Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Imagine! Belfast Belfast's festival of ideas and politics ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://imaginebelfast.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Pages - [Home 2026](https://imaginebelfast.com/) - BELFAST’S FESTIVAL OF IDEAS AND POLITICS: 23-29 MARCH 2026 - [festival history](https://imaginebelfast.com/festival-history/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2026 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2026-festival/) - the 2026 festival – celebrating a year of innovation and community at the Imagine! Festival. - [Contact](https://imaginebelfast.com/contact-us/) - Get in touch with the festival. - [about the festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/about-the-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. 20th to 26th March 2023. - [on demand](https://imaginebelfast.com/on-demand/) - Looking for ideas to kickstart your brain? Check out some of the events from previous Imagine! festivals. - [get involved](https://imaginebelfast.com/get-involved/) - get involved with Imagine!, Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics - [the 2021 imagine! podcast](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-imagine-podcast/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2021 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2021-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [festival faqs](https://imaginebelfast.com/festival-faqs/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics – 20th to 26th March 2023. - [2026 events at-a-glance](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-at-a-glance/) - The full lineup of this year’s bumper Imagine! festival. Book early and book often! - [2026 events – 24th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-24th-march/) - 24th March events at Imagine! 2026. - [visitor information](https://imaginebelfast.com/visitor-information/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [2026 events – online](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-online/) - online events at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – workshops](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-workshops-2/) - Workshops at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – tours](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-tours/) - tours at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – theatre + drama](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-theatre-drama/) - theatre + drama at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – talks](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-talks/) - talks at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – quizzes](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-quizzes/) - quizzes at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – poetry + reading](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-poetry-reading/) - poetry + reading at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – performance art](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-performance-art/) - performance art at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – music](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-music/) - music at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – humour](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-humour/) - humour at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – group discussions](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-group-discussions/) - group discussions at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – film](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-film/) - film at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – family](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-family/) - family events at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – exhibitions](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-exhibitions/) - Exhibitions at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – conversations](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-conversations/) - conversations at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – 29th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-29th-march/) - 29th March events at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – 28th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-28th-march/) - 28th March events at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – 27th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-27th-march/) - 27th March events at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – 26th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-26th-march/) - 26th March events at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – 25th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-25th-march/) - 25th March events at Imagine! 2026. - [2026 events – 23rd March](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-events-23rd-march/) - 23rd March events at Imagine! 2026. - [the 2025 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2025-festival/) - Celebrating a year of innovation and community at the Imagine! Festival. - [2026 advance booking](https://imaginebelfast.com/2026-advance-booking/) - Imagine's advance events for 2026 are now here. Book early, book often! - [the imagine blog](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-imagine-blog/) - the imagine!blog Thoughts, ideas and unique insights from our Imagine! event contributors. FILTER BY TOPIC Choose a topicartsenvironmentfestival eventsfreedom of speechhistorylocal politicssocietythe festivaltheatrevoting Home Together: Reimagining Community Through Co-Housing 12 March 2026 A reflection on co-housing, community and belonging, and how shared living could help rebuild stronger, kinder neighbourhoods in Northern Ireland. WeAreClass―: Creating Space - [news](https://imaginebelfast.com/news/) - imagine!news Latest updates from the festival. 2026: the stats are in! 15 May 2026 Another successful year for the Imagine! festival. Imagine! is now a Living Wage Employer 5 June 2025 We’re pleased to announce the festival’s official accreditation as a Living Wage Employer. Get on Board! 