The Imagine Festival of Ideas and Politics team spoke with Dolores Vischer about the innovative ‘Arts Across Belfast Bus Tour’ experience that she has recently introduced and that is included in our festival programme. Dolores qualified as a tour guide in 2021 and established Creative Tours Belfast soon after. Dolores has earned a reputation for her distinctive walking tours around music and the arts, including the ‘Belfast Music Walking Tour’, ‘Spinning Yarns, Exploring the Linen Quarter’ and the ‘Belfast Punk Music Walking Tour’. The tours were quickly accepted into the prestigious Tourism Northern Ireland Embrace A Giant Spirit portfolio and the business was awarded an Innovation in Tourism award in 2024. Dolores recently expanded her offering, developing a tour by bus that explores even more of the city.
“For quite a while I had been thinking about a new cultural experience that would shine a light on the many fabulous achievements made by the talented artistic and creative folk in Belfast. Then, in late 2024, there was a call from Belfast City Council inviting people to submit ideas for activities that would help showcase more of what goes on in the neighbourhoods of Belfast, outside the busy city centre. So I did some thinking and came up with a proposal for what became the ‘Arts Across Belfast Bus Tour’. I wanted to create something that celebrates the incredible success of Belfast’s artists, writers, musicians, actors and more. To emphasise our people’s many achievements, from Nobel, Turner, Ivor Novello, BAFTA, Booker and other Prizes, to award-winning music and theatre venues, and the stunning public art on our streets. Luckily the City Council liked the idea too and offered some support under their Neighbourhood Tourism Investment Programme.”
“I decided to run it on a Sunday (often a quieter day), once a month as a pilot, to take locals and visitors too, on a fun, half-day cultural odyssey across Belfast, aboard a bus or minibus. I wanted to let them see, hear and enjoy the city’s vibrant artistic and creative contribution.”
“After a lot of route checking and liaising with arts centres to see where we might stop to visit, a route was drawn up. Arrangements were made for visits to four arts centres in each of the north, south, east and west of the city. During these four visits, guests are shown around art, literary and cultural exhibitions and are given informative talks by the centre’s team or by me, their tour guide. At the fourth stop, in the art gallery at the EastSide Visitor Centre, a special music performance is arranged by a local musician. And there’s even a ‘brown bag’ sandwich lunch with tea and coffee provided!”
“Along the way, guests enjoy stories about some of the well-known people connected to the various streets and districts we pass through. We look at street art, sculptures and cool heritage venues across Belfast. We hear a bit of music on the bus, even a little poetry readings – and just enjoy the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural life.”
Tour highlights include:
“I’m pleased with how the tour has taken shape and believe this half-day tour offers something fresh, fun and meaningful. But don’t take just my word for it!” Two guests said:
“I enjoyed the authenticity of a true arts and culture guide, Dolores, who is so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and entertaining.”
“I loved the interesting facts and background and the music performance was amazing.”
You have a chance to try out the tour for yourself by hopping on board the special outing developed for Imagine! It is programmed for Sunday 29 March, from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
Book your tickets here: https://imaginebelfast.com/event/arts-across-belfast-bus-tour-imagine-edition/
