Sound of Belfast Festival returns to showcase thriving music scene across the city - in pictures

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.

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.

Take That Dublin ticket details as band announce return of iconic The Circus tour

Lewis Capaldi announces Belfast show as part of 2026 summer tour

Taking place over 27 venues citywide, there are many special events this year - Winnie Ama will launch her new album at Oh Yeah, Trú expect a spellbinding performance at the Duncairn and rising Hip Hop artist Leo Miyagee is set for the Waterfront Hall Studio, to name a few.

BONDED, a listening party with a difference, will include 'And So I Watch You From Afar' hosted by Stephen McCauley and 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.

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.

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, Belfast City Council, and 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."

Best TV shows in NI poll Belfast Live

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.

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 all together 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.”

Sound of Belfast runs between 6 to 16 November and full details can be found at www.soundofbelfast.com

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.