The first ever Belfast Equinox event will take place later this month, celebrating age-old mythology surrounding the Spring Equinox.
The event at the Titanic Quarter on Saturday, March 25 will mark the arrival of the Spring Equinox in the city.
Belfast City Council has joined forces with Belfast Mela producers ArtsEkta to stage this unique free event, which is expected to attract hundreds of people to the Belfast Harbour Marina for an enchanted evening of mythology for people of all ages to enjoy.
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Belfast Equinox will involve an immersive, cross cultural storytelling experience developed with citizens from across the city who have been working with ArtsEkta in diverse music, dance and art workshops.
In many cultures, the equinox marks a time of transition and new beginnings and this event will take you on a journey to celebrate mythology and tales from around the world re-told through music, dance, procession, lighting and fire.
The Equinox story will commence with a striking procession bringing to life the elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire with dance, fire, costume and music to officially welcome the arrival of Spring.
Renowned storyteller Peter Chand will then weave together an exciting evening of magical music, dramatic dance and talented theatrical performances on stage representing cultures from India, Persia, Japan and Ireland.
Creative workshops will surround the marina’s water’s edge encouraging people to take part and learn new skills to create their very own Spring Equinox themed memories while the aroma of the various food vendors on site tempts visitors to try new dishes.
The spectacle will then draw to a spectacular close with the lighting of the Equinox Fire and launch of a Half Moon, Half Sun illumination at the Belfast Harbour Marina just before 8pm.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black said: “This promises to be a fantastic free event celebrating our diverse, vibrant multi-cultural make-up through music, dance, art and storytelling. Equinox symbolises hope and new beginnings – something that is particularly significant in this period of growth and recovery.”
Nisha Tandon, Founder and CEO of ArtsEkta said: “The Equinox marks a time for change and new beginnings. We are extremely excited to be bringing this unique storytelling experience to the heart of Titanic Quarter for the very first time.
“Be prepared to embark on a journey across the globe to hear fascinating stories about how the Spring Equinox is celebrated across cultures. A huge thank you to all participants from across different communities who have been working with our talented artists to create a very special evening for the city.”
Grainne Holland, Creative Lead for Belfast Equinox said: “Celestial events such the equinox unite the people of the world as one tribe. We all share this planet and we are all steered by the changing of the seasons and the movement of the sun and it will be wonderful to celebrate these changes with Belfast Equinox.”
Belfast Equinox takes place 25 March from 5pm - 8pm at Titanic Quarter. Places are free but entry is subject to available capacity. No tickets are required.
For full details of the Belfast Equinox festival go to ArtsEkta’s website.
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