise at www pocruises com
TWO ULTRA LUXURY CRUISES
Regent is the world’s most luxurious cruising brand and their ships in the ultra luxury cruise class are stunning The Seven Seas Grandeur is stunning on board and unlike anything we have seen before The main dining room is a work of art, it’s designed to look and feel like you’re sitting in an enchanted forest under crystal and light edged ‘trees’ The ship is currently enjoying its first ever season in Northern Europe and will visit Belfast a couple of times this year.
Seabourn are intimate ultra luxury ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere masterfully designed by iconic hospitality atelier Tihany Design. Cruising with Seabourn is an all-inclusive experience with world-class dining and culinary delights that rival the finest restaurants anywhere. Each sailing includes a special complimentary after hours evening event in a unique venue in a key port. The fleet includes 4 ocean ships and 2 expedition ships for that extra special adventure to places rarely visited before.
Belfast's new spirits and beer tasting experience
comes to ICC Belfast on 16 August 2025.
Fancy a tipple and have a love for the finer things in life? Be part of something unique this summer in the heart of Belfast.
The International Convention Centre (ICC Belfast) and Waterfront Hall will host a brand-new visitor experience designed to delight anyone with a love for fine spirits.
. This special event will celebrate the true craftmanship and dedication shown by local distilleries and the rich heritage of this important practice across the region.
Samples some of the best beers and spirits the region has to offer between enjoying great food, listening to the live entertainment provided by a local act and soak up the atmosphere with friends.
Exhibitors include McConnell’s Irish Whiskey, Bullhouse Brew Co, Copeland Distillery, Hinch Distillery, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Shortcross Gin, Glens of Antrim Distillery, Boundary Brewery and Wild Atlantic Distillery.
FRIDAY 18TH JULY SUNDAY 27TH JULY
PARADE ON SATURDAY 26TH JULY AT 1PM
PRIDE THEME
The theme for Belfast Pride 2025 is NO GOING BACK.
PRIDE AWARDS
Pride awards recognise the contribution of those who campaign and support the LGBTQIA+ community. 13 awards include Best Night Out, Pride Ally awards, Highlight of the year, Event of the year.
PRIDE VILLAGE
A Pride themed market with music, information, entertainment and much more.
PRIDE GUIDE
Find out all the latest events news on Belfast Pride facebook or through www.belfastpride.com
Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast with over 150 events across 10 days
PRIDE PARADE
The main event of the Pride festival takes place on Saturday 26th July at 1pm. Watch it as it makes its way around the city centre.
The first Belfast Pride parade took place in June 1991
