Belfast Marks Five Years as UNESCO City of Music

Belfast is celebrating five years as a UNESCO City of Music, highlighting investment in local musicians, grassroots venues and young talent. Almost 60 artists and bands have received bursary support, while international collaborations and major music events continue to strengthen the city’s cultural reputation.

Belfast is marking five years as a UNESCO City of Music, celebrating a designation that has helped deliver investment, new opportunities and international recognition for its music industry.

Since receiving the prestigious status in November 2021, Belfast City Council has supported musicians, grassroots venues, young performers and music organisations through its Music Matters programme.

The initiative has also helped strengthen the city’s night-time economy, improve accessibility and promote Belfast internationally as a destination for music and culture.

Five Years of Belfast UNESCO City of Music Status

Belfast officially became a UNESCO City of Music on 8 November 2021, recognising its musical heritage, creative talent and ambitions for the future.

The city was the third in the United Kingdom to receive the designation, following Glasgow and Liverpool. It was also the first city on the island of Ireland to achieve the status.

The designation forms part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which encourages international cooperation and recognises the contribution of creativity to sustainable urban development.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said:

“Our UNESCO designation has delivered real benefits right across our city – from staging major music moments like Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, supporting emerging artists and investing in young people’s musical development, to helping venues thrive and championing accessibility.”

She added that partnerships, grants and international collaborations had supported musicians at every stage of their careers.

Almost 60 Belfast Musicians and Bands Receive Support

An important achievement of Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music programme has been its support for emerging artists.

Annual micro-bursaries, delivered in partnership with the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, have supported almost 60 artists and bands.

Funding has helped musicians access recording facilities, mentoring, promotional opportunities and creative development.

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Music Bursary is part of the council’s wider commitment to developing local musical talent.

Meanwhile, the Gradam Ceoil bursary scheme has supported three emerging traditional musicians annually since 2021, providing mentoring and performance opportunities.

Music Education Creates Opportunities for Young People

Investment in music education has helped remove financial and practical barriers for young people across Belfast.

The Crescendo post-primary pathway, delivered with the Ulster Orchestra, provides instruments, specialist tuition and performance opportunities for young people in north and west Belfast.

Participating schools have reported improvements in attendance, confidence, aspirations and engagement.

The council believes these programmes demonstrate how music can support education, wellbeing and wider community development.

Sound of Belfast Festival Returns with More Than 80 Events

The fifth anniversary celebrations coincide with the return of the Sound of Belfast Festival.

Running from Thursday 5 November to Sunday 15 November 2026, the festival features more than 80 events across Belfast.

The programme celebrates the city’s diverse music scene through live performances, workshops, exhibitions and industry events.

Last year’s festival created paid opportunities for 166 local artists and attracted almost 8,700 attendees, its highest attendance to date.

A major highlight will be the Northern Ireland Music Prize, taking place at the Ulster Hall on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

The awards celebrate Northern Ireland’s leading musical talent, recognising established performers and emerging artists.

Visitors can explore the full Sound of Belfast programme for details of performances and events.

Output Belfast Strengthens the Local Music Industry

The internationally recognised Output Belfast conference has also contributed to the city’s growing reputation.

This year’s conference welcomed more than 100 industry speakers across 28 sessions and masterclasses.

Approximately 750 delegates attended discussions, workshops and networking opportunities.

Its evening showcase featured 33 artists and bands, attracting audiences of up to 5,000 people across participating venues.

The event creates opportunities for musicians, producers, promoters and industry professionals to develop connections and grow their careers.

Grassroots Music Venues Benefit from Investment

Supporting Belfast’s grassroots music venues remains a key priority.

Belfast City Council has developed a strategic partnership with the Music Venue Trust to help venues respond to financial and operational challenges.

Through the Raise the Standard initiative, eligible venues can access support towards essential equipment, including sound systems, microphones and lighting.

The council is also supporting work on a sustainability toolkit for venues and delivering industry sessions covering subjects including music heritage and emerging technologies.

These initiatives aim to protect venues that provide vital performance opportunities for local musicians.

Improving Accessibility and Wellbeing in Music

Accessibility and inclusion are central to the Music Matters programme.

Through a partnership with the University of Atypical, funding has supported accessible music events for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse music creators.

Further wellbeing initiatives are planned to support the physical and mental health of musicians and others working in the industry.

The council hopes these efforts will make Belfast’s music sector more inclusive and sustainable.

Belfast Musicians Build International Connections

Belfast’s UNESCO designation has created opportunities for musicians to collaborate internationally.

More than 30 local artists and organisations have worked with fellow UNESCO Creative Cities in Finland, Germany, Canada and South Korea.

A further 20 international musicians have visited Belfast to participate in performances, recording projects and other creative activities.

In September 2026, Belfast musicians travelled to Finland through an international cultural exchange supported by the council.

The exchange included performances at the Irish Festival of Oulu and opportunities to develop relationships with international artists.

Further details are available in Belfast City Council’s announcement about the Finland music exchange.

What Comes Next for Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music?

Belfast City Council has outlined plans to build on the achievements of the past five years.

Future priorities include further investment in under-represented musical genres and additional international collaborations.

The council also plans to continue supporting the Teenage Kicks scheme, which provides live music opportunities specifically for people under 18.

More information about the scheme and other available support can be found on the council’s Culture Funding page.

As Belfast celebrates this significant anniversary, the focus remains on supporting the people, organisations and businesses that make its music industry successful.

The council hopes continued investment will help ensure Belfast remains a thriving and welcoming city for musicians, audiences and visitors.

For more local news, entertainment updates and events, visit Northern Ireland Online or explore our Belfast community page.