City: Belfast - Gigs - Thamara Kandabada

City: Belfast

The orchestra performing on stage, seated. The conductor is in the front along with a vocalist, and there are two sign language interpreters on either side of the stage. The stage is lit in green light.

Music

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.

at Ulster Hall,

Crystal Dawn performing under a tent, while people are seated on both sides of the alleyway, looking at her

Music

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.

at Foxglove Alley,

James Acaster on stage, wearing a red jacket

Comedy

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.

at Whitla Hall,

Def Leppard performing on stage. From left to right: Vivian Campbell on guitar, Rick Allen on drums (visible on the large screen at the back), Rick Savage on bass, Joe Elliott on vocals, and Phil Collen on guitar. The stage is washed in blue light.

Music

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.

at Ormeau Park,

The band Vera performing. They are all seated, and purple light illuminates the space.

Music

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).

at Thread Studio,

The many memebers of the London African Gospel Choir performing on a stage illuminated by bright lists

Music

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.

at Mandela Hall,

The Stray Gaiters on stage, from left to right: lead guitar, bass guitar, vocals, vocals and guitar, and keyboards.

Music

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).

at The Black Box,

Nuwani and I sitting on the Central Perk couch that was set up on the foyer of the theatre

Theatre

FRIENDS! The Musical Parody

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

at Grand Opera House,

Ronan McSorley, Matt Holland, Rachel Hedley, and Reylta

Music

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.

at Rattlebag,

Joseph Toman performing at the event. He is playing an acoustic guitar and screaming into a mic, his mouth open.

Music

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.

at Sinnamon Coffee,

A promotional photo of actor Richard Coyle, in costume as Atticus Finch.

Theatre

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

at Grand Opera House,

A photo of the Talking Sopranos stage, a few minutes before the event began. The logo of the podcast is projected on to a screen on the stage, which is backlit in red.

Talk

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.

at Grand Opera House,

The official poster for the event published by Oh Yeah Centre

Music

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.

at Oh Yeah Music Centre,

The perfomers posing for a photo

Music

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.

at Training for Women Network,

A promotional still from the show; left to right - Connor Carson as Brad, Adam Strong as Frank-N-Furtner, Natasha Hoeberigs as Magenta and Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli as Columbia.

Theatre

Rocky Horror Show

A new UK and Ireland stage adaptation of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, with Adam Strong as Frank-N-Furter. All the performers were great and had the audience in stitches.

at Grand Opera House,

Alanis singing into a mic, as seen through a large screen on the side of the stage

Music

Alanis Morissette

Support acts: Irish Woman in Harmony, Liz Phair

Alanis headlined the Belsonic festival. It was a rainy evening in Belfast, but the atmosphere was great and Alanis rocked the show. People were singing along and having fun.

at Ormeau Park,

Bonnie and her band saying goodbye to fans at the end of the show

Music

Bonnie Raitt

Support act: Martin Harley

The legendary Bonnie Raitt performed a number of classics from her enormous back catalogue. I especially liked the acoustic rendition of "Angel from Montgomery".

at Ulster Hall,

A photo of all the gear on stage, just before the band went on. There is a large screen at the back with their logo on it.

Music

Wes Banderson

Wes Banderson is a motley crew of musicians, led by Adam Znaidi, playing the music from Wes Anderson’s films. They covered a number of tracks from several Wes Anderson films with great precision, paying fitting tribute to composers such as Alexandre Desplat and Mark Mothersbaugh.

at The Black Box,

A promotional photo of the comedy trio; they're wearing tuxedos and making comedic poses.

Comedy

Foil, Arms & Hog

The Irish comedy trio Foil, Arms & Hog brought their signature skits to Belfast on their "Skittish" tour. It was am excellent evening full of laughs.

at Grand Opera House,

A photo of the SSE Arena stage, just before the orchestra went on. There are two large screens on either side of the stage, and the audience looks on in anticipation.

Music

André Rieu

The Dutch violinist and his Johann Strauss Orchestra performed a delightful selection of classical tunes and renditions of modern popular music. The SSE Arena was sold out.

at SSE Arena,

Myles Kennedy on stage singing into a mic and playing one of his signature PRS guitars.

Music

Myles Kennedy

Support act: Cardinal Black

I caught Myles Kennedy on his solo tour promoting the album Year of the Tiger. As a big fan of Alter Bridge, Myles is one of my favourite modern rock vocalists, and he is as every bit as powerful on stage performing his own material as he is when he is with the band.

at Limelight,

A promotional photo of David with his keyboard standing in a field of tall grass

Comedy

David O’Doherty

David’s show included his signature blend of comedy and music. Having seen and liked him on many panel shows over the years, I was delighted to experience a live show with David's antics.

at Waterfront Hall,

Promotional poster of the tour

Comedy

Jimmy Carr

A night of dark humour, including Jimmy’s signature one-liners and some excellent clap-backs at hecklers.

at Waterfront Hall,

The stage of Waterfrong Hall, with a large screen at the back. The Bootleg Beatles logo is projected on the screen.

Music

The Bootleg Beatles

The tribute band performed a number of Beatles classics spanning the length of their recording career.

at Waterfront Hall,

The masssive stage at the Boucher Playing Fields just before the gig started

Music

Liam Gallagher

Support act: Kasabian

Liam performed a number of Oasis classics, and even a few Beatles songs.

at Boucher Playing Fields,

Sting playing bass and singing on stage

Music

Sting

Support acts: Germain Sisters, Blondie

Blondie opened the show with a short set, and then Sting performed a number of his iconic hits, including Roxanne, Englishman in New York, and Every Breath You Take.

at Ormeau Park,

UK Pink Floyd Experience on stage, with the spotlight on guitarist Paul Andrews.

Music

UK Pink Floyd Experience

The tribute band performed a number of Pink Floyd’s best loved songs. This was my second time seeing them. Echoes was notably absent from the setlist this time.

at Waterfront Hall,

Bruce singing on stage, mic in hand, as seen through a large screen on the right hand side of the stage

Music

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

The Boss kept going for almost 3 hours, performing a number of iconic hits.

at Boucher Playing Fields,

the printed programme of the evening

Music

May The Fourth Be With You

A celebration of the music of John Williams, specifically his work on the Star Wars films, performed by the Ulster Orchestra.

at Waterfront Hall,

A promotional still from the play with the ensemble cast on stage

Theatre

Life of Pi

The stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s novel, with a new UK & Ireland cast, and exquisite puppetry.

at Grand Opera House,

A stage, with 3 large LED screens on it

Comedy

Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey’s new tour, named Thoughtifier, included a mix of his signature comedy and music, with audience interaction.

at SSE Arena,

The musicians getting ready for the gig, on a stage lit in blue

Music

The Two of Us: Songs of Lennon and McCartney

Featuring songs from the Lennon and McCartney songbook, performed by a number of artists, backed by the Ulster Orchestra.

at Waterfront Hall,

Prof Cox on stage, there is a large LED screen behind him

Talk

Professor Brian Cox: Horizons – A 21st Century Odyssey

An evening of science, hosted by Professor Brian Cox, with the aid of stunning visuals, focusing on space exploration.

at Waterfront Hall,

Promotional poster of the tour, with Jon on a penny farthing, wearing a cardigan

Comedy

Jon Richardson

Jon Richardson’s The Knitwit Tour, serving his signature style of comedy.

at Waterfront Hall,

Promotional poster of the tour showing Norah with a piano

Music

Norah Jones

Supported by a stripped-down band, Norah performed a number of her best loved songs.

at Waterfront Hall,

Promotional poster of the tour. It's green, with 3 photos of James jumping on it, and the title of the tour, Hecklers Welcome, on the side.

Comedy

James Acaster

James welcomed hecklers at the show, and expertly clapped back at all of them. He even managed to split the room with the joke about the royal family.

at Whitla Hall,

UK Pink Floyd Experience on stage, with the spotlight on guitarist Paul Andrews.

Music

UK Pink Floyd Experience

The tribute band is made up of a great lineup of excellent musicians. They did the music justice. I was quite excited to see one of the very first shows where they had added Echoes to the setlist.

at Waterfront Hall,

Oliver Slee on stage, dressed in Bowie's iconic outfit from Ziggy Stardust album cover.

Music

Bowie Experience

The tribute band performed an explosive set of hits to a very enthusiastic audience. The show was opened by the local band Lonely Astronaut.

at Ulster Hall,

The band on stage, with bright lights illuminating it, at the Empire Music Hall.

Music

Hats Off To Led Zeppelin

Support act: Lonely Astronaut

The tribute band performed an explosive set of hits to a very enthusiastic audience. The show was opened by the local band Lonely Astronaut.

at Empire Music Hall,

The St.Anne's Cathedral before, with people trickling in to the audience

Music

Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

A string quartet—all local musicians—performed acoustic renditions of Fleetwood Mac classics at Belfast’s iconic St. Anne’s Cathedral. This was a special show.

at St. Anne's Cathedral,

The band on stage, awash in red light, at the Limelight.

Music

Brian Jonestown Massacre

Support act: The Magic Mod

This was uncharacteristically chilled out for a BJM show. There were no fights on stage!

at Limelight,

The set, awash in purple light, just before the performance began.

Theatre

Romeo & Juliet

Our very first time at The Lyric, watching this modern retelling of the Shakespeare classic, with a local cast.

at The Lyric Belfast,

A holographic projection of Vincent van Gogh's face.

Art

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

An immersive exhibition of Vincent van Gogh’s art, using large format projections.

at Carlisle Memorial Church,

The largely empty SSE arena just before people started piling in

Music

The Cure

Robert Smith and the band performed a number of songs from their new album, as well as some fan favourites.

at SSE Arena,

Two performers, wearing red, about to start their peformance on a stage lit in pruple and blue light

Circus

Circus Extreme

This thrilling circus featured peformers—acrobats, motocross riders, trapeze artists, and more—from all over Europe.

at Boucher Playing Fields,

Promotional poster of the band

Music

The Mersey Beatles

The tribute band performed a number of favourites spanning the entire recording career of The Beatles.

at Ulster Hall,

Ars longa. Vita brevis.
© 2026 Thamara Kandabada

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