Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

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Description

Featuring readings, live music and performances; Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival brings the streets to life with culture.

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival (CQAF) is an annual festival of music, comedy, theatre, art and literature that takes place in Belfast. The festival traditionally takes place in the first weeks of May in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, so called because of its proximity to St Anne's Cathedral.

Regarded these days for its socially inclusive agenda and its eclectic programming blend of 'big names', emerging acts and fringe performances, The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival began life in May 2000 attracting an audience of just over 5,000. The Festival now regularly attracts over 60,000 people to over 100 events in Belfast's city centre.

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Tickets can be purchased at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
  • Various Venues
  • Belfast
  • Antrim
  • BT1 5AD

Contact Details

  • Various Venues
  • Belfast
  • Antrim
  • BT1 5AD
+44 28 9023 2403
http://www.cqaf.com
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Current Opening Hours

  • Monday
    08:00-17:00
  • Tuesday
    08:00-17:00
  • Wednesday
    08:00-17:00
  • Thursday
    08:00-17:00
  • Friday
    08:00-17:00
  • Saturday
    10:00-17:00

mother tongue

0.82 KM
03 May - 31 Jul 2024
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This group exhibition features sculpture, installation, painting, photography, audio and film.

The MAC
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The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

0.61 KM
03 - 12 May 2024
See All Dates (10)

An 11 day festival of the best local, national and international arts held in the historic Cathedral Quarter of the city.

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
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Smoke

03 - 18 May 2024
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Smoke is an exciting exhibition and engagement project from two established international artists.

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I’VE ALWAYS LIKED THE NAME MARCUS

0.82 KM
03 - 05 May 2024
See All Dates (3)

Join Marcus on his FUNNY and PROVOCATIVE escapade as he embarks on a quest of self-discovery.

The MAC
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Sinéad Gleeson in Conversation

0.68 KM
Fri, 03 May 2024, 7:00pm

Sinéad Gleeson, beloved, Irish no. 1 bestselling author joins us in conversation about her haunting debut novel.

Ulster Sports Club
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Theatre of Hate

0.56 KM
Fri, 03 May 2024, 8:00pm

Led by singer/songwriter, Kirk Brandon, Theatre of Hate released their iconic debut studio album, Westworld.

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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Snapped Ankles

Fri, 03 May 2024, 8:00pm

Snapped Ankles return to the forest, but it’s not as they left it. Trees planted in neat rows. A well-ordered monoculture with access roads and heavy…

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The Breeze: ‘Thin Ground’ Album Launch

0.68 KM
Fri, 03 May 2024, 8:00pm

The Breeze are a new 3-piece band comprising long-time collaborators Chris Coll (Lost InThe Fog), Decky McManus (The Basement) and Stevie Scullion (Malojian).

Ulster Sports Club
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Mick Flannery

Fri, 03 May 2024, 8:00pm

Mick Flannery’s songs are fluent in expressing layered aspects of the human condition, its flaws, triumphs, and general uncertainty.

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Lau (Unplugged)

Fri, 03 May 2024, 8:00pm

Lau present their Unplugged show, a concert of two halves in which they return to their instruments’ natural soundscapes for an evening’s exploration.

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FITE FUAITE

Fri, 03 May 2024, 8:30pm

FITE FUAITE le: Boss Sound Manifesto, Róisín Seoighe, SÉiMí (agus a bhanna ceoil), Colm Seoighe agus Na hEasógaí, agus Na Brigideens

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May Day Fiesta

Sat, 04 May 2024, 10:00am

On Saturday, May 4th the space behind the ICTU & the John Hewitt pub will be transformed into ‘Larkin’s Square’ for an alcohol-free family fun day.

Writer’s Square
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PP Arnold with Special Guest Bronagh Gallagher

Sat, 04 May 2024, 7:00pm

PP Arnold is the soul survivor. Her story is one of musical highs, personal lows, and that extraordinary voice.

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Cass McCombs and Steve Gunn

0.68 KM
Sat, 04 May 2024, 8:00pm

Cass McCombs’ music contains elements of folk music, americana, psychedelia, and rock.

Ulster Sports Club
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Lack of Afro (DJ Set)

0.56 KM
04 - 05 May 2024

A colossus of the funk & soul world, Adam Gibbons (aka Lack of Afro) has been releasing music for 17 years and continues to go from…

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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Hit the North Block Party

Sun, 05 May 2024, 2:00pm

Hit the North’s Block Party will be the climax to their 12th year, with 70+ artists working and David Holmes on the decks.

