Sound of Belfast festival launches 10th anniversary programme

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced the details of its Sound of Belfast 2024 programme, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. Taking place from 7 to 17 November, this annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing Belfast’s musical talents and its status as a UNESCO City of Music.

Spanning gospel to garage rock, electronic to rap, the festival celebrates our world class music community through collaboration, partnerships and specially curated events across the city.

Unveiled today, the programme keeps with the festival's commitment to championing genre-spanning talent throughout Belfast, including Thin Lizzy alum Eric Bell, who will be presented with the Oh Yeah Legend Award, Lilla Vargen, Foy Vance, Conor Scott, Ciaran Lavery, Chubby Cat and more.

On Friday 8 November, Oh Yeah will host "Breaking Into Music", an immersive one day experience for 14-21 year olds which aims to empower Northern Ireland’s youth by unlocking the career potential of the arts. The event compliments Oh Yeah’s weekly “Volume Control” industry mentoring programme and “Elevate” after-school club, which provide opportunities for young music enthusiasts to collaborate, meet new people and get advice from industry professionals.

The work of the Volume Control team will be showcased that evening as they host the annual Clash of the New Breeds, a battle of the bands which is suitable for all ages to attend.

As it's the festival's tenth anniversary, organisers will introduce two new events: a UK-wide PRS Foundation Talent Development conference and a partnership with Output Festival - a one-day music conference on Tuesday 12 November - featuring the annual Oh Yeah “Scratch My Progress” talent development programme’s showcase.

The flagship event of Sound of Belfast, the NI Music Prize takes place on Wednesday 13 November at the Ulster Hall, with an Oh Yeah Legend Award presented by PRS For Music to Thin Lizzy’s founding member Eric Bell, followed by a special performance.

Eric Bell

In a festival first, on Friday 15 November organisers have partnered with the University of Atypical to deliver Sounds Atypical, an intimate gig at the Ledger Studio which will shine a spotlight on Belfast’s d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent musicians. On the same day, Sound of Belfast will host a night dedicated to rising queer artists called Out Loud in the Show Some Love Greenhouse - an inclusive creative hub on Victoria Street.

The annual Women’s Work showcase returns on Saturday 16 November, with a refreshed and representative lineup curated by the Tutti Collective.

As Victoria Square’s charity partner for the year, Oh Yeah’s Centre Stage series will culminate on the 16th and 17th November with special performances by the Philharmonic Choir and Cairde Choir respectively. On Saturday 16 November we will be platforming one local musician to perform at the Belfast City Hall Christmas Light Switch On in front of 10,000+ people.

This is just a snapshot of what Sound of Belfast has to offer, with 10 days of special performances in unique venues across the city, such as Lilla Vargen in the historic Linenhall Library, a specially commissioned Grace and Glory gospel music event at St. Rosemary’s Church led by the creators of Soultrane, a Sacred Sounds event at Shankill Mission which combines yoga with a live ambient DJ set, and a Factory Sessions set by ROE at a top secret location yet to be revealed.

"This festival proves time and time again that we have no end of incredible musical talent to show off in Northern Ireland," Oh Yeah Music Centre CEO, Charlotte Dryden says. "That's why it is so exciting that between The NI Music Prize, Output, the PRS Foundation Talent Development Conference and Breaking Into Music, this year will be the biggest showcase and discussion for NI music that we have ever seen in the city."

Charlotte Dryden of Oh Yeah Music Centre

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Micky Murray, also commented on the festival, saying: “I am immensely proud of the Sound of Belfast Festival 2024. This year's festival marks a decade of celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, and community spirit that makes Belfast a UNESCO City of Music. From intimate gigs to large-scale performances, the Sound of Belfast is a celebration of the deep connection our people have with music, and how it reflects the heart and soul of our city.

“The 2024 festival has an even bigger and more exciting programme for the special 10th anniversary, highlighting the diversity and brilliance of the local music scene. To mark the occasion, Belfast City Council is delighted to be able to offer enhanced support to the festival this year. I encourage everyone to enjoy the festival, and experience how music brings us together and truly shows what makes Belfast a great music city.”

Sound of Belfast runs between 7 to 17 November and full details can be found here.