Upcoming events.
The Köln Concert: Scott Flanigan/ Gráinne Meyer
50 years on from Keith Jarett' legendary 1975 performance in Koln, Belfast Pianist Scott Flanigan pays tribute to this iconic concert.
In January 1975, piano virtuoso Keith Jarrett played in Koln, Germany, an improvised concert which became one of the biggest selling solo jazz records of all time, selling over 4 million copies.
That the concert got off to the worst possible start helps explain its legendary status. The notoriously perfectionist Jarrett had asked for a grand piano. However, the organisers mistakenly ordered a baby grand that was in poor condition. Moreover, Jarrett arrived exhausted from an epic drive and suffering back pains. On seeing the baby grand he initially refused to play but was eventually persuaded. Despite or perhaps because of so many difficulties, he gave the performance of a lifetime.
50 years on from this iconic concert, pianist Scott Flanigan, founder of Scott’s Jazz Club and one of the most in-demand keyboardists on the Irish jazz scene, pays tribute to this seminal concert on a grand piano in one of Belfast’s most atmospheric venues, St Joseph’s church in Sailortown.
The second half of this concert will feature Scott in a rare duo format with celebrated harpist Gráinne Meyer.
Two different worlds collide in this concert - jazz piano with traditional harp, resulting in uplifting, thought-provoking and well-crafted music by two musicians at the height of their powers.
Scott Flanigan is one of the foremost keyboard players in Ireland. He performs regularly across the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany, and has recently performed with Van Morrison, the Ulster Orchestra, Larry Coryell, Jean Toussaint, Jim Mullen and Linley Hamilton. As a leader, Scott successfully tours his own contemporary piano trio, as well as a hard-swinging organ quartet. He also runs the successful Scott’s Jazz Club in East Belfast, a weekly jazz club bringing the best in Irish jazz to local audiences.
Harpist and Pianist Gráinne Meyer has recently completed a postgraduate diploma in classical and Irish traditional music at the TU Dublin conservatoire of music, receiving tuition from Cliona Doris, Denise Kelly and Gráinne Hambly. She previously received an honours music degree from the University of York, where she was awarded the Thomas Beecham scholarship.
Sound of Belfast Festival
Project 5:
a new event series from Bang Bike and Martha Dark dedicated to playing the freshest and finest House music - launches at Sound of Belfast 2025. Built for dancers and ravers, Project 5 will unfold as both standalone events and festival takeovers, with a focus on bold spaces, distinctive sounds, and unforgettable energy.
The Ultimate Bubble Show: by Paris Bubbles
Ray Bubbles, Guinness World Record holder, wows all with volcanoes, carousels & even a tornado—can he make the ultimate square bubble?
Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble!This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and surprises, as Ray uses various different gases to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays.Prepare to be amazed as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost, and even a tornado inside a bubble!The show was inspired by Ray’s work with SEND schools, adult neurodivergent groups, and science centres across Europe.The performance is suitable for children and adults with additional needs.Join Ray and see if he can create the ultimate square bubble!
Reclaim the Enlightenment Talk
‘The Revival of Ulster Protestant Radicalism and William Sharman Crawford’
By Peter Gray, Professor of Modern Irish History QUB
Culture Night: Sailortown
AR and Stop Motion Animation Workshop
Join us for an exciting Stop Motion Animation Workshop this Culture Night Belfast, September 2025! Delivered by Digital Arts Academy & BEAMA in partnership with Sailortown Regeneration, this creative session blends hands-on animation with innovative technology. Participants will craft their own stop motion stories and bring them to life using Augmented Reality (AR), turning 2D art into interactive 3D experiences. Set in the heart of Sailortown, this family-friendly event celebrates community, storytelling, and digital creativity. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or just curious about animation, come explore the magic of stop motion and AR in an inspiring, inclusive environment.