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The Dodge Brothers

Sun, 05 May 2024, 2:00pm

CQAF are delighted to welcome festival favourites The Dodge Brothers to the big stage for a perfect Bank Holiday Sunday afternoon hoe-down.

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‘Teeth’ Book Launch

Sun, 05 May 2024, 3:00pm

You’re invited to join writer John Patrick Higgins in conversation and reading from his new book ‘Teeth: An Oral History’

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Bang Bike – Let’s Ride!

05 - 06 May 2024

The Bang Bike is literally a festival on a bike powered by Dimebag DJs. It is hitting the road for its very first time.

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John Was Trying to Contact Aliens – Screening and DJ set

Sun, 05 May 2024, 7:00pm

The American Bar presents a very special screening and live DJ set from John Shepherd, beamed live to the bar after the screening.

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Mr Scruff

05 - 06 May 2024

Manchester based Mr Scruff is a producer, cartoonist and cross-genre selector who loves to play long DJ sets and occasionally B2B sets.

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Conchúr White

Sun, 05 May 2024, 8:00pm

A singer-songwriter from County Armagh, Conchúr White navigates the dreamlike and the grounded with blissful fluency on his beautiful debut album.

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Willy Mason

0.68 KM
Sun, 05 May 2024, 8:00pm

Willy Mason is a songwriter who has become harder to define as the years go on. His shows are tight and powerful; full of passion, conviction,…

Ulster Sports Club
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Nadine Shah

Mon, 06 May 2024, 8:00pm

Nadine Shah will be performing at the Festival Marquee as part of Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival!

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C Duncan

0.68 KM
Mon, 06 May 2024, 8:00pm

Chris Duncan is performing at Ulster Sports Club as part of Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

Ulster Sports Club
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CRASS: The Sound of Free Speech

0.56 KM
Mon, 06 May 2024, 8:00pm

Celebratory, shocking and raw, this film is as close to the story of the anarcho-punk band as you’re going to get…

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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Jack Docherty: David Bowie & Me – Parallel Lives

Mon, 06 May 2024, 8:00pm

Following a successful Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jack Docherty is taking his critically-acclaimed show David Bowie & Me on tour.

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Chasing Amy: A Celebration of the Life and Songs of Amy Winehouse

Tue, 07 May 2024, 1:00pm
See All Dates (2)

Chasing Amy is a compassionate exploration of the creative influences and development of the celebrated vocalist and songwriter.

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Oisin Leech

0.56 KM
Tue, 07 May 2024, 8:00pm

Oisin is delighted to play his Belfast solo debut gig at The Deers Head on May 7 as part of Cathedral Arts Festival.

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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CAttS

0.68 KM
Tue, 07 May 2024, 8:00pm

CAttS is a lip-sync ballet through the distractions and obsessions that help us cope with an increasingly dystopian reality.

Ulster Sports Club
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Young Frankenstein: Special Event Screening

Tue, 07 May 2024, 9:00pm

CQAF celebrate the 50th anniversary of the horrifyingly hilarious Young Frankenstein with a very special screening.

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Zoe Conway & John Mcintyre

Wed, 08 May 2024, 1:00pm

Zoe Conway and John McIntyre bring to the stage sympathetic arrangements of traditional Irish music, compositions and songs, old and new.

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Hollie McNish: The Lobster Tour with Michael Pedersen

Wed, 08 May 2024, 8:00pm

After a run of sold out shows up and down the UK, Hollie McNish is back with a brand new book, Lobster and other things I’m…

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TVAM

0.68 KM
Wed, 08 May 2024, 8:00pm

TVAM is both visceral and melancholic, drifting wonderfully across dream pop, shoegaze and synth-pop without ever permanently calling one camp its home.

Ulster Sports Club
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‘Boldie’ Premiere Screening

Thu, 09 May 2024, 7:00pm

‘Boldie’ A new film by Nicholas Keogh. He will also introduce two of his favourite films.

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Annie Macmanus in Conversation – in partnership with Ulster Presents at Ulster University

Thu, 09 May 2024, 8:00pm

CQAF in partnership with Ulster Presents at Ulster University welcomes Annie Macmanus to the festival to talk about her writing and her career.

