Belfast Learning Festival

Overview of the Belfast Learning Festival

The Belfast Learning Festival is a celebration of learning in all its forms. It brings together individuals, organisations and communities to explore new ideas, build connections and discover just how much learning is happening across the city every day.

Belfast Learning Festival 2026

Belfast Learning Festival will take place from 8 to 14 June 2026. It will showcase Belfast as a City of Learning - a place where learning happens everywhere.

We’re inviting organisations in Belfast to support the Belfast Learning Festival by hosting your own learning event or activity. If you are delivering or supporting learning in Belfast, you are welcome to take part. We’re looking for input from:

• businesses
• community and voluntary groups
• charities
• schools
• colleges
• cultural organisations, and
• social enterprises.

As the city prepares to welcome Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, we are keen to highlight events that explore learning through music, culture and dance. All genres, traditions and communities are welcome.

How to get involved

There are two ways to take part in Belfast Learning Festival 2026:

1. Submit an existing or planned event. If you have an activity planned or regularly run learning activities, you can submit it for inclusion in the festival programme. The event must take place between 8 to 14 June 2026 and meet festival criteria. To provide an event as part of the Belfast Learning Festival, email [email protected] for a copy of the application form and guidance notes.
2. Apply for a small grant: If you have an idea for a new learning activity, you may be able to apply for a small grant to run it as part of the festival. To find out if your organisation is eligible, read guidance notes, and apply, email [email protected].

The closing date for all submissions is 12 noon, Monday 2 March 2026.