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Date: 07 Apr 2025
130 free activities will take place across Belfast this week as the Belfast Learning Festival returns with free lessons in podcasting, juggling, sewing, cooking and more. Now in its 8th year, the annual celebration of lifelong learning will deliver a bumper programme of workshops, tours, talks, demonstrations and performances from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 April.
130 free activities will take place across Belfast this week as the Belfast Learning Festival returns with free lessons in podcasting, juggling, sewing, cooking and more. Now in its 8th year, the annual celebration of lifelong learning will deliver a bumper programme of workshops, tours, talks, demonstrations and performances from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 April.
Supported by an array of community-based organisations in partnership with Belfast City Council, the popular city festival champions the chance to pick up a new skill or rediscover an old one. The theme for this year’s events is ‘Creating Connections’, highlighting how learning creates opportunities for everyone to connect with knowledge, skills and each other.
One of the new additions to this year’s line-up, ‘Plays Aloud’ by local theatre group Commedia of Errors, is providing an innovative and inclusive example of this in action. Their nostalgia-based musical performance and arts workshop at Clifton House Care Home showcases how the arts can deepen dementia-friendly engagement. By bringing live entertainment to people who need it the most, their event is inspiring both residents and care professionals, highlighting the benefits of learning for both personal and professional growth.
Deputy Lord Mayor, Andrew McCormick welcomed the return of the five-day festival sharing: “The Belfast Learning Festival symbolises our city’s continued commitment to the promotion of lifelong learning for everyone. The incredible range of learning opportunities for all ages puts people at the heart of learning. The brilliant variety of workshops, tours and performances connects us all – to new ideas, places and each other.
In 2021, we were honoured to receive the prestigious UNESCO Learning Cities Award for Excellence, recognising our city’s efforts in creating inclusive learning opportunities for all. This vision can only be achieved through city wide collaboration. We are pleased to work alongside so many partners across Belfast to deliver a festival that continues to embody the benefits of a joined-up approach to learning, where opportunities are not just available but are actively connected, promoted and accessible for all.”
Clare McMahon, Co-Creative of Commedia of Errors explained why they were keen to be involved in the festival for the first time: “We are passionate about connecting with our community. We utilise the arts as a powerful tool to improve wellbeing and enrich lives. Participation in the arts can address social, economic, geographic, and health-related challenges. That’s why we’re delighted to be part of the Belfast Learning Festival because it champions all these ambitions. With a focus on older adults, our Plays Aloud programme proves that it’s never too late to learn a new skill, share a laugh, a song, or a story. With a focus on delivering nostalgia-based musical performances and arts workshops for those living with dementia, it showcases the value of lifelong learning and how it creates an inclusive society.”
To find out more about the Belfast Learning Festival and view the full programme, visit Belfast Learning Festival