8 January 2025 Imagine! seeks new trustees to - [Sunday 30th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/sunday-30th-march/) - Sunday 30th March Events at Imagine! 2025. filter by EVENT typeconversationsdiscussions+workshopsexhibitionsfilmhumourmusiconlineperformance artpoetry+readingquizzestalkstheatre+dramatours Sunday 30th March Events at Imagine! 2025. - [Financial Support template](https://imaginebelfast.com/financial-support-template/) - Financial Support for Your Event We want to help you cover the costs of your event. Here’s how we can assist:Ticket Income: As a starting point, we will pay partners the net income from tickets sold for their events (i.e. minus box office fees). Apply for Additional FundingIf you need more help, you may be - [Ireland’s Border Culture](https://imaginebelfast.com/irelands-border-culture/) - Ireland’s Border Culture The Ireland’s Border Culture project is funded under the HEA North-South Research Programme 2021, to research and create an annotated digital archive of literary and visual art representations of Ireland’s border culture, 1921 – 2024. Ireland’s Border Culture is a collaboration between the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute, - [Search Results](https://imaginebelfast.com/search_gcse/) - [wp_google_search] - [the 2024 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2024-festival/) - the 2024 festival We were delighted to present our 10th annual festival involving 130 events and 376 speakers & performers in 44 venues across Belfast during 18-24 March 2024 attracting an audience of 7,383 in-person attendees and estimated 12,300 online viewers. Most of the events (65%) were free as the festival rolled out an eclectic - [the 2023 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2023-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [credits](https://imaginebelfast.com/credits/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2015 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2015-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2016 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2016-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2017 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2017-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [privacy & cookie policy](https://imaginebelfast.com/privacy-cookie-policy/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [good relations policy](https://imaginebelfast.com/good-relations-policy/) - As a charity established to promote public benefit in Belfast, and as a recipient of public funds, we acknowledge our responsibility to promote good relations. - [code of conduct](https://imaginebelfast.com/code-of-conduct/) - Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics aims to provide a welcoming and harassment-free experience for everyone. - [art as a vehicle for change](https://imaginebelfast.com/art-as-a-vehicle-for-change/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [build belfast back better](https://imaginebelfast.com/build-belfast-back-better-your-proposals/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [The State of Us](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-state-of-us-gallery/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [poetry and politics competition](https://imaginebelfast.com/poetry-and-politics-competition-results/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the public gallery 2016](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-public-gallery-2016/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2015 alternative manifesto](https://imaginebelfast.com/your-manifesto-submissions/) - The 2015 alternative manifesto: our top entries - [the 2018 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2018-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2019 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2019-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2020 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2020-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. - [the 2022 festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/the-2022-festival/) - Imagine! is Belfast's annual festival of ideas and politics. ## events - [CUCKOO LAND](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/cuckoo-land/) - An exclusive preview of dynamic gig theatre by Vittoria Cafolla and Katie Richardson, bearing witness to the work of the past and looking to the future. - [A Memory That Burns](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/a-memory-that-burns/) - A Memory That Burns is an evening of poetry, reflection, and collective creation. - [Was nonviolence an option in 1969?](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/was-nonviolence-an-option-in-1969/) - Was nonviolence and nonviolent struggle an option in 1969 and in the early days of what became ‘the Troubles’? - [Five Films For Freedom: LGBTQIA+ Film & Open Conversation](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/five-films-for-freedom-lgbtqia-film-open-conversation/) - Join us for a digital celebration of LGBTQIA+ cinema as the British Council’s Five Films for Freedom and BFI Flare come to the Imagine Festival. - [The Trouble With Freedom: Melissa Butcher](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-trouble-with-freedom-melissa-butcher/) - America today is being torn apart by the struggle over a single concept, deeply rooted in the country's sense of self: freedom. - [Voice & Verse: a journey of expression through songs and poetry](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/voice-verse-a-journey-of-expression-through-songs-and-poetry/) - The Enthusiasts Choir present gospel-inspired songs and poetry celebrating joy as resistance, offering hope, resilience, peace and emotional uplift collectively. - [AI Pulse: Public Attitudes to Artificial Intelligence in NI](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/ai-pulse-public-attitudes-to-artificial-intelligence-in-ni/) - Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising our lives, our public services and our economy in many ways. The rollout of AI needs to have public understanding and support in order to be sustainable. - [Celebrating 25 Years of the Real Living Wage Campaign](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/celebrating-25-years-of-the-real-living-wage-campaign/) - Celebrating 