The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced the details of its Sound of Belfast Festival for 2025. Taking place from 6 to 16 November, this annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing Belfast’s musical talents and its status as a UNESCO City of Music.
Taking place over 27 venues citywide, the festival showcases everything from soul to rock and roll, electronic to rap, folk, trad, and beyond—celebrating our world-class music community through collaborations, partnerships, and specially curated events.
There are many special events this year. Winnie Ama will launch her new album at Oh Yeah, she is expected to bring all the disco, soul and style. Trú expect a spellbinding performance at the Duncairn. Rising Hip Hop artist Leo Miyagee is set for the Waterfront Hall Studio. BONDED, a listening party with a difference will include And So I watch You From Afar hosted by Stephen McCauley. Music writer Stuart Bailie will be launching his new book The Song is Nearly Over: Music Stories 1985-2025 marking 40 years in music with an event alongside Tim Wheeler of ASH and DJ Terri Hooley. Sound Of Belfast premieres VANTA an audio-visual collaborative experience between DJ/producer Timmy Stewart & multidisciplinary artist The Fully Automatic Model.
Junk Drawer will be joined by Documenta at the Empire. There’s a dedication to Sinead O Connor and her album Universal Mother. Expected to be a powerful event filled by a cast of voices including Eve Belle, Chubby Cat and The Brigideens amongst others interpreting one of her finest albums. Plus there’s Blues, Trad, Jazz including Belfast’s first pop up Japanese listening cafe JU JU by Tokyo Jazz Joints & the new Dock Street Jazz Lounge from David Little.
The flagship event of Sound of Belfast, the NI Music Prize takes place on Wednesday 12 November at the Ulster Hall. A highlight of the festival and packed with exciting live performances, awards and dedications to our finest musicians. Awards will be presented by MCD, PRS for Music, PPL, Help Musicians and BBC Radio Ulster.
A specially curated event to celebrate the life and legacy of Ottilie Patterson will return to Sound of Belfast after a hugely successful pilot show back in 2023. It will feature the incredible voices of Dana Masters, Siobhan Brown, Suzanne Savage and Winnie Ama. This time it takes place at the MAC on Nov 7th and fully expected to sell out. And to top it off there will be a beautiful afternoon on 9th at The Harrison Hotel celebrating Ottilie with readings from the Richard Clements play starring Jolene O’Hara. You can also catch Grammy winner Kaidi Tatham at The Harrison for the Soul Supper Club on 13th.
It’s just a snapshot of what a great music city like Belfast has to offer through the dedicated platform of Sound of Belfast Festival. For full details go to www.soundofbelfast.com
Charlotte Dryden, CEO of Oh Yeah said, “We are so proud to launch Sound of Belfast 2025, a festival that shines a light on the extraordinary talent and creativity of our music community. Every year this city continues to prove why it has earned the title of UNESCO City of Music, and this programme is a true reflection of that energy, diversity and brilliance. None of it would be possible without the continued support of our funders and partners — including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council and to Ticketmaster as a first-time supporter of the NI Music Prize, alongside our dedicated sponsors and collaborators. Together we are celebrating not just great music, but the people and partnerships that make Belfast a truly world-class music city.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: “Belfast is jam-packed with musical talent, across all genres, and the Sound of Belfast Festival brings that altogether with 11 days of performances, pop-up gigs and more.
“This is a real opportunity to come along and delve into sounds you maybe haven’t heard before or just rediscover the buzz of a live music event. It’s the perfect showcase for highlighting exactly why Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music and the council is proud to support our local artists and venues again this year.”
Rob McConnell, CEO, Waterfront Hall & Ulster Hall said: "Our venues are proud to play our part in supporting the incredible talent Northern Ireland has to offer. Launching our Grassroots Sessions in July was about giving upcoming acts from thrash metal to hip-hop the chance to shine and connect with new audiences. We are especially excited to showcase Leo Miyagee at the Waterfront Studio and to host the flagship NI Music Prize at the iconic Ulster Hall, celebrating the very best of our music scene.”
Sound of Belfast Festival runs between 6 to 16 November and full details can be found at www.soundofbelfast.com
Thanks to principal supporters Arts Council Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Ticketmaster.
Also to BBC Radio Ulster, PRS Foundation, MCD, PPL, IMRO, PRS for Music, Cathedral Quarter BID, Shine Promotions, Noreast beers, Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Belfast Music, Titanic Distillers, Budvar, UK Music.
