I always like to be honest with you, our readers, so I am not going to pretend I walked into The Buddy Holly Story as a superfan. In fact, in the lead up to reviewing the show, I repeatedly found myself calling him “Buddy Holiday,” much to the amusement of those around me. Yes, I know… very different legends, but both iconic in their own right. That said, sometimes going in with fresh eyes is exactly what a show like this needs. Currently playing at Belfast’s Grand Opera Hous

I had the absolute pleasure of attending the opening night of 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Everyone’s a Star” World Tour at the SSE Arena in Belfast, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. This Aussie band has come a long way since forming in Sydney back in 2011, and wow, do they know how to throw a party!   First off, how class is it that these guys have sold over 18 million albums and moved more than 6 million tickets worldwide? That’s some serious star power! With their new

When I was offered the chance to see Miss Saigon at the Grand Opera House Belfast , I jumped at it. Not because I am a massive fan who knows every note of the score, and not even because Jack Kane , who plays Chris, is incredibly handsome (although he really is). My reason for going was far more personal. More than thirty years ago, when I was around fourteen, Miss Saigon was the very first musical my late dad ever took me to see. We travelled from our home in Wales to the

A snapshot of events from this year’s Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics  Adam Kay - Image by Charlie Clift This March sees the return of one of Belfast’s most thought-provoking and innovative festivals, the Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics.  This year’s festival will take place from 23rd - 29th March with over 120 events across 50+ venues in Belfast.  Here are ten unmissable highlights from this year’s programme. You can view the entire programme via.

Let’s embark on a journey into the vibrant banjo realm of Mumford & Sons , celebrating their exhilarating return with an energy that feels fresher than ever! Just seven short months have flown by since the release of their brilliant album “Rushmere,” and now the band has graced us with their sixth studio gem, “Prizefighter.” Co-produced with the extraordinarily talented Aaron Dessner of The National, this album stands as a breathtaking testament to the band’s remarkable s

Busting Out the Dance Moves: A Review of DAY FEVER’s Daytime Spectacular   Let’s talk about the most exhilarating day out you didn’t know you needed: DAY FEVER. With its recent feature in our festive issue, we couldn’t resist checking out what the daytime disco craze is all about. Arriving with open minds ( and a readiness to groove ), we were instantly welcomed into a world of nostalgic beats and carefree vibes.   Imagine stepping into a vibrant Ulster Hall where Beyoncé’s

Last night’s performance of Animal Farm at The MAC was nothing short of exhilarating. Adapted and directed by Patrick J O’Reilly, this innovative rendition by the Tinderbox Theatre Company took George Orwell's classic and infused it with a modern urgency that resonates deeply with the present moment. The auditorium was a full house, buzzing with anticipation, and the energy was palpable, only to erupt into rapturous applause as the final curtain fell.   From the outset, we

Grand Opera House Celebrates 130th Anniversary with £130,000 Raised for Children’s Cancer Unit Charity   Belfast’s Grand Opera House has marked the close of a two-year partnership with The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity and during this time has raised a remarkable £130,000 to help support children and young people living with a cancer diagnosis in Northern Ireland.   The milestone figure holds particular significance as it coincides with the Theatre’s 130th anniversary year,

The Gourmet Boys See highlights of February 2026 food editorial from our NI Influencers and content creators, The Gourmet Boys Cancel the sad desk lunch. Belfast is absolutely smashing it when it comes to street food right now, and we’ve been out doing the hard work (you’re welcome) to find five spots that seriously deliver on flavour. Pizza Napoletana First up, Pizza Napoletana  in Writer’s Square is home to the viral Panuozzo — that dreamy folded Neapolitan sandwich stuffed

If you don't leave with a giant smile on your face and a heart full of fun, it is a totally “Tragedy” on your part! As a massive fan of Steps both in the past and now, I approached the show with an open mind, hoping it wouldn't turn out to be another cringeworthy attempt to cash in on their hits through a theatre production, like some other past band endeavours. Thankfully, what I experienced tonight was pure nostalgic fun. The camp costumes, impressive stage setup, and great

IMRO award-winning playwright and broadcaster Nuala McKeever is set to facilitate a special event for sixth form pupils from across Belfast as part of the 4 Corners Festival 2026 programme. Beyond Boundaries takes place at Ulster University, York Street, on January 16. The event, delivered in partnership with the university, will bring together pupils from across the city to explore how to face change and difference with openness rather than fear. The workshop sits within the

The 4 Corners Festival is set to return to venues across Belfast from January 30 to February 8, 2026, with a programme built around its new theme, ‘Journey’. Now established as an annual festival in the city, 4 Corners was conceived as a way to inspire people from across Belfast to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all, encouraging people to step beyond the physical and psychological “corners” of the city through events that bring new places, new perspectives and ne

The Azlans Strip Off: Belfast’s Inclusive Rugby Team Launches "Bold" Calendar to Celebrate 10th Anniversary BELFAST – 27 November 2025 – The Azlans, Northern Ireland’s inclusive rugby team, are stripping their kit and launching their first-ever fundraising calendar. The Calendar is in celebration of the team’s 10th-anniversary. Titled ‘10 Years Bold’, the 2026 calendar is more than just 12 months of fun, cheek and well-placed rugby balls, it is a tribute to the players, frie

Bright Umbrella Theatre Company is set to unwrap an alternative festive treat this December with Baby, It’s Cold Outside - a sharp, funny, and big-hearted Christmas comedy-drama that promises laughter, surprises, and a distinctly Belfast twist on the season. Running at The Sanctuary Theatre, east Belfast, December 16 - January 4, this production offers audiences a Christmas story with plenty of warmth, humour and kindness. Directed by Michael Quinn , one of Northern Ireland’

If you’re looking for a festive treat this winter, look no further than The Adventures of Pinocchio at the Grand Opera House, Belfast , running from 29th November 2025 to 11th January 2026. Sponsored by Dale Farm. Having attended my fair share of pantos over the years since I was a wee lad, I can confidently say this one is a cracker!   First up, let’s talk about the legend herself, May McFettridge . With a stunning 35 years of panto experience under her belt, she’s back as