March 2023
ARTS DIARY
“It’s just incredible to look back at the journey we’ve come on during that time, both as a country and as a city.” EDITED BY KELLIE BURCH KELLIE@ULSTERTATLER.COM
Belfast Children’s Festival Launch Young at Art’s Belfast Children’s Festival turns 25 this year. And they are celebrating with a 10-day programme of activities that range from theatre, dance, music, art and interactive events. At the recent programme launch, which took place at the Lyric Theatre, guests including media personality Denise Watson; composer and musician Neil Martin; and pupils from St Matthew’s Nursery School, were welcomed with bespoke cupcakes and party bags before finding out more about what’s on offer. The opening speech from Jimmy Fay, executive producer at the Lyric Theatre, gave a taster of what attendees could expect from this year’s line up. Guests also heard from the Young at Art Collective - a group of young people whose feedback on the arts shaped the Belfast Children’s Festival programme. Other speakers included Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr. Christina Black; Cameron Menzies, artistic director of NI Opera; Gilly Campbell, director of arts development, Arts Council NI; and Brian Mullan, CEO of Replay Theatre Company. Speaking at the launch, Eibhlín de Barra, Director of Young at Art, said: “2023 is not just the 25th anniversary of Young at Art’s Belfast Children’s Festival, it’s also the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. It’s just incredible to look back at the journey we’ve come on during that time, both as a country and as a city. Belfast is now a vibrant, creative, cultural destination and we’re very proud of the role that we, the creative sector, have played in promoting a positive image of Belfast around the world.” To conclude the programme launch, guests were treated to a performance from Northern Ireland Opera’s ‘Nobody, Somebody’ which explores the pressing issues of housing stress and homelessness some young people face everyday. There was also, as a world exclusive, first look at Replay Theatre Company’s ‘Mirrorball’. Based on the real-life experiences of Matt Cavan, guests were treated to a stunning performance from Matt as his drag persona, Cherrie Ontop, kitted out in the most glorious rainbow gown. Other highlights from this year’s festival include Aakash Odedra Company and The Spark Arts for Children’s ‘Little Murmur’; Replay Theatre Company’s ’Prism’; festival favourite ‘Baby Rave’; and the ‘Big Belfast Birthday Bash’ - a free event for all the family which will take over Belfast City Hall and the Cathedral Quarter on 11 March. The Belfast Children’s Festival runs 3-12 March. The programme launch took place on 26 January.
Eibhlin De Barra, Gilly Campbell, Belfast Jimmy Fay (Lyric Theatre), Festival Director n with Young at Art volunteers. Watso e Denis Lord Mayor Cllr Christina Black and
Maurica Mackle, Jackie Fauteux and Julie Sherlock.
NI Opera singers Susan Shepherd and Aaron O’Hare.
Cameron Menzies and Neil Martin.
St Matthews nursery kids with teachers Jennifer Donnelly and Leeanna Herdman.
Replay Theatre Director Brian Mullan and Cherie Ontop.
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