The programme for our most innovative and engaging festival has just been released. During 22–28 March, we will host 115 webcasts to encourage people to discuss and debate the big issues of our times. The strictly non–partisan festival offers up an eclectic week of talks, workshops, theatre, comedy, music, exhibitions, film and tours to prepare us for the challenges of tomorrow.

Topics & Themes

The week–long programme will explore the theme, ‘The State of Us’ and pertinent topics including, the centenary of the formation of Northern Ireland, Brexit, climate change, COVID–19 and Black Lives Matter. The majority of events are free, and we hope to attract people who are not traditionally involved in the arts or political debates.

Headline Speakers & Events 

The virtual nature of this year’s event means it has attracted leading global figures and experts from around the world including Noam Chomsky, regarded as one of the leading intellectuals of our age, renowned playwright and commentator Bonnie Greer and a host of local talent. Other ‘headliners’ include Bill McKibben, Angie Drobnic Holan. Paul Mason, Claire Fox, Gavin Esler, Roman Krznaric, Neil Hegarty, Sinead Gleeson, Charles Leadbeater and Senator Eileen Flynn. Working with over 50 festival partners, events have been organised with, for example, the British Academy, Ulster Orchestra, Ballet Black, the Chilian arts group Memorante, open Democracy and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

More information available here.

For tickets and full programme details, please visit here.

Cost
Time			22–28th March
Contact			Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics //imaginebelfast.com/build-belfast-back-better/