25 Years of the Real Living Wage Campaign. - [Co-Housing: The Radical Idea of Neighbours Who Know Each Other](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/co-housing-the-radical-idea-of-neighbours-who-know-each-other/) - Explore how Co-Housing can build community, tackle loneliness, and create sustainable living. - [Five Films For Freedom: LGBTQIA+ Film Showcase & Expert Panel](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/five-films-for-freedom-lgbtqia-film-showcase-expert-panel/) - Join us for a digital celebration of LGBTQIA+ cinema as the British Council’s Five Films for Freedom and BFI Flare come to the Imagine Festival. - [The Green Frog](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-green-frog/) - A theatre showcase of new writing. - [The Weight of Carbon Dioxide and Chihuahuas](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-weight-of-carbon-dioxide-and-chihuahuas/) - What do Chihuahuas, chickens, and climate change have in common? More than you’d think. - [Masters: Beneath and Beyond the Brushstrokes](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/masters-beneath-and-beyond-the-brushstrokes/) - Join Mark Ward, as he reads from and discusses the creation of ‘Masters’ with fellow poet, Paul Maddern. - [The Road Less Travelled](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-road-less-travelled/) - In conversation with Sue Pentel. - [Working Against the Clampdown: Who's Afraid of The Arts?](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/working-against-the-clampdown-whos-afraid-of-the-arts/) - From the fear of funding withdrawals to online harassment and institutional cold feet, the pressure on artists to self-censor is mounting. - [Two Years Down, One To Go](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/two-years-down-one-to-go/) - What ambitions, hopes and dreams will the Stormont institutions deliver? A Slugger O'Toole panel unpacks the possibilities. - [FixTheDigitalStatus](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/fixthedigitalstatus/) - Exploring how digital-only immigration status works, and fails, and its impact on people’s lives. - [Facets of War: critical voices on contemporary conflicts](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/facets-of-war-critical-voices-on-contemporary-conflicts/) - Scholars & artists on understanding war, resistance & activism from a global anti-colonial, criminological & interdisciplinary perspective. - [Fuelling Injustice](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/fuelling-injustice/) - A widespread denial of rights to vulnerable communities & a failure by wealthy to deliver on human rights and climate justice obligations. - [Festivals, Frontiers & Hard Lessons with Shona McCarthy](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/festivals-frontiers-hard-lessons-with-shona-mccarthy/) - Shona McCatthy talks about her life in the cultural sector, the hurdles jumped, lessons learned, moments of despair and joy and why she would do it all again. - [WeAreClass_
The Gathering](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/weareclass_-the-gathering/) - We Are Class_ is dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of working-class individuals. - [A Queer Quaker Journey: From Evangelical Fear to Spiritual Belonging](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/a-queer-quaker-journey-from-evangelical-fear-to-spiritual-belonging/) - A conversation with Imagine! Artivist in Residence, Peterson Toscano. - [Bubble & Squeak:
Live Podcast Recording](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/bubble-squeak-live-podcast-recording/) - A mischievous audio experiment where intimate storytelling, comedy, and sound collide to queer the podcast form and smuggle serious ideas in through play. - [Can’t We Tackle Paramilitarism?](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/cant-we-tackle-paramilitarism/) - A workshop on paramilitarism. - [Partitions](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/partitions/) - A new one-man play by Joe Nawaz. - [Eleanor Tiernan:
An Awkward Age](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/eleanor-tiernan/) - Get ready for an evening of ‘deceptively sharp’ satire as Eleanor Tiernan takes the stage at the Imagine! Festival. - [Arts Across Belfast Bus Tour: Imagine! edition](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/arts-across-belfast-bus-tour-imagine-edition/) - A half-day guided bus tour across the city to explore the best of Belfast’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. - [Prefer not to say: Who’s missing from demographic data?](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/prefer-not-to-say-whos-missing-from-demographic-data/) - A relaxed panel discussion on the role of demographic data in research on arts audiences - [In the Process of Building a Digital Community for Displaced Artists](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/in-the-process-of-building-a-digital-community-for-displaced-artists/) - An interactive talk exploring how digital collaboration connects and empowers European and Ukrainian women artists. - [Rooms of the Unspoken](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/rooms-of-the-unspoken/) - An interdisciplinary exhibition of painting, poetry, and music exploring intimacy, estrangement, and the unspoken tensions haunting our private and collective lives. - [Reimagining the Map: Constitutional Change, These Islands, and Europe](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/reimagining-the-map-constitutional-change-these-islands-and-europe/) - Discussing the potential for new constitutional arrangements across these islands and within Europe. - [Béal Feirste: Belfast](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/beal-feirste-belfast/) - An Audience with Séamus Ó Tuama. - [Voices At The End](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/voices-at-the-end/) - Voices at the End is award-winning Greek/New Zealand composer John Psathas’ powerful statement about the state, and the future, of civilisation. - [Policing The Beats: Lambros Fatsis – talk, discussion and vinyl set](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/policing-the-beats-lambros