The sixth Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival returns to Belfast this year with another eclectic program of music, theatre, comedy, film and visual arts.

Taking place in various venues across the city from April 28 to May 8, the music performances include The Blind Boys Of Alabama (May 1 @ The Waterfront Hall), Cat Power (May 2 @ The Little Big Top), and Jamaican veteran Prince Buster (May 6 @ The Festival Marquee).

Also making their debut Irish appearance in their new incarnation The Tears are former Suede duo Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler. Performing on May 6 at The Festival Marquee, audiences will preview material from their Here Comes The Tears album, due in shops June.

Curious types should get down to White's Tavern on May 5 to see the one man band that is Kid Carpet. With a musical palette that comprises Fisher Price instruments, plastic toys, a sampler and his own vocals, Kid Carpet's been wowing audiences on recent support slots with Mylo, Badly Drawn Boy and The Arcade Fire. Jinx Lennon appears with him in Belfast.

Also heading North for the Cathedral Quarter knees-up is Republic of Loose, Fighting with Wire, Melting Pot, Chris Brokaw, The Dick Smith - Mike O’Reilly Band, Jason Ringenberg, Ernie Payne, Geoff Berner, Carolyn Mark, Priya Thomas and Japanese metal band Electric Eel Shock.

Comedy highlights will include Jack Dee, Ardal O'Hanlon and Robert Newman.

Check for www.cqaf.com full details and ticket information.