It's been a blustery, stormy start to March, but it feels like spring might finally be on its way.
If you're heading into Belfast this weekend, there's lots on for everyone in the family.
From the Belfast's Children's Festival, to Cinemagic at the Ulster Museum, to live performances at the Grand Opera House, The Deer's Head and the Ulster Sports Club, there's enough to keep everyone entertained.
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Here's a look at what's happening across the city this weekend:
Belfast Children's Festival, March 4-13
Belfast Children’s Festival is running from 4-13 March 2022 and is full to the brim with exceptional creative experiences for children, young people and the adults in their lives.
The Belfast Children's Festival is an annual international festival for children aged 0-17 years and their accompanying adults. Events take place both in and out of school time - including weekends - for schools, groups and families to attend.
'Artefacts of the Pandemic' by Conor Maguire, ArtisAnn Gallery, March 11-26
Discover new artworks by celebrated artist, Connor Maguire, made at his studio at home over the last two years.
Connor has produced a series of paintings that are focused on things that we take for granted, such as products we use in everyday life. The art is inspired by how people have behaved and reacted to the global pandemic.
All the products chosen have a significance to our behaviour patterns during this time. Connor also sought out certain products due to the colour and text so the items painted were not just random paintings of household items but chosen for their significance and how we related to them during the pandemic
Piano at the Dome, 2 Royal Avenue, March 11-13
Discover great new music from local artists, as the former Tescos building has been reinvented as a space where artists can play music and entertain people right in the heart of the city centre.
Brilliant Corners – A Festival of Jazz in Belfast
Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival is back for their tenth edition, and they have a jam packed programme of concerts, talks, a house band, and an afterparty.
The festival combines local talent with international contemporaries, and Belfast audiences have fully embraced it, with numbers growing year on year.
As always, the focus is on quality music, and they aim to deliver the most exciting programme of jazz each year.
This year they cast the net across Ireland, the UK and Europe with Witch 'n' Monk, Wildflower, David Lyttle Trio, Black Top, Potsa Lotsa, Aoife Doyle, RGB Trio, Jas and Chums, The Long Game, Adjunct! Ensemble, SlapBang, and Ishmael Ensemble all on the bill.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Grand Opera House, March 11-13
The smash-hit musical comes to Belfast, featuring West End star Layton Williams and EastEnders’ much-loved Shane Richie as Hugo/Loco Chanelle - both reprising their roles from the critically acclaimed West End production.
Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.,
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas + Filmmaker Q&A, Ulster Museum, March 13
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas + Filmmaker Q&A with Steve Cox (Director) and Richard Beek (Producer) is on at the Ulster Museum.
It comes as the 4th Cinemagic ‘On the Pulse’ short film festival returns to live events and venues throughout Belfast in March 2022.
Cinemagic: Aardman Animations Shorts Showcase
Cinemagic: Aardman Animations Shorts Showcase is also on at the Ulster Museum as part of Cinemagic 'On The Pulse' Short Film Festival.
Aardman is an award winning British animation studio, based in Bristol. Known for classic stop-frame animation, Aardman have been bringing stories to life since 1972 when the company was launched by animators Peter Lord and David Sproxton. Since then Aardman has been entertaining and engaging audiences around the world with characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts, Morph and Shaun the Sheep.
Acoustic Picnic, Oh Yeah Centre, March 12
Join the Oh Yeah! Centre for a family-friendly afternoon of live music, crafts, games and activities for children and young people.
Relax with a coffee, listen to live music and take part in fun games and activities.
Families are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch.
Belfast Kilo Sale Pop-Up, Clayton Hotel, March 13
Be ready to shop over 5 tonnes of vintage and preloved garms and pay by weight for only £20 per Kilo! You can buy as much or as little as you want. No restrictions!
The Willie Byrne Band, The Deer's Head, March 12
As part of the 'Guinness Blues Cafe', The Willie Byrne Band will be performing in The Deer's Head on Saturday night this weekend, offering you a chance to venture into one of Belfast's newest venues.
Leo Miyagee, Ulster Sports Club, March 12
Fresh off the back of a string of sold out dates towards the end of 2021, Leo Miyagee is back. The Belfast rapper will be joined by special guest artists for his first headline of 2022, coupled together with an exclusive, limited capacity after party lead by North coast Hip Hop juggernaut CBAKL as DJ.
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