European Open Heritage
Drop into St Joseph’s to hear about our amazing heritage in the heart of Belfast Docks
Open Sat 13th & Sun 14th 12 - 5.30
Clarendon Dock with St Joseph’s behind
Maritime Festival Sailortown
11am: Relaxing soundbath to start the day
2pm: Uplifting harmonies from Cairde Community Choir
3pm: Stunning music from Ludwig O’Neill & the amazing Los Dramáticos
11-5: Hands-on fun in the creative print workshop
5pm: Showstopping finale from the one and only Currach Circus!
Sailortown Sundays on the Maritme Mile
Sailortown Jazz: Taking it to the Street
With Scott Flanigan and young Jazz performers
Sailortown Sundays on Maritime Mile
A Day of Women’s Football skills inspired by our very own Molly Seaton with the NIWFA Ravens Team and North Belfast St Malachy’s Old Boy’s Girls.
Bring your daughters to learn some skills.
Followed by Music and Burgers in Seaton’s of Sailortown
Hosted by Marissa Callaghan Former NI Women’s Captain
Sailortown Sundays on Maritime Mile
Sundays on Maritime Mile
Join us for a street Céilí outside St Joseph’ s with Ronan Eastwood, Tir na Nog Dancers followed by a bit of a Session in Seaton’s of Sailortown.
Great way to spend a Summer Sunday Afternoon
Belfast Guitar Orchestra
Live in St Joseph’s Church for our festival 22nd June 2025
Last Appearance in St Joseph’s
Cairde Choir in St Joseph's Church
Our Lovely Resident Choir will perform in their home space on Sunday at 2:15
Sailortown Drumming Workshop
With Thomas Annang https://www.thomasannangdrumminganddance.com/
Sailortown Festival Family Funday
Family Friendly day in Sailortown’s Barrow Square 12-4pm
Sunday 22nd June 2025
Soundbath: Sailortown Festival
Join us for a serene and rejuvenating sound bath experience with Tessa Ann at the historic St. Joseph's Church, as we bring the Sailortown Festival to a peaceful close.
Let the gentle and harmonious sounds of crystal bowls, chimes, and other healing instruments guide you into a state of deep relaxation and inner peace.
Ticket price: £10 including booking fee (FESTIVAL OFFER)
Whether you are new to sound baths or a seasoned participant, this event promises to offer a peaceful retreat from the busyness of the festival.
Bring a yoga mat, blanket, bottle of water and anything else you need to be comfortable.
Don't miss this opportunity to unwind and connect with your inner self. We look forward to sharing this special experience with you!
Sail Back to Sailortown
Sail Back to Sailortown blends music, poetry drama and archive film to tell the story of St Joseph's Heritage a Heritage experience as part of our annual festival bringing this iconic Belfast neighbourhood to life. Audiences will experience the stories and events that have shaped Sailortown over the years. Followed by gig with our very own Rotterdam Bar Musico Ludwig
Actor: Cathy Brennan-Bradley
Jazz Musicianist: Scott Flanigan
Poet: Marty McKenna
Musico: Ludwig O'Neill
Sailortown Festival Speciality Market
Event by Urban Market
Clarendon Dock, Belfast
Duration: 5 hr
Sailortown Festival Speciality Market Location: Barrow Square, Clarendon Dock, Belfast BT1 3AA
Saturday 21st June, 11am–4pm
Directions: https://bit.ly/FindSailortownFestival
As part of the buzzing Sailortown Festival 2025, this one-day speciality market brings together a handpicked mix of makers, artists, vintage traders, and street food legends for an unforgettable afternoon in Belfast’s historic docklands.
Barrow Square will be alive with colour, creativity and sound — browsing independent stalls selling everything from locally made crafts and homewares to vinyl, retro fashion and artisan produce. Expect delicious street food, local drinks, and live music from The String Ninjas and other top local talent.
Getting there? Easy.
Start at The Big Fish, stroll along the dockside past the Obel and AC Marriott, and follow the signs. You’ll find us in Clarendon Dock, tucked into Barrow Square —with unreal traders, a banging bar, and live beats waiting. Only 7 minutes’ walk — or 3 if you're late and excited.
