Belfast Learning Festival - Thursday

Creativity and Connection: Arts for Older People and Those with Dementia

• Time: 9am to 2pm
• Location: Clifton House, 2 North Queen Street, Belfast BT15 1ES

Discover how the arts can deepen dementia-friendly engagement. Designed for artists, care professionals, and community facilitators, explore ways to enrich the lives of older people living in care homes, nursing homes and supported living facilities. 

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

Hosted by Comedia of Errors.

Creating Connections at Work

• Time: 9.30am to 11am
• Location: James House, 2-4 Cromac Avenue, Belfast, BT7 2JA

Explore the benefits of creating inclusive and empowering workplaces where people don’t just fit in, they belong.  By heightening awareness of our own role in communication we can consciously build psychologically safe environments in which respectful conversations can take place.

This session will cover inclusion at work, the power of communication and respectful conversations.

This is a free event hosted by the Labour Relations Agency. To book, visit Creating Connections at Work (link opens in new window).

Community Connections Exhibition

• Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
• Location: LARCHE 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.

Majella Clancy - Matter out of Place exhibition

• Time: 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Location: Art Gallery, Entrance, Block BC, Belfast Campus, 2-24 York Street

Discover how painting and printmaking on one surface creates a language of abstract expressionism. Bringing together ideas around the gendered body and its relationship with motherhood, this exhibition explores the female body as ‘matter out of place’. Clancy features internal landscapes and figurative fragments that is at times unruly, untidy and unpredictable.

This is a free event and you don't need to book.

Hosted by Ulster University.

Get Moving with Mary

• Time: 10am to 11am
• Location: Maureen Sheehan Centre, 106 Albert Street, Belfast, BT12 4HL

Get active with this fun and energising movement session. Learn simple exercises in a supportive and uplifting environment.

To book call 028 9031 0346.

Shipyard Upskill Open Day

• Time: 10am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 3.30pm
• Location: Harland & Wolff Shipyard, Queen’s Island, Belfast

Forge a future with Harland & Wolff. Whether you’re starting out or seeking a change, learn more about job roles in shipbuilding and manufacturing. Take a tour of the Shipyard and discover a hands-on job that suits anyone starting out or seeking a change. Open to anyone aged 16 and over.

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

Hosted by Harland and Wolff.

Empowering Women in STEM

• Time: 10am to 1pm
• Meeting point: Ulster University, York Street Belfast BT15 1ED

Interested in a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)? Join a panel of female alumni graduates who will share their experiences of working in the STEM industry. This inspiring event celebrates women in STEM by discussing the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced as women in their fields. Discover their valuable insights and advice for following in their footsteps.

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.

Cook and Connect

• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Location: Healthy Living Centre, 30 Colinglen Rd, Dunmurry, Belfast, BT17 0LR

Learn new recipes and connect with others over food. For ages 50 and over

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] or call 028 9062 3813.

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.

The Arts and Mental Health 

• Time: 10am to 1pm
• Location: The MAC, Belfast, BT1 2NJ

The arts are a platform for creativity which can boost wellbeing and mental health. This is a forum for creative, compassionate and informed dialogue between key stakeholders in these sectors. Help to challenge stigma and supporting future action research and advocacy by taking part in this discussion.  Suitable for over 18s working within - or with an interest in - mental health, arts and culture, the voluntary and community sector, or, with lived experience and, or academic practice in benefits of creativity arts on mental health and wellbeing.

This is a free event hosted by Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival. To book, visit Art of Mental Health (link opens in new window).

New Horizons

• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Location: Conway Education Centre, Belfast, BT13 2DE

Interested in learning but don’t know where to start your learning journey in Belfast? Explore new learning opportunities and connect with others who are taking steps toward their new horizons. Conway Education Centre can help discover pathways to personal growth and education. 

This is a free, drop-in event.

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. 

Shallow Waters Artist and Curator Tour

• Time: 10.30am to 11.30am and 1pm to 2pm
• Location: University Main Quad and Front Lawn, Queen’s University Belfast, University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NN

Join photographer Joe Laverty and the Belfast Photo Festival team to discuss the images and issues presented in ‘Shallow Waters’ - a large scale outdoor exhibition of Lough Neagh.

This is a free event. To book visit Belfast Photo Festival (link opens in new window).

Big Spring Clean

• Time: 11am to 1pm
• Meeting point: Bankmore Square, Dublin Road

Give back to your community with Northern Ireland’s largest volunteer clean-up campaign. More information is available at Big Spring Clean.

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.

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.

