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Belfast Learning Festival - Friday

Date: Friday 11 April 2025

Venue: Various venues


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Friday is the third day of the Belfast Learning Festival. There’s lots to learn in Belfast today; start a career in childcare, unearth gardening tips or learn how to juggle and unicycle.

Whether you’re passionate about a particular subject or keen to discover a new skill, learn by sharing, doing, and experimenting. There are events for everyone, whatever your age, interest or ability. Held in venues across the city, including community centres, museums and parks near you.

All events are free to attend but you may need to book a ticket.

Event details Description

Community Connections Exhibition

  • Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
  • Location: L'Arche Belfast, 54, Knockbreda Rd, Belfast, BT6 0JB

Discover a visual celebration of inclusion and diversity. Learn about the stories behind the artwork and connect with a community dedicated to fostering belonging.

This is a free, drop-in event.

Hosted by L'Arche Belfast.

Suicide Prevention Overview Tutorial (SPOT) 

  • Time: 10am to 11.30am
  • Location: Children in Northern Ireland, 40 Montgomery Road

Lean how to spot the warning signs that could help safeguard a person contemplating suicide. Gain essential knowledge on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Discover how to support people in crisis and connect with resources that can make a difference.

This is a free event hosted by PAPYRUS. To book, visit NI Spot Belfast Learning Festival (link opens in new window).

Story Plan workshop

  • Time: 10am to 12 noon
  • Location: PRONI, 2 Titanic Boulevard, Belfast

Discover the past, present and future of the Belfast waterfront area, from the smallest beginnings to the greatest endeavours. 

This is a free event hosted by Maritime Belfast Trust. To book, visit Maritime Mile (link opens in new window).

Cultural Connections 

  • Time: 10am to 12 noon
  • Location: NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, BT15 2GB

Hear from a panel of speakers and learn about the work of organisations supporting ethnic minority communities. Connect with others and exchange ideas on how we can create more inclusive opportunities across Belfast. 

This is a free event hosted by Northern Ireland Community and Voluntary Agency (NICVA). To book, visit NICVA upcoming Events (link opens in new window).

Make Do and Mend

  • Time: 10am to 1pm
  • Location: The POD, Cityside Retail Park, Belfast, BT15 1WA

Breathe new life into once-loved treasures. Learn how to repair, repurpose and refresh old items. Discover the art of upcycling and sustainable living by connecting with others who share a passion for creativity.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] or call 028 9029 7191.

Hosted by Small Steps.

Heading2Horticulture

  • Time: 10am to 2pm
  • Location: Maureen Sheehan Centre, 106 Albert street, Belfast

Dig into the world of gardening. Learn how to grow your own plants and nurture your horticultural skills as you pick up tips from other green-fingered enthusiasts.

This is a free event. To book call 028 9031 0346.

Hosted by HEART Project.

Blaschúrsa Gaeilge- Irish language taster course 

  • Time: 10am to 2pm
  • Location: Ulster University, York Street, Belfast, BT15 1ED, 
    Room BD-01-023

Whether you're a complete beginner or thinking of taking on the beginners' Diploma programme, take part in this fun and interactive Irish language taster course taught by an expert tutor. Learn the basics of 'An Ghaeilge' and practice key phrases.

This is a free event hosted by Ulster University. To book, visit Blaschúrsa Gaeilge- Irish taster course (link opens in new window).

Step into Home Based Childcare with NICMA

  • Time: 10am to 2pm and 7pm to 9pm
  • Location: NICMA Elizabeth House, 116-118 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 1NU

Interested in a career in childcare? Discover what it takes to become a registered childminder. Chat to experienced professionals in the childcare sector and find out about training opportunities in Belfast.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] or call 075 9358 1542.

Hosted by The Childminding Association.

Accessible Connections Exhibition

  • Time: 10am to 6pm
  • Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1DA

Discover Belfast through the eyes of others in this creative exhibition exploring accessibility and inclusion. Join guided tours led by service users as they share their favourite city spots, highlighting places that foster connection and belonging. 

This is a free, drop-in event. 

Hosted by Action Ability.

Connect and Create

  • Time: 11am to 1pm
  • Location: Spectrum Centre 331, Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 3AB

Try your hand at different crafts at this fun-filled session which brings people together through creativity. Share stories and connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming space. 