Alternative entrances via Princes Dock Street and Pilot Street if you're coming from that side.
Shop small, eat well, and soak up the vibes at Sailortown Festival 2025
Sailortown Night Market
Barrow Square, Clarendon Dock, Belfast
Friday 20 June | 5PM–10PM
Free Entry
Belfast, you’re up! The very first Night Market is docking in Sailortown — and we’re kicking off the Sailortown Festival with flare!
Think:
Big flavours from street food legends
Real traders with unreal stuff
Live DJs + carnival drums
A bar that knows what it’s doing
This is not a browse-with-a-cup-of-tea kind of market. It’s a grab-a-drink, munch -some- street food, dance-a-bit, shop-for-things-you-didn’t-know-you-needed kinda vibe.
Sound good?
You’ve got one night.
One shot.
Don’t miss it.
Only 7 minutes walk from the Big Fish.
Tag your crew. Hit “Going”. Show up hungry.
Harp Festival Workshop
Harps Alive/Cruit Bheo
Intermediate Workshop with Sharon Carroll
'Newington ABC Gym' present Patsy Quinn Novice Boxing Event
Sailortown has a long and proud boxing history kept alive by the McAllister Family.
Newington ABC Gym is named after their Dad Gerry who took Patsy Quinn as his Ring name
The iconic photo of Gerry’s friend the World Heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston with the McAllister Family is on display in St Joseph’s along with Rinty Monaghan and more info on Belfast boxers
Christmas Choirs and Wreaths
We’ve a lovely informal day planned in St Joseph’s; Sailortown
The Rock Choir and our own Cairde Choir are performing.
Santa is coming and everyone is welcome to make their own Christmas wreath - materials supplied along with a glass of mulled wine to warm you up.
Harp Festival 2023
A Harp Masterclass with Richard Allen:
St Joseph’s Sailortown
Free | 11am
Level: Intermediate
Sailortown Bingo
Sailortown will host an evening of Maritime themed Bingo to round off our exciting weekend of Maritime Festival activities.
Come dressed in your best seafaring outfits.
Spot prizes for best costumes.
Hosted by our very own Captain Miguel Hoker, ably assisted by his trusty sidekick Ship's Chef Geraldo De Vino on the Decks
Get your tickets here: sailortown bingo
St Joseph's Guided Tour
Hear the Story of St Joseph’s and Sailortown
Free entry: Please Register here as numbers are limited
Belfast Guitar Orchestra live
The Belfast Community Guitar Orchestra is a group of guitarists (and other musical friends) who meet most Monday evenings at The Lawrence Street Workshops to play guitars, sing songs and drink tea. The group started up in 2014 with a performance at Culture Night of the song Tusk in collaboration with the Beat and many singers and dancers. They have appeared on Talkback twice, featured in the St Pat’s parade, performed with both the Ormeau Road Community Choir and the Big Belfast Choir.
Their motto, hi-jacked wholesale from the film Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is “be excellent to each other”.
Sail back to Sailortown
Join us for an evening of music, poetry and film celebrating the story of St Joseph’s Church and Sailortown
The Sailortown story will be celebrated through digital archive footage and the spoken word, showcasing St Joseph’s new role as a cultural centre.
Compered by Joe Lindsay and featuring an ‘in the Round’ with three of NI’s foremost singer-songwriters:
EILIS PHILLIPS, KING CEDAR AND ROE
& spoken word from CATHY BRENNAN BRADLEY
Get your tickets here: Sail back to Sailortown tickets
St Joseph's Guided Tour
Explore the Heritage of St Joseph’s and Sailortown
through photos, maps and stories
Free entry: Please Register here as numbers are limited
Sailortown Heritage
Drop into St Joseph’s for a self guided look at our Photos and Characters of Sailortown - there’s always someone to chat to for more info