Know your Basic Employment Rights

• Time: 12 noon to 1.30pm
• Location: James House, 2-4 Cromac Avenue, Belfast, BT7 2JA

Empowering people within the workplace starts with helping them understand their basic employment rights. This session is aimed at young people and newcomers to Northern Ireland.  It will include:

• Work limits, hours and rest breaks
• Employment status and rights
• Contracts
• Minimum wage
• Holidays
• Bullying and harassment
• Discipline and grievance
• Sickness
• Notice and notice pay

This is a free event hosted by the Labour Relations Agency. To book, visit Know your Basic Employment Rights (link opens in new window).

Celebration of Learning

• Time: 12 noon to 2pm
• Location: Footprints Women’s Centre, 84a Colinmill, Belfast, BT17 0AR

Interested in learning but don’t know where to start your learning journey in Belfast? Be inspired by learner stories, explore local opportunities and discover the power of learning in all its forms. Footprints Women’s Centre provides a supportive environment within the Colin area in West Belfast.

This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] or call 028 9092 3444.

Old Time Stories

• Time: 12noon 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.

Monoprinting

• Time: 12 noon to 3pm
• Location: Atypical Gallery, 109-113 Royal Avenue, BT1 1FF

Experiment with print-making techniques in an inclusive environment. Learn from experienced artists and connect with other people through the joy of creative expression.

This is a free event hosted by University of Atypical for Arts and Disability. To book, visit University of Atypical for Arts and Disability (link opens in new window).

Poetry class

• Time: 2pm to 3pm
• Location: Kitsch Sisters' Studio, Olive Tree House, 23-29 Fountain Lane

Discover poetry for self-expression. Listen to the heartfelt poems of Bronagh Diamond as she shares her work to inspire your creativity.

This is a free event hosted by Kitsch Sisters. To book, visit Belfast Learning Festival poetry with Bronagh Diamond (link opens in new window).

Supported Learning careers and transition Fair

• Time: 2pm to 4pm
• Location: Belfast Metropolitan College, Millfield Campus, Room M2-0-15 and M2-0-09

This event is open to members of the public and organisations providing information for people who have a learning disability, and/or are autistic, who are interested in exploring opportunities outside of education. Attendees will have the chance to learn about and discuss opportunities to engage in work, the community, and explore a range of services available to them. 
 
On the day there will be a range of  supported employment, day services and training organisations with pop-ups to answer queries and provide information on next steps.

This is a free event hosted by Belfast Metropolitan College. To register to attend, email [email protected].

Spudtacular: A Potato Feast

• Time: 3pm to 5pm
• Location: Eden Alley Garden (behind 1 Marsden Gardens)

From its feast of flavours to its cultural significance, peel back the layers of the humble potato. Help plant a bed of potatoes and cook some Irish and international recipes. Take home a bucket and grow your own.

This is a free event hosted by Eden Alley. To book, visit 'Spudtacular' Potato Day (link opens in new window).

‘Only Hope and Escape Artist’ Performance

• Time: 4pm (30 minute performances until 6pm)
• Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1DA

Uncover the personal and individual experience of two young Ukrainian women in an evocative and emotional journey that delves into the devastating experience of war and displacement. Anastasiia Todchuk and Tatiana Novokhatnia share two perspectives of the same story. Set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, these autobiographical performances explore themes of survival, identity, loss, and hope.

This is a free event.To book visit Only Hope & The Escape Artist (link opens in new window).

Electronic Music Production

• Time: 5pm
• Location: New Lodge Arts, Ashton Centre, 5 Churchill St, Belfast, BT15 2BP

Turn ideas into beats with this practical electronic music session. Learn how to compose music and create your own tracks. Connect with fellow music enthusiasts and inspire a career in the electronic music, media composition or sound design. For ages 12 to 16.

This is a free event. To book visit Belfast Electronic Arts and Music Academy (link opens in new window).

Climate Café 

• Time: 6pm to 8pm
• Location: Native Coffee, Queens Quay BT3 9DA

Sip coffee with others who care. Turn eco-anxiety into action by connecting with climate conscious people in an open and inclusive space. Listen and share hopes, fears and uncertainties around climate change.

This is a free, drop-in event hosted by Native Coffee.

Right Here, Write Now Exhibition and Workshop

• Time: 6pm to 8pm
• Location: Creative Space, Arts Care, Connswater Shopping Centre, Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5LP

Immerse yourself in the vibrant creativity of older artists. Pause your day in the perfect way with slow art and mindfulness. Enjoy live music and delicious food.  

This is a free, drop-in event.

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.

An Introduction to Afro Brazilian Carnival Percussion

• Time: 7pm to 9pm
• Location: Beat Carnival Centre, Belfast, BT13 2GU

Feel the infectious rhythm of Brazil. Learn the basics of samba drumming and discover the marriage of sound and movement. Connect with an iconic cultural celebration and experience the joy of its shared musical energy. Ages 18 and over.

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