Experience the magic of Belfast’s dance halls brought back to life. Enjoy live music, learn the steps with a ‘dance caller’ and immerse yourself in local archive footage. Whether dancing or watching, this sociable night celebrates community, shared culture and the joy of coming together through music.



A little bit of Ballroom and Latin from across the years.



Tea/Coffee stall, and bar available



6.30pm - 7.30pm come early if you want to practice



7.30pm - Live music starts - instructor available to encourage our moves

Part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Fringe Events - the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture which is from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August 2026.

Earth to Alice - Free As A Word, An Evening with Alice McCullough

Support from John Moriarty

Join us for this special evening with Alice as she shares a new collection of poems, stories and songs ahead of her performance at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

For over a decade she has been winning awards and delighting audiences with various incarnations of her one-woman show, “Earth To Alice,” a growing and changing collection of poems and songs that have taken her on many wild adventures.

Once described by poet Tony Walsh as "A Fred Astaire of words," Alice Mccullough's unconventional poetry performances have captivated audiences ever since she made her start performing 'Alice Fresco' on the streets of Belfast.

Alice has performed internationally, has given a TEDx talk, was Poet In Residence for Disability Rights California, and wrote, directed and starred in a critically acclaimed TV adaptation of her “Earth To Alice” show for BBC.

  “A sensational new voice. New to me, anyway!” Stephen Fry

 “Marvellous.” Michael Longley

 “McCullough infuses all of her poems with her love of Belfast, which is enchanting. Poems that are inventive, fresh and with so much heart, it left her audience spellbound.” ★ ★ ★ ★  The Neurodiverse Review (Earth To Alice, Edinburgh Fringe 2022)

“Her presence on stage is as mesmerising as ever. We joked after that we are getting tired of each show we come to getting a standing ovation. Of course, it is a sign of the high watermark of McCullough’s work across the board.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The Neurodiverse Review (The Song of The Bones, Lyric Theatre 2022)

Date: Sunday 26th July

Location:  Belmont Bowling Club

Time: Doors 6.30pm music & drinks

7.30pm – performance (90mins)

Afterwards music & drinks available



Price: £16

Getting to Belmont Bowling Club:

Address:  27 Belmont Park, Belfast BT4 3DU

Buses: G1 or 4c/d/e 5 min walk from Ballyhackamore stop, enter via Kincora Av. 

3 b/g/f 3 min walk via Belmont Park

Parking – free car park on site

Kpop Demon Disco – inspired by Kpop Demon Hunters

Kpop Demon Disco is a high-energy K-pop dance party inspired by the KPop Demon Hunters film. Designed for ages 5 -12, this fun-filled event will have a dancefloor packed with music, disco ball, lights and excitement.



All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Things kick off with a dance demo to learn moves from the two hit songs from the film, led by an expert instructor. Then it’s time to show off those skills as the disco lights come on and the K-pop tunes take over!

There’s also a jewellery craft station to make K-pop-inspired accessories, plus a themed ‘tuck shop’ with tasty treats. While the kids party, parents can chill in the adjoining room with a bar. Dressing up is encouraged - it’s a perfect night for kids to bring their friends.

Tuesday 28th July 

Age guidance: For 5 – 12 year olds

Location:  Belmont Bowling Club



4pm & 6.30pm

1.5hrs

Price: £10 per child (Adults free)

Getting to Belmont Bowling Club:

Address:  27 Belmont Park, Belfast BT4 3DU

Buses: G1 or 4c/d/e 5 min walk from Ballyhackamore stop, enter via Kincora Av. 

3 b/g/f 3 min walk via Belmont Park

Parking – free car park on site

This richly illustrated talk explores the dance halls that used to be scattered across Belfast, from the luxurious Plaza in the city centre, with its revolving stage, to ‘The Hut’ in East Belfast!

Presented by the Strand’s Heritage Officer, Rosie Hickey, who reflects on the rise - and decline - of these important social spaces, and explores what is left of them today. She also highlights the fascinating parallels between Belfast’s ‘palaces of dance’ and its ‘picture palaces’.

Reminiscence is positively encouraged!

Part of our ‘Heritage Talks’ programme:  free talks about the heritage of the local area, followed by a cuppa and a chat. Hosted by the Strand at our ‘pop-up’ venue at Belmont Bowling Club.  Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Date: Thursday 30 July

Time: 11am

Location: Belmont Bowling Club

Price: FREE

Getting to Belmont Bowling Club:

Address: 27 Belmont Park, Belfast BT4 3DU

Buses: G1 or 4c/d/e 5 min walk from Ballyhackamore stop, enter via Kincora Av. 

3 b/g/f 3 min walk via Belmont Park

Parking – free car park on site

30th July - part of EastSide Arts Festival with a live musical performance before the film!



