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Date: Wednesday 9 April 2025
Wednesday is the first day of the Belfast Learning Festival. There’s lots to learn in Belfast today; discover how to be a podcaster, gain lifesaving first aid skills or learn more about digital skills.
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 |
|---|---|
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JAM Card taster session
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Help create a more inclusive society. A JAM card allows people with a hidden disability or communication barrier to tell other people they need extra time and understanding, in a private and easy way. This session for Belfast businesses and community groups, explains how to use and respond to the JAM card. This is a free event hosted by Now Group. To book, visit JAM Card taster session (link opens in new window). |
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Community Connections Exhibition
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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. |
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Majella Clancy - Matter out of Place exhibition
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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. |
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First Aid Workshop
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Learn essential life-saving skills with this practical first-aid session. Discover how to respond effectively in emergencies and build your confidence for handling real-life situations. This is a free event. To book, email [email protected] or call 028 9039 1225. Hosted by Ligoniel Improvement Association. |
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Day trip with Towell House Residential Home
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Buddy up for a day out to Ulster Rifles Museum. Delve into Belfast’s military history as you offer your companionship to the residents of Towell House Residential Home. This is a free event. To book, email [email protected]. Hosted by Towell House Residential Home . |
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Ulster University campus tour
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Discover a state-of-the-art learning environment in the heart of the Belfast. Whether you’re a prospective student, family member or simply curious about the transformation of this city centre space, explore the Belfast campus on a guided tour. Learn about the world class facilities and vibrant student hubs designed to inspire and connect. This is a free event hosted by Ulster University. To book, visit Ulster University Belfast campus tour (link opens in new window). |
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Make Do and Mend
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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. |
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Health Fair
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Discover how green spaces can boost your wellbeing. Learn about local wellness initiatives and green health activities in Belfast. This is a free event. To book, email [email protected]. Hosted by Belfast Healthy Cities and Forward South Partnership. |
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Accessible Connections Exhibition
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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. |
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Step into Home Based Childcare with NICMA
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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. |
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Maritime Mile Blueway Trail Guided Tour
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Take a guided tour along Belfast’s Maritime Mile. Delve into the history of Belfast’s iconic waterfront and discover more about wildlife in the area. This is a free event by Maritime Belfast Trust. To book, visit Maritime Mile (link opens in new window). |
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Creating Connections in Education for Sustainable Development
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The event is open to everyone and will interest people working in the education and environment sectors, explore how education can drive sustainability and positive change. Listen to a panel of experts, share ideas and connect with people passionate about building a greener future. This is a free event hosted by Northern Ireland Environment Link. To book your place, go to Creating Connections in Education for Sustainable Development (link opens in new window). |
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'Hard Hat’ Tour of Carnegie Oldpark Library
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Gain a unique look behind the scenes of an historic Belfast landmark. Uncover its history, learn about its restoration and chat with others interested in heritage preservation. This is a free, drop-in event. Hosted by Northern Ireland Foundation. |
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Yoga Class
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Learn yoga in Belfast. Roll out a mat to breathe, stretch, and unwind. This yoga class is suitable for all levels, from a beginner to an experienced yogi. Learn foundational yoga poses to improve flexibility and release stress. This is a free event hosted by Kitsch Sisters. To book, visit Belfast Learning Festival Creative Self Care Yoga Class (link opens in new window). |
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Poster Presentations – Celebrating Innovation and Excellence
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Admire the final year projects from the School of Engineering. The annual ‘Poster Presentations’ showcase innovative research and cutting-edge insights. Avail of the opportunity to engage with the next generation of engineers, researchers, and innovators. This is a free event hosted by Ulster University. To book, visit Project Poster Presentations (link opens in new window). |
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Ola Hassanain and Aidan Koch Exhibition
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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. |
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Draw, colour, explore!
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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. |
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Old Time Stories
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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. |
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Digital Skills showcase
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Hear from Belfast Met students who are developing their digital skills as part of their English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) transitions course. This is a free event hosted by Belfast Metropolitan College. To book, email [email protected]. |
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Mini Still-life Art Class
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Learn the endless possibilities of still-life drawing and painting. Develop your understanding of colour and composition by focusing on observational art. Unleash your artistic side with other art enthusiasts and create your own masterpiece. This is a free event hosted by Kitsch Sisters. To book, visit Belfast Learning Festival mini still life class (link opens in new window). |
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Movement Mash Up and Live Drumming
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Explore self-expression with this fusion of dance and movement. Discover how rhythm can connect mind and body with this fun and energising session. This is a free event. To book, visit Movement Mash Up (link opens in new window). Hosted by Nations of Mother Earth. |
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DJ Workshop
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Spin the decks and master the art of DJing. Cue up a love of music by learning mixing techniques in a supportive environment. Aspiring DJs can discover how to choose music, use equipment and perform a set. For ages 12 to 16. This is a free event. To book visit Belfast Electronic Arts and Music Academy (link opens in new window). Hosted by Belfast Electronic Arts and Music Production. |
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Highland Dancing for Beginners
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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. |
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Podcasting Workshop with Jason Lear
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Interested in becoming a podcaster? Discover the power of podcasting by learning how to plan, record and distribute content. Gain insight into how to create, grow, and sustain an audience. Young people under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. To book, visit Connections: The Why and How of Podcasting (link opens in new window). Hosted by Lear Training. |