We didn’t make it down to the launch of East Belfast Arts Festival this year but it seems we missed out on Kaz Hawkins belting out a few tunes and Belfast’s new Lord Mayor Mairtin O Muilleoir leading the crowd in a bit of clapping and singing along.
That’s the type of craic we need out in the East of the city which has been taking a battering from thugs and press in recent times. The truth is that the East was once a shipbuilding industrial behemoth and now is a rejuvenated little gem with hip cafés, eateries, arts spaces and some of the best burritos in the country. What you might not know is that it boasts a massive array of talent across all sectors of the arts and while acts like Duke Special may now be widely known, this year’s festival has much more to show off.
From the Nashville tinged songcraft of Brian Houston to the timeless comedy of East Belfast’s very own Roy ‘say what you see’ Walker, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival. At Folk & Tumble, we’re particularly looking forward to checking out Amidships, Emerald Armada, Rachel Austin and Master and Dog… not to mention taking an arts tour on the bus and checking out just who will be playing the little acoustic guerilla gigs across this bustling part of town.
Full programme, tickets and more info are all available on the East Belfast Arts Festival website.