Romance, Musical, Comedy



Enjoy a lively afternoon with this classic Technicolour musical starring Doris Day in one of her most iconic roles. Set in the Wild West town of Deadwood, the story follows the sharp-shooting, big-hearted Calamity Jane as she sets out to bring a glamorous stage star to town - only for romance and rivalry to complicate matters. Featuring beloved songs including Secret Love, this warm, witty film is full of charm, humour and heart.  

At our new home for our Silver Screenings is the Belmont Bowling Club during Strand's refurbishment!

Getting to Belmont Bowling Club

Address:  27 Belmont Park, Belfast BT4 3DU

Parking – free car park on site!

Buses: G1 or 4c/d/e 5 min walk from Ballyhackamore stop, enter via Kincora Av. 

3 b/g/f 3 min walk via Belmont  Park

Thursday 30th July, 7.30pm

£22.50 



Belfast TradFest presents in association with Eastside Arts Festival and Strand Arts Centre. 

An explosive celebration of piping, percussion and pulse, With Pipe & Drum brings together world-class traditional musicians from across Ireland, Scotland and the United States of America. Featuring the world-renowned US tin whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden, the ethereal voice of Kim Carnie, Scottish small piper Ailis Sutherland, and the power and precision of Highland piper Grahame Harris with the Campbell College Pipe Band, this high-energy concert blends musical mastery with a vibrant cross-cultural spirit. 

Also appearing are legendary County Antrim traditional singer Len Graham, Tyrone uilleann piper Maeve O’Donnell, bodhrán master Aimée Farrell Courtney, smallpipe maestro Andy McGregor, and acclaimed guitarist Donogh Hennessy (Lúnasa & Lumiere), alongside master snare drummer Mark Wilson, and Conamara sean-nós dancer Becky Ní Eallaithe.   

Joanie Madden

Founder and leader of the groundbreaking Irish-American group Cherish the Ladies, Joanie Madden is one of the most influential figures in traditional music worldwide. Born in the Bronx to Irish parents, she was the first American to win the All-Ireland Senior Tin Whistle Championship. Her dynamic playing and pioneering role in bringing Irish music to international audiences have earned her global acclaim. 

Ailis Sutherland

Ailis Sutherland is a Scottish piper and multi-instrumentalist from Angus, known for her distinctive work on smallpipes and contemporary folk performance. Equally at home in traditional and experimental settings, she has toured extensively across Europe and beyond. She is also a respected educator with the National Piping Centre in Glasgow. 

Kim Carnie

Kim Carnie is one of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary folk singers, renowned for her powerful yet ethereal voice. Drawing deeply from Gaelic song and Scottish tradition, she has collaborated with artists and ensembles across the folk and orchestral worlds. Her work combines emotional depth with a strong connection to language and heritage. 

Len Graham

Len Graham is regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest traditional singers and a vital link in the oral song tradition. From Co. Antrim, he has spent a lifetime collecting, preserving and sharing songs from across Ulster and beyond. His contribution to traditional singing has been recognised nationally and internationally over many decades and he will soon publish his lifetime song collection of over 1200 songs. 

Grahame Harris & Campbell College Pipe Band

Pipe Major Grahame Harris leads the internationally respected Campbell College Pipe Band, one of the leading school pipe bands in these islands. Known for their precision, musicianship and competitive success, the band has performed at major events throughout the UK and internationally. Their appearance brings the spectacle and energy of Highland piping tradition to the heart of Stormont. 

Becky Ní Éallaithe

From Conamara, Becky Ní Éallaithe is an acclaimed sean-nós dancer known for her powerful rhythmic style and deep grounding in tradition. She has performed widely at festivals and cultural events across Ireland and internationally. Her dancing brings both spontaneity and striking percussive energy to the stage. 

Maeve O’Donnell

Maeve O’Donnell is an award-winning uilleann piper from Co. Tyrone and one of the rising stars of the tradition. A multiple Fleadh Cheoil medal winner, she is recognised for her expressive playing and strong musical sensitivity. She has performed widely across Ireland and internationally as both soloist and collaborator. 

Andy McGregor

Andy McGregor is a highly respected piper, educator and performer with extensive international experience. A former Grade One Pipe Major, he studied Highland bagpipes at Edinburgh Castle and is also an accomplished whistle and Scottish smallpipes player. Vice chair of Belfast TradFest and co-founder of Music Services for Pipes & Drums, he has collaborated with artists including Phil Cunningham, Aly Bain, The Chieftains, the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra and Phil Coulter, combining world-class performance with a deep commitment to music education. 

Aimée Farrell Courtney

Aimée Farrell Courtney is one of Ireland’s most accomplished bodhrán players, renowned for her dynamic performance style and rhythmic precision. An All-Ireland champion, she has collaborated with leading traditional musicians and ensembles throughout Ireland and abroad. Her playing combines power, subtlety and exceptional musical instinct. 