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Jerry Sadowitz: Comedian, Magician, Psychopath!

Thu, 09 May 2024, 8:00pm

Jerry Sadowitz, Britain’s favourite comedian and magician, is back!

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Luke Haines Freaks Out! Weirdos, Misfits and Deviants – The Rise and Fall of Righteous Rock ’n’ Roll

0.56 KM
Thu, 09 May 2024, 8:00pm

Join Luke Haines for this in-conversation talk about his new book.

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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Hero of Belfast: The Mary Ann McCracken Walking Tour

1.21 KM
Fri, 10 May 2024, 2:00pm

Experience Mary Ann McCracken’s Belfast, as you walk in the footsteps of this remarkable abolitionist, philanthropist and social reformer.

Clifton House Belfast
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Kimmie Rhodes

Fri, 10 May 2024, 8:00pm

Kimmie Rhodes from Austin, Texas returns with a rare and intimate solo performance to celebrate the release of newly-penned songs.

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A.N.J.A

Fri, 10 May 2024, 8:00pm

Horror Garage Punk! A.N.J.A. is a German-born, Belfast based singer and songwriter who performs with her 4-piece live band.

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Fatal Deviation

0.56 KM
Fri, 10 May 2024, 8:00pm

The film tells the story of a young man returning home after a long absence, his future uncertain, his father gone.

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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Baxter Dury

Fri, 10 May 2024, 8:00pm

CQAF is delighted to welcome Baxter Dury our Festival Marquee as part of his I Thought I Was Better Than You tour.

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DJ Format

0.68 KM
10 - 11 May 2024

DJ Format will blend his favourite funk, soul, and even elements of hip hop for an unforgettable experience that will keep you dancing.

Ulster Sports Club
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The Bonnevilles

0.56 KM
Sat, 11 May 2024, 2:00pm

The Bonnevilles are a no-frills guitar-and-drums two-piece from Ireland who play hard-hitting roots music they call “garage punk blues.”

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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Sara Pascoe – Weirdo

Sat, 11 May 2024, 2:00pm

The debut novel from the bestselling and award-winning comedian, in conversation with Kathy Clugston.

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Ibibio Sound Machine

Sat, 11 May 2024, 8:00pm

Pull the Rope, the new record by Ibibio Sound Machine, casts the Eno Williams and Max Grunhard-led outfit in a new light.

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Katherine Priddy

0.56 KM
Sat, 11 May 2024, 8:00pm

Since emerging with her debut EP Wolf, UK singer-songwriter Katherine Priddy has quickly become one of the most exciting names on the British music scene.

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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Blue Whale (‘Last Immediate Images’ Album Launch)

Sat, 11 May 2024, 8:30pm

Belfast quartet Blue Whale make their highly-anticipated return with their forthcoming second LP, Last Immediate Images.

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Revolucion to Roxy, Phil Manzanera In Conversation

Sun, 12 May 2024, 2:00pm

Phil Manzanera, one of the UK’s best-known musicians and record producers, has written his memoir, titled ‘Revólución to Roxy’.

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Janey Godley: On Screen & On-Stage

Sun, 12 May 2024, 2:00pm

CQAF are delighted to have Janey returning to Belfast to present a new documentary on her life and featuring CQAF!

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My Darling Clementine

0.56 KM
Sun, 12 May 2024, 3:00pm

A labour of love on multiple levels, My Darling Clementine began as a homage to classic country duets of the 60’s and 70’s á la George…

The Deer’s Head & Bell’s Brewery
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Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story – In conversation with Daniel Rachel

Sun, 12 May 2024, 7:00pm

Author Daniel Rachel joins us to talk about his new book 2 Tone: The Music, label and moment that shaped British Culture.

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Scott Flanagan Plays Electric

12 - 13 May 2024

Pianist, composer and founder of Scott’s Jazz Club Scott Flanigan brings his exciting electric band to CQQF.

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Niall McCabe

Sun, 12 May 2024, 8:00pm

With self-effacing humour and stories told of growing up on a remote Irish Island Niall McCabe possess an effortless charm.

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Jane Weaver

0.68 KM
Sun, 12 May 2024, 8:00pm

Jane Weaver returns with brand new single ‘Love In Constant Spectacle’, evoking spectacular images.

Ulster Sports Club
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