Pay
Report
Apply
Date: 5 November 2026
Belfast is marking five years as a UNESCO City of Music this weekend – a global designation which has supported local musicians, strengthened grassroots venues and expanded opportunities for young people.
Through the Music Matters programme, delivered by Belfast City Council, the city has developed its reputation as a place where music supports businesses, attracts audiences and investment, and brings communities together.
Positive outcomes have included more opportunities to access and pursue music as a career, improved accessibility and sustainability of venues, an increased focus on international promotion, and reinforcement of the role of music as both a cultural asset and a driver for economic activity in Belfast.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said: “Belfast's music community is one of our greatest assets and, five years on from becoming a UNESCO City of Music, they have shown how, with the right support, music can transform lives, strengthen communities and drive cultural and economic growth.
“Tá na fíorbhuntaistí a bhaineann lenár n-ainmniú UNESCO le feiceáil fud fad na cathrach – ó mhórócáidí ceoil ar nós Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann a óstáil, tacaíocht a thabhairt d’ealaíontóirí atá ag teacht chun cinn agus infheistíocht a dhéanamh i bhforbairt cheoil daoine óga, go dtí cuidiú a thabhairt d’ionaid cheoil dul ó neart go neart agus inrochtaineacht a chur chun cinn.
“Our UNESCO designation has delivered real benefits right across our city – from staging major music moments like Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, supporting emerging artists and investing in young people's musical development, to helping venues thrive and championing accessibility.
“Through partnerships, grants, industry programmes and international collaborations, our Music Matters programme has invested in talent at every stage, from emerging young musicians to established artists, all while supporting the wider network of jobs, skills, venues and businesses that depend on a thriving cultural sector.
“Agus muid ag ceiliúradh an chloch mhíle seo, geallann muid go dtógfaidh muid ar a bhfuil bainte amach againn go dtí seo agus go leanfaidh an tionchar mór atá ag an cheol ar todhchaí ár gcathair ar aghaidh.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are committed to building further on this success and ensuring music continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of our city.”
The impact of the UNESCO designation – awarded in November 2021 in recognition of the city’s musical heritage and talent - can be seen in venues, rehearsal rooms and studios across Belfast.
Annual micro-bursaries delivered through a partnership with Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival have supported almost 60 artists and bands to date, with funding for recording, mentoring, promotion and creative development. The Gradam Ceoil bursary scheme has also provided support, mentoring and performance opportunities for three emerging traditional musicians each year since 2021, helping to nurture the next generation of local talent.
Investment in music education has also helped remove barriers for young people. The Crescendo post-primary pathway, delivered in partnership with the Ulster Orchestra, provides access to instruments, specialist tuition and performance opportunities for young people in north and west Belfast.
Participating schools have reported improvements in attendance, confidence, aspiration and engagement, demonstrating the wider social value of music investment.
Holding UNESCO status has also strengthened Belfast's music sector and night-time economy. Beginning today (Thursday 5 November) and continuing until Sunday 15 November, the Sound of Belfast Festival and NI Music Prize – both supported by council as part of an enhanced three-year partnership - will deliver 80+ events across the city. Last year’s event created paid opportunities for 166 local artists and attracted audiences of almost 8,700 people – its biggest attendance yet.
This year’s Output event - Ireland's largest one-day music conference and showcase - brought together more than 100 industry speakers across 28 sessions and masterclasses, welcoming 750 delegates for panels and workshops and creating valuable opportunities for networking and business growth. The evening showcase provided a platform for 33 artists and bands, drawing in audiences of up to 5,000 people and supporting local venues across the creative sector.
Recognising the importance of protecting the city's music infrastructure, Belfast has developed a strategic partnership with the Music Venue Trust to support grassroots venues and address the challenges they face.
Venues now have access to the Raise the Standard initiative, which unlocks access to grants for PA systems, mics, lighting and other equipment, ensuring a high-quality experience for both musicians and music lovers.
Practical support has also been provided through the ongoing development of a sustainability toolkit for venues and regular industry sessions focusing everything from the city’s musical heritage to emerging technologies.
The Music Matters programme has also prioritised wellbeing and inclusion. Through a partnership with the University of Atypical, funding has been provided to support accessible music events for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse music creators. Future plans include dedicated wellbeing initiatives to support the physical and mental health of music creators and communities across the city.
The UNESCO designation has opened doors internationally too, creating opportunities for 30+ local artists and organisations to collaborate with fellow UNESCO Creative Cities in Finland, Germany, Canada and Korea. A further 20 musicians have also been welcomed here to Belfast to take part in gigs, recordings and events, further strengthening the city's global reputation as a centre for culture, creativity and innovation.
As Belfast continues to develop as a vibrant and welcoming music city, investment is earmarked towards under-represented genres, further funding for the successful Teenage Kicks scheme, delivering gigs specifically for under 18s, more international exchanges and unlocking the opportunities that come from Belfast’s place within the wider UNESCO Creative Cities Network.