Look North! The North Belfast Festival is returning to celebrate the heritage and creative talents of the area for a second year.
Running from February the festival programme is jam-packed with a wide range of activities and interests showcasing and celebrating North Belfast’s rich heritage, cultural, creative and literary talents.
With appearances from local authors, artists and young people, it includes talks, walks, poetry readings, panel discussions, music, tours of historic buildings and writing classes in novels, poetry, crime fiction and craft.
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The Look North! Short Story Literary 2023 Competition is now open for entries.
Planned and delivered by the NBF network, it is led by The John Hewitt Society and includes The North Belfast Heritage Cluster, The Duncairn, Beat Carnival, Imagine Belfast, Ulster University, and other interested individuals who reside in or work in the area.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black, who launched the festival said: "Look North! is an inspirational and entertaining celebration of north Belfast’s artistic, literary, musical and creative talents, its unique heritage and cultural traditions.
"It’s great to see the 2023 events build on the success of last year’s first programme."
Speaking at the launch in The Duncairn, Dr Frank Ferguson of The John Hewitt Society added: "It is a great pleasure to bring a festival to this part of Belfast where John Hewitt was born and grew up, and which shaped his views on life.
"The Festival is open to all and is important in recognising the rich heritage and cultural contributions of North Belfast.
"I would like to thank my fellow committee members for all their support in producing this exciting programme, and especially to our funders, The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery Community Fund, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Belfast Charitable Society, Cathedral Quarter and Ulster University for their support.
"Everyone is welcome at these genuinely inclusive events, taking place in no fewer than 19 venues, including the beautiful Duncairn Centre and the stunning Ulster University campus."
Welcoming the Festival, Liam Hannaway, Chair of The Arts Council of Northern Ireland said they were delighted to support what will be a "tremendous celebration" of arts in and of North Belfast.
Bill Shaw, Director at The Duncairn, continued: "The Duncairn Arts Centre was created to reflect and showcase the wealth of creative output in this side of the city.
"We’re delighted that this exciting programme brings North Belfast further into the cultural spotlight & we’re thrilled to be working in partnership with so many people and organisations that make North Belfast the special place it is!"
To view the full schedule and to book for events or workshops, please visit northbelfastfestival.com
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