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected].

Hosted by Spectrum Centre Trust.

Ola Hassanain and Aidan Koch Exhibition

  • Time: 11am to 4pm
  • Location: Naughton Gallery, Queen’s University Belfast, University Road

This exhibition delves into urgent global themes like climate change, ecological preservation, and the complex human-nature relationship. Discover the work of two visionary contemporary artists, Ola Hassanain and Aidan Koch, both pushing the boundaries of sustainability and art. 

This is a free, drop-in event hosted by Queen’s University Belfast.

Draw, colour, explore!

  • Time: 11am to 4pm
  • Location: Naughton Gallery, Queen’s University Belfast, University Road

Help encourage young minds to engage with art. Pick up a free child's guide and pack of crayons from the Naughton Gallery and explore the art collection across the campus.

This is a free, drop-in event hosted by Queen’s University Belfast.

Old Time Stories

  • Time: 12 noon to 3pm
  • Location: Lagan Village Community Centre, 15 Ballarat Street, Belfast BT6 8FW 

Step back in time with classic tales and forgotten stories. Discover the magic of traditional storytelling and connect with others through the joy of literature.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] or call 028 9045 6993.

Hosted by Lagan Village Youth and Community Centre.

Baby Circus

  • Time: 1pm to 1.45pm
  • Location: Circusful, 23-25 Gordon Street

Roll up for a special afternoon of circus-based activities. Designed for you and your baby, stimulate young minds with the wonder and colour of the circus. Suitable for babies aged four months and older.

This is a free event hosted by Circusful. To book, visit Circusful (link opens in new window).

Tour of E3 Studios 

  • Time: 1pm to 2pm
  • Location: e3, Springvale Campus, Springfield Road, Belfast.
Step inside the world of film and TV production by exploring the award-winning E3 Studios in Belfast. Based at the Belfast Met Film & TV School, learn about the many great film and tv productions that have been created in these studios. Discover how Belfast students are contributing to Belfast’s thriving film and tv production scene and learn more about the industry. 

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected].

Toddler Circus

  • Time: 2pm to 2.45pm
  • Location: Circusful, 23-25 Gordon Street

Roll up for a special afternoon of circus-based activities. Designed for you and your toddler, stimulate young minds with the wonder and colour of the circus. Suitable for toddler age.

This is a free event hosted by Circusful. To book, visit Circusful (link opens in new window).

Family Circus

  • Time: 4pm to 5.30pm
  • Location: Circusful, 23-25 Gordon Street

Roll up for a special afternoon of circus-based activities. Have fun as a family and learn new skills as you witness the wonder and colour of the circus. Suitable for all age groups

This is a free event hosted by Circusful. To book, visit Circusful (link opens in new window).

Screen Printing Workshop

  • Time: 4pm to 6pm
  • Location: Native Coffee, Queens Quay BT3 9DA

Learn screen printing techniques from a local artist. Design your own t-shirt, tote bag or bandana as you share a coffee with other creative minds. 

This is a free event. To book, visit Screen Printing Workshop (link opens in new window)

Hosted by Native Coffee.
 

Highland Dancing for Beginners

  • Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Location: Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Hall, Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 1FQ

Discover a flair for traditional Highland dance. Learn the basics of this joyful Scottish art form. Improve coordination and connect with others in this fun and lively session.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] or call 075 7901 6936.

Hosted by Duncairn Ulster-Scots Society.

Learn how to unicycle

  • Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
  • Location: Circusful, 23-25 Gordon Street

Learn how to unicycle by discovering circus skills in Belfast. Join a workshop on learning how to ride a unicycle. This class is for people aged 18 and over. It's suitable for all abilities.

This is a free event hosted by Circusful. To book, visit Circusful (link opens in new window).

Learn how to juggle

  • Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
  • Location: Circusful, 23-25 Gordon Street

It’s not too late to join the circus. Learn how to juggle by discovering circus skills in Belfast. Circusful have been teaching aerial skills, acrobatics and juggling to grown-ups for decades. Join them for a one-off workshop learning how to juggle. This class is for 18 years old and over and is suitable for all abilities.

This is a free event hosted by Circusful. To book, visit Circusful (link opens in new window).

Discover the full programme

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