Donogh Hennessy

Donogh Hennessy is a highly influential guitarist, best known as a founding member of Lúnasa and for his work with Lumiere. Renowned for his innovative accompaniment style, he has collaborated with many of the foremost names in Irish traditional music. His playing has helped redefine the role of guitar within contemporary trad ensembles. 

 

Set within the magnificent surroundings of the Great Hall at Stormont, With Pipe & Drum is a bold and immersive musical journey that explores the shared traditions of Ireland and Scotland through pipes, rhythm, song and dance. From the haunting beauty of slow airs to the thunderous energy of pipe band percussion, the concert moves seamlessly between intimate solo moments and exhilarating large-scale collaborations. 

Bringing together internationally acclaimed artists and tradition bearers from both sides of the Atlantic, the programme celebrates the enduring power of folk music to connect communities, landscapes and histories. Blending Highland pipes, uilleann pipes, whistles, song, sean-nós dance and driving percussion, With Pipe & Drum promises a spectacular evening of musical virtuosity, atmosphere and cross-cultural exchange at the heart of Belfast TradFest. 

Kids Cinema Workshop

Discover the science behind early cinema, and have a go at making ‘moving pictures’ using zoetropes. Then learn about the design of early cinemas and make your own paper cinema to take home.

Delivered by the Strand’s Heritage Officer, Rosie Hickey.

Recommended for ages 6 - 11

Price: £3 per child

Saturday 1 August

11am – 12pm

Eastside Visitor Centre

Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Tokyo Jazz Joints x The Strand:Scenes, Stories & Sounds

Join Philip Arneill, creator of the acclaimed Tokyo Jazz Joints documentary project for a special evening blending jazz, Japan and film. By linking film clips with curated tracks on vinyl, Philip will draw connections that will focus on theinfluence of jazz on Japanese culture and movies.  This will be contextualised through his experiences photographing the country’s subculture of music cafes known as jazz kissa. 

Held in the iconic venue of the Harland & Wolff Staff Club, this will be a unique and immersive evening of stories, music, movies and deep listening.

This event is seated and ticketed. 

Date: Sunday 2nd August  

Location: Harland and Wolff Staff Club

Price: £14 



Time: 

Doors 6.30pm music & drinks

7.30pm – performance (2hrs)

Afterwards music & drinks available

Getting to Harland and Wolff Staff Club- 

Address: 8-10 Dundela Ave, BT4 3BQ (not far from the Strand) 

Buses: G1 10 min walk. 3 c/f/b 5 min walk. 

Parking - no parking on Dundela Ave, park on Newtownards Road - less than 5 min walk

Crime/Drama



An eighteen-year-old is accused of having stabbed his father to death. He is presented in a courtroom before a twelve-man jury. Eleven out of the twelve men vote guilty, except for Mr. Davis.



Starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb and Martin Balsam

At our new home for our Silver Screenings is the Belmont Bowling Club during Strand's refurbishment!

Getting to Belmont Bowling Club

Address:  27 Belmont Park, Belfast BT4 3DU

Parking – free car park on site!

Buses: G1 or 4c/d/e 5 min walk from Ballyhackamore stop, enter via Kincora Av. 

3 b/g/f 3 min walk via Belmont  Park

Comedy/Musical



2026 marks 100 years of Marilyn Monroe, celebrating the timeless grace, magnetism and cultural imprint of Hollywood's most enduring icon through exhibitions, activations and collaborations spanning the globe



Showgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw travel to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei's fiancé, as well as a rich, enamoured old man and many other doting admirers.



Starring Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell and Charles Coburn

At our new home for our Silver Screenings is the Belmont Bowling Club during Strand's refurbishment!

Getting to Belmont Bowling Club

Address:  27 Belmont Park, Belfast BT4 3DU

Parking – free car park on site!

Buses: G1 or 4c/d/e 5 min walk from Ballyhackamore stop, enter via Kincora Av. 

3 b/g/f 3 min walk via Belmont  Park

A Night of Disco with Winnie Ama



Friday 11th September, 8pm - 11pm



Join us for a glittering night of disco with Winnie Ama! The night will consist of a vibrant set of soulful Winnie Ama originals and reimagined disco classics. Perfect for fans of Chic, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. Get ready to feel good, dance, and lose yourself in the groove all night.



Doors - 7:30pm music & drinks

Winnie Ama Live - 8.30pm

Bar Closes - 11pm



Tickets £16

Harland and Wolff is a social club and will have much cheaper drinks than city centre bars!

 

Getting to Harland and Wolff:



Address: 8-10 Dundela Ave, BT4 3BQ (not far from the Strand)

Buses:  G1 10 min walk.  3 c/f/b 5 min walk.

Parking - no parking on Dundela Ave, park on Newtownards Road - less than 5 min walk