CQ Bid news detail
"Belfast's Cathedral Quarter is the city's buzzing, creative soul"
Culture Night returns on Friday, 19th September, with an incredible line-up of music, dance, cabaret, circus and art installations that will light up the Cathedral Quarter. From nostalgic wartime songs to dazzling street performers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When The Lights Go On Again – 7pm–10pm, Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum (Talbot Street)
Step back in time with American vocalist Kristine Mills and her band, performing wartime favourites alongside hits from the 1920s–1950s. With performances at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, visitors are invited to sing, dance, and enjoy a nostalgic evening of live music.
Stompin’ Belfast Vintage Social Dance – 8pm–11pm, Redeemer Central (Donegall Street)
Swing into the night with Stompin’ Belfast’s vintage social dance. DJs will set the floor alight with music from the 1930s to today.
Pink Pussycat Cabaret – 5pm–7pm, roaming in Writer’s Square & Cathedral Gardens
Expect glitter, burlesque, drag, circus and comedy as Pink Pussycat Cabaret brings queer creativity to the streets in a vibrant walkabout performance.
Dabke Dance Performance – 6pm–7pm, St Anne’s Square
Yallaa Belfast presents Dabke, a traditional folk dance rooted in identity and community, performed by dancers from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Soultrane Shuffle – 4pm–9pm, Oh Yeah Music Centre (Gordon Street)
Drop in for soul-inspired live acts and DJ sets, offering a feel-good soundtrack for Culture Night. A rolling celebration of music and community spirit.
Neon Dogs – 4pm–10pm, Sort Design Windows (Hill Street)
Artist Deepa Mann-Kler’s glowing Neon Dogs installation lights up Hill Street with colour, humour and playful energy.
Stormont Circus – 5pm–7pm, roaming the streets of the Cathedral Quarter
Tumble Circus brings surreal street theatre with clown cops, fantastical creatures, and mischievous animal characters.
Belfast Street Performers – 4pm–10pm, Writer’s Square
World-class local buskers perform circus acts and street theatre throughout the evening, filling the square with thrills and laughter.
Opera Singer - 5pm - 7pm
We kick off Culture Night from 5pm to 7pm with a live performance from an Opera singer on a balcony somewhere in Cathedral Quarter....watch this space!
Sound & Soul of CQ – from 4pm, multiple venues across Cathedral Quarter
Created with Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and Soultrane Festival, this vibrant music trail ties the evening together:
4–6pm: Youth Open Mic at Oh Yeah Café
5–7pm: Rooftop Showcase with CQAF Bursary Recipients
4–8.30pm: Soultrane Shuffle in the Oh Yeah carpark
Evening: Aerial circus on the Black Box gable wall, a Second Line parade curated by Willie Jack, and an indoor finale from 8pm featuring Makeshift Art Bar and Mount Palomar
This year’s Culture Night is a true celebration of Belfast’s diversity, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re dropping in for a song, a dance, a laugh, or a moment of wonder — the Cathedral Quarter will be alive with unforgettable experiences.
