Gigs

Matilda The Musical

This excellent stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's story was supported by a wonderful cast of actors. The dynamic set-pieces accentuated their performances and grounded them in the world of this story. It was done so well that on more than one occasion I forgot I was watching a stage performance. The children's cast was the highlight of the show, not just holding their own with seasoned adult actors, but frequently running circles around them with what looked like relative ease. Matilda, especially, was a delight. She stole the show.

9 Aug 2026 at Cambridge Theatre, London

Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland

As part of Fleadh 2026, the National Folk Orchestra played to a packed audience at the Ulster Hall, performing various pieces of music on the theme "By Lagan Stream". The music was a nod to Belfast's past and present, highlighting its industrial prowess, artistic achievements, as well as the challenging periods in its history. Our friends David and Purnika joined us for this. It was well worth the price of admission.

7 Aug 2026 at Ulster Hall, Belfast

Regard 23

Crystal Dawn, Tia Bow, Mark Hegan

Regard gigs are always unique and interesting, and this month's was even more so. It took place in Foxglove Alley, a cozy community garden maintained by volunteers in the Stranmillis area in Belfast. There was a light drizzle throughout the whole evening, but that did not deter the crowd from enjoying the excellent music performed by a trio of local artists.

26 Jul 2026 at Foxglove Alley, Belfast

James Acaster

Support act: Dayton Grey

James Acaster started his 4-day run in Belfast with an unconventional set which mostly consisted of meta jokes about how Belfast is always a difficult crowd to please. Bits of it were really funny, but I wasn't a fan of the show overall. It felt incomplete somehow, as if he was not really into it. I wonder if the material would change in the next 3 nights. Well, I'm not going to be there to find out.

25 Jul 2026 at Whitla Hall, Belfast

Metallica

Support act: Gojira

Seeing Metallica live has been a bucketlist item for as long as I can remember. They were every bit as good as I hoped they would be. It was such an energetic show, especially after Gojira’s blistering opening set, but it also had sentimental moments, like the performance of Nothing Else Matters. After 3 rock shows back to back, I couldn’t feel my legs, my ears probably had permanent damage, and a neckbrace seemed like a good idea. It was all worth it.

28 Jun 2026 at Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Alter Bridge

Support acts: Mammoth, Skindred

At this inaugural “Blackbird Festival” put together by themselves, Alter Bridge performed with an impressive lineup of support acts. Cardinal Black and Florence Black opened the afternoon, but I only went in after their sets had ended. I caught Mammoth and Skindred who were both impressive in their own right and got the crowd hyped up for the highlight of the evening. Being the presence of Mark and Myles seemlessly shredding the Blackbird solo alone was lifechanging to say the least.

27 Jun 2026 at Cardiff Castle, Cardiff

Def Leppard

Support act: Extreme

Rock legends Def Leppard performed at Belsonic this year supported by Extreme. Nuno Bettencourt showed off his impressive guitar skills during Extreme’s set, which I quite enjoyed. Def Leppard’s headline performance was peppered with both new and old hits which got the crowd going.

26 Jun 2026 at Ormeau Park, Belfast

Big Thief

Support act: Ata Kak

Accompanied by Joshua Crumbly on bass, Big Thief performed a mix of new and old songs, including my favourites Mary and Not (which was every bit as powerful live as I had hoped it would be). They ended the show with a new song they had written only a few days ago.

31 May 2026 at Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow

Regard 22

Beckie Stew, Tyrell, Vera

The monthly Regard gigs are certainly becoming one of our favourite things to do. This month, the event took place in the beautiful Thread Studio in the Portview Trade Centre, featuring a spoken word performance by Beckie Stew and music by Tyrell and the band Vera—Sarah Toner (vocals), Darragh Tibbs (drums), Matt Holland (keys/guitar) and David Dalzell (bass).

17 May 2026 at Thread Studio, Belfast

London African Gospel Choir Celebrate 40 Years of Paul Simon’s Graceland

Another event in this year’s excellent Cathedral Quarter Music Festival line-up, the London African Gospel Choir performed Paul Simon’s Graceland album in its entirety. The first half of the evening was dedicated to the choir’s own music, inspired by African rhythms, at the end of which the audience was taught some dance moves. I remain staunchly godless, but this was a joyful experience with infectious energy. I had a big smile on my face the whole time.

5 May 2026 at Mandela Hall, Belfast

The Stray Gaiters: The Music of Neil Young

This event was part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival (CQAF). The Stray Gaiters played some of Neil Young’s best-loved numbers, including some of my favourites (Down by the River, Cortez the Killer, Out on the Weekend).

30 Apr 2026 at The Black Box, Belfast

FRIENDS! The Musical Parody

This was a musical comedy satirising iconic moments from the TV show Friends, by an all-UK cast.

9 Apr 2026 at Grand Opera House, Belfast

Regard 21

Ronan McSorley, Matt Holland, Rachel Hedley, Reylta

The monthly Regard gig, this time featuring the artists Reylta, Ronan McSorley, Matt Holland, and poetry by Rachel Hedley. All sets were original compositions by the artists; Reylta's set included some Irish songs, too. Photo courtesy of the Regard team.

6 Apr 2026 at Rattlebag, Belfast

David Byrne

It was such a pleasure to witness David, who I regard as a once-in-a-generation talent on his Who is The Sky Tour. The set featured music from Talking Heads and David’s solo career. The entire set was choreographed and energetically performed by his crew of musicians, singers, and dancers.

9 Mar 2026 at O2 Apollo, Manchester

Regard 20

Denisa Hasieberova, Catriona Gribben, Joseph Toman

The monthly Regard gig, featuring poetry readings by Denisa Hasieberova and music by Catriona Gribben and Joseph Toman. Joseph's energetic set was an interesting ending to the evening, and nicely complemented the laid back (yet emotional )poetry readings by Denisa and Irish music by Catriona. Photo courtesy of the Regard team.

7 Mar 2026 at Sinnamon Coffee, Belfast

To Kill a Mockingbird

This was a stage adaptation of Harper Lee's acclaimed novel, peformed by a UK cast. Richard Coyle was excellent as Atticus Finch. Some moments were played for laughs, unlike the movie version, but the play still conveyed the gravity of the source material well. Photo courtesy of WestEndTheatre.com

24 Feb 2026 at Grand Opera House, Belfast

Talking Sopranos

Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bacala) and Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) were taking their podcast, Talking Sopranos, on the road with this tour around the UK. They shared many behind the scenes stories from the show.

15 Feb 2026 at Grand Opera House, Belfast

Celebrating 50 years of Bob Dylan’s Desire with Arborist

Belfast-based musician Arborist (Mark McCambridge) and his band performed Dylan’s album Desire, and a few songs from the back catalogue. Desire is my second favourite Dylan album, and it was a privilege and a pleasure to see it performed by talented local musicians.

24 Jan 2026 at Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast

Regard 18

Caitlin Young, Amanda Fawn, Maria Nickolay, JulieJulie

The monthly Regard gig featuring poetry and short stories by Caitlin Young, and music by Amanda Fawn, Maria Nickolay, and JulieJulie. This was our very first Regard. Our friends Mamina and Jonah are co-organisers of these monthly events which feature original music, poetry, and spoken word performances by local artists. Photo courtesy of the Regard team.

23 Jan 2026 at Training for Women Network, Belfast

Larkin Poe

Support act: Son Little

One of my favourite contemporary rock bands, Larkin Poe, blends great American music traditions such as the blues, country and bluegrass with signature flair. It was great to witness the Lovell sisters's guitar prowess up close.

18 Oct 2025 at O2 Academy, Glasgow