This nostalgic talk will celebrate the showbands that dominated the Belfast music scene back in the 1950s and 60s. It will highlight the characteristics of showbands from this period -from the music to the snazzy suits – and explore how they evolved and adapted in later years.

The talk will celebrate some of the key figures and groups that shaped the showband scene here. It will also highlight various venues across Belfast that would have hosted showband performances, from the large city centre halls like the Plaza to the smaller east Belfast venues. It will also reflect on the Strand’s days as a Variety Theatre, when showbands from across the country graced our stage. 

This richly illustrated presentation, by our Heritage Manager Rosie, will also draw upon fascinating archive footage alongside new interviews.

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

5th & 12th November, 2pm



Crime / Romance

Bored waitress Bonnie Parker falls in love with an ex-con named Clyde Barrow and together they start a murderous cross-country crime spree stealing cars and robbing banks.  With Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. 

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

15th November  

Doors: 7.30pm | Main event: 8pm - 9.30pm | After show: 9.30pm -10.30pm

What happens when Belfast’s showband legacy meets a new generation of musicians?

Join us for a special evening of music, memories and stories celebrating the legacy of Belfast’s showbands and exploring how their influence continues to inspire musicians today.

The Strand ran as a Variety Theatre from 1984 -1987 and has hosted many showbands over its 90 year history. For this special event, we bring together long-standing musician George Jones of Clubsound and Trevor Kelly, with emerging Belfast musicians from Shamrock Showband, hosted by broadcaster and showband superfan Robin Elliott.

From 8pm between live performances, Robin will chat with George, Trevor and Shamrock Showband about the music, musicians, venues, audiences and culture of the showband era. George and Trevor will share their memories and experiences, while Shamrock Showband will talk about their music and the influence of the showbands on their sound.  The evening will culminate in a special live performance bringing the generations together on stage.

And the night doesn't stop there - from 9.30pm, Shamrock Showband will take over for an after-show set. Come along, hear the music and, if you're feeling it, get up and dance!

Taking place at the historic Harland & Wolff Staff Club, this is a celebration of the golden era of the showbands whilst looking at how their legacy can be reimagined for today.  This pilot event marks the beginning of a longer-term Strand project exploring how Belfast’s musical heritage can be shared between generations and brought back to life.





Tickets £15 (click time button to book)

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

One week only: 19th November, 2pm



Comedy / Musical 



Starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.  An impromptu fashion shoot at a book store brings about a new fashion model discovery in the shop clerk.

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

Part of the first edition of the Belfast Spanish Film Festival, run with the London Spanish Film Festival.

Held this year at Odeon Belfast while Strand is closed for refurbishment.

LOS JUSTOS / The Righteous (2026) – launch night

Director Jorge Lara & Fernando Pérez, with Carmen Machi, Vito Sanz, Pilar Castro, Bruna Cusí, Ane Gabarain.

In Spanish with English subtitles.



Tickets £9.50 - with thanks to San Miguel, we will offer guests a complimentary beer

Nine members of a jury are sequestered while deliberating a controversial corruption case. The evidence is overwhelming, public opinion has already reached its verdict, and no one seems to have any doubts… Until they receive a secret offer: each juror will earn one million euros if they change their vote from guilty to not guilty. But to take the deal, they must reach a unanimous decision. The challenge will expose the hidden motives of every member of the jury. A gripping and thoughtful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

 

Celebrating the richness and diversity of the cinema made in Spain, this festival brings stories, voices, and perspectives of Spain to Belfast. Through a very small selection of films that entertain, inspire, and challenge, we invite you to discover new worlds, share experiences, and connect through the universal language of cinema.

Join us in celebrating this exciting first edition and the beginning of a new cultural connection between Belfast and Spain.



VENUE:

Odeon Belfast

Located in: Victoria Square

Unit 13SF, 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG

Part of the first edition of the Belfast Spanish Film Festival, run with the London Spanish Film Festival.



Held this year at Odeon Belfast while Strand is closed for refurbishment.

RONDALLAS / Band Together (2025) 

Director Daniel Sánchez Arévalo, with Javier Gutiérrez, María Vázquez, Tamar Novas,  José A. Touriñán Judith Fernández

In Spanish and Galician with English subtitles 

The story begins when a shipwreck survivor teams up with his new love interest, the widow of one of the missing crew members. Together, they rally the entire town - from children to the elderly - to revive the  traditional rondalla. By participating in local musical competitions using instruments like tambourines and bagpipes, the villagers aim to overcome their loss, rediscover their joy, and look toward the future. What startsas a drama evolves into a charming and uplifting comedy about memory, resilience and the powerful sense of belonging that comes from feeling part of a community.

Celebrating the richness and diversity of the cinema made in Spain, this festival brings stories, voices, and perspectives of Spain to Belfast. Through a very small selection of films that entertain, inspire, and challenge, we invite you to discover new worlds, share experiences, and connect through the universal language of cinema.

Join us in celebrating this exciting first edition and the beginning of a new cultural connection between Belfast and Spain.



VENUE:

Odeon Belfast

Located in: Victoria Square

Unit 13SF, 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG

Part of the first edition of the Belfast Spanish Film Festival, run with the London Spanish Film Festival.



Held this year at Odeon Belfast while Strand is closed for refurbishment.

MI AMIGA EVA / My Friend Eva (2025)  

Director Cesc Gay, with Nora Navas, Rodrigo de la Serna, Juan Diego Botto, Àgata Roca, Francesco Carril, Marian Alvarez, Miki Esparbé

In Spanish and Catalan with English subtitles 

At 50, after more than twenty years of marriage to Víctor - the father of her two teenage children- Eva makes a life-altering realisation during a business trip to Rome: she wants to fall in love again before it is “too late.” Once back in Barcelona, she makes the bold decision to leave her husband and re-enter the uncertain world of seduction and romance. Gay’s film is a tender reflection on the power of belief - belief in life, in desire, and in oneself. In the director’s first film centered on a female protagonist, Nora Navas delivers a deeply relatable and quietly moving performance as Eva, capturing both her vulnerability and her fierce determination to reclaim her own story.

Celebrating the richness and diversity of the cinema made in Spain, this festival brings stories, voices, and perspectives of Spain to Belfast. Through a very small selection of films that entertain, inspire, and challenge, we invite you to discover new worlds, share experiences, and connect through the universal language of cinema.

Join us in celebrating this exciting first edition and the beginning of a new cultural connection between Belfast and Spain.



VENUE:

Odeon Belfast

Located in: Victoria Square

Unit 13SF, 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG

 

Relive the sound, the stars and the style from the fabulous 50s and swingin' 60s in this spectacular tribute to your favourite jukebox legends with Ireland's No.1 Rock'n'Roll band, the Soda Popz! 

This brilliant show has sold out the Black Box for several years but this year, we're bringing it to Harland & Wolff Social Club.

Get ready to dance the night away with a fun night of vintage Rock’n’Roll! Paying an authentic tribute to the hottest hits from the fabulous 50s and swinging 60s, this nostalgic show featuring a live, seven piece band, will have you singing along and dancing in the aisles with music from iconic artists such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, The Drifters, Connie Francis, Elvis and more plus of course some of the best Christmas classics!

So put your glad rags on and enjoy a Rock’n’Roll Christmas treat with the best retro experience around. 50s attire encouraged!

Tickets £22

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

Part of the first edition of the Belfast Spanish Film Festival, run with the London Spanish Film Festival.



Held this year at Odeon Belfast while Strand is closed for refurbishment.

KARMELE (2025)

Director Asier Altuna, with Jone Laspiur, Eneko Sagardoy, Javier Barandiaran, Nagore Aranburu



In Spanish and Basque with English subtitles 



Tickets £9.50 - with thanks to San Miguel, we will offer guests a complimentary beer

Basque Country, 1937. After being driven from their home by the Civil War, Karmele and her family seek refuge in France. There, she is recruited by the Basque Government's cultural delegation in exile, which keeps the spirit of a displaced people alive through music and dance. She meets Txomin, a professional trumpet player, and the two fall in love. After several years in Venezuela, they return to their homeland, determined to rebuild the life that war had taken from them.

Adapted from Kirmen Uribe's novel 'The Hour of Waking Together', Karmele is a sweeping historical drama in which Altuna delicately balances the strength and vulnerability of his characters, making their love, resilience, and unwavering convictions profoundly moving and relatable.

Celebrating the richness and diversity of the cinema made in Spain, this festival brings stories, voices, and perspectives of Spain to Belfast. Through a very small selection of films that entertain, inspire, and challenge, we invite you to discover new worlds, share experiences, and connect through the universal language of cinema.

Join us in celebrating this exciting first edition and the beginning of a new cultural connection between Belfast and Spain.



VENUE:

Odeon Belfast

Located in: Victoria Square

Unit 13SF, 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG

Get into the Christmas spirit with a special screening of Elf in the magical setting of the Ulster Transport Museum.

Follow Buddy as he leaves the North Pole and heads to New York in search of his family, bringing plenty of Christmas cheer with him along the way.

Your ticket includes entry to the Railway Gallery at the Transport Museum, so make sure to arrive when doors open and give yourself time to check out the vintage trains before the film.

You’ll also receive a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine, and there will be a festive choir performing before the screening.

Christmas jumpers very much encouraged!

FRIDAY: Doors open 4.15pm | Film starts 5.00pm

SATURDAY: Doors open 6.30pm | Film starts 7.15pm

We’re settling the debate early: Die Hard is a Christmas film.

Join us at the Ulster Transport Museum for a special big-screen showing of the action classic, as John McClane finds himself caught up in a hostage situation at Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas Eve.

Your ticket includes entry to the Railway Gallery at the Transport Museum, so make sure to arrive when doors open and give yourself time to check out the vintage trains before the film.

You’ll also receive a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine, and there will be a festive choir performing before the screening.

Christmas jumpers are encouraged!

Doors open 7.15pm | Film starts 8.00pm

It wouldn’t be Christmas without Home Alone!

Join us at the Ulster Transport Museum for a special screening of the festive classic made for all ages, as Kevin McCallister finds himself accidentally left home alone at Christmas and faced with two very determined burglars.

Your ticket includes entry to the Railway Gallery at the Transport Museum, so make sure to arrive when doors open and give yourself time to check out the vintage trains before the film.

You’ll also receive a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine, and there will be a festive choir performing before the screening.

Christmas jumpers are highly encouraged!

Doors open 3.15pm | Film starts 4.00pm

Celebrate the festive season with a special screening of the much-loved classic White Christmas at the Ulster Transport Museum.

Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, this festive classic is full of wonderful songs, dancing, romance and old-school Christmas charm.

Your ticket includes entry to the Railway Gallery at the Transport Museum, so make sure to arrive when doors open and give yourself time to check out the vintage trains before the film.

You’ll also receive a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine, and there will be a festive choir performing before the screening.

Christmas jumpers always encouraged!

Doors open 6.45pm | Film starts 7.15pm

Thursday 10 December 2026, 11am

Strand: Our Past, Present and Future UPDATED!

A freshly updated talk, which will reveal the progress of the Strand’s extensive renovation. 

Learn about recent discoveries both on and off site, which reveal more about the rich history of our iconic building. And hear more about our exciting plans for the future. The talk will also be a chance to celebrate some of the skilled craftspeople who are helping to restore some of our beloved heritage features!

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

For one week only, 10th December - Christmas Special

1.30pm - Songs by Eddy Moore

2pm film starts 

Musical/Romance 

A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.  Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney

At our new home for our Silver Screen 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 22nd October 2026, 11am - SOLD OUT

Thursday 28th January 2027 - NEW DATE

Schools of East Belfast

Explore the diverse range of historic schools scattered about east Belfast. Learn how schools in this part of Belfast evolved from the small national schools of the 19^th century to the ‘modern’ elementary schools of the 1920s and ‘30s. The talk will also reflect on how these schools were affected by World War Two and broader social changes over the 20^th century. The talk is richly illustrated with maps and photos, complemented by vivid oral history recollections.

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