If you’re planning a trip to Northern Ireland in the summer of 2023, you’re in for a treat! The region has some of the most fun-filled festivals and events, perfect for both locals and tourists to enjoy. The summer season in Northern Ireland is packed with cultural, music, and food festivals that will keep you entertained throughout your trip. Whether you’re interested in traditional Irish music, local crafts or fancy an ice-cold pint of Guinness, the Northern Irish festival calendar has something for everyone. So, let’s explore the best festivals to visit in Northern Ireland in the summer of 2023.
Belsonic Festival in Belfast
The Belsonic Festival takes place in the center of Belfast, and it’s a must-attend for music lovers. Set over five days in June, the festival has an incredible line-up of acts from different genres such as rock, electronic, pop, and indie. Previous festival performers include The Chemical Brothers, Tiesto, David Guetta, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Aside from the fantastic music, the Belsonic Festival provides visitors with different bars, food stalls, and other exciting activities. You can enjoy a variety of foods from local street vendors or settle in with your friends in the beer garden for a pint before the concert. The electric atmosphere and the broad range of musical talent on display, make Belsonic Belfast’s must-attend summer festival.
Derry’s International Choral Festival
Derry’s International Choral Festival is an incredible celebration of traditional Irish music and choral singing. This unique music festival is held in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest City, in July each year.
The International Choral Festival brings together groups of choir performers from all over the world who showcase their Irish culture and musical talent for the audience’s pleasure. You can expect to hear traditional Irish songs, as well as international songs adapted to Irish melodies.
The festival events are open to the public, so make sure to book your tickets early to witness the live performances. Derry’s International Choral Festival is a cultural event not to be missed.
Stendhal Festival of Art
If you’re visiting Northern Ireland with your family, then the Stendhal Festival of Art is a great choice. It is a perfect blend of music, art, and culture and is held in Ballymully Cottage Farm in Limavady in August.
Stendhal Festival of Art features a range of local artists and performers from across Ireland. The festival includes art installations, live music stages, comedy, and children’s activities. So, whether you’re interested in live music or art installations, Stendhal has an extensive range of events on offer.
Younger visitors can have fun at the “Kidzone,” which boasts magicians, face painting, and games to keep them entertained. In the evening, the festival transforms into a giant party with DJ’s and live music to build a lively atmosphere. The Stendhal Festival of Art provides the perfect family-friendly festival experience in Northern Ireland.
Titanic Maritime Festival
If you consider yourself a history buff, the Titanic Maritime Festival is a perfect festival to include on your schedule. The festival takes place over a long weekend on the banks of the River Lagan in Belfast in June each year.
The Titanic Maritime Festival offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Northern Ireland’s rich history, the life and story of the RMS Titanic. The festival has an extensive range of activities on offer, including guided tours of the Titanic exhibition, street performances, and live music.
The festival also includes food stalls offering local Northern Ireland cuisine like smoked salmon, oysters, and traditional Irish stew. At night, the festival complex transforms into a lively party space, where visitors can dance the night away while enjoying music and side acts from local musical talent.
The Sunflowerfest
If you fancy a low-key, alternative festival experience, the Sunflowerfest is perfect for you. The festival takes place in the beautiful Hillsborough Castle in Belfast in August each year.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as yoga and meditation classes, comedy shows, and traditional Irish music performances. The Sunflowerfest celebrates Northern Ireland’s creativity, and you will find plenty of local artists showcasing their work in the art stalls.
The food options at Sunflowerfest range from vegan cuisine to hog roasts, and the festival bars serve up an excellent selection of craft beers and spirits. With an affordable ticket price and relaxed atmosphere, the Sunflowerfest is a perfect Northern Irish festival experience.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The summer festival calendar in Northern Ireland is a kaleidoscope of diversity and culture. Whether you’re visiting with your family or friends, the Northern Irish festivals have something to offer everyone. From music lovers to history buffs or those who want to explore the beautiful Irish countryside, there is an event you will want to attend. So, when planning your visit to Northern Ireland, be sure to include some of these amazing festivals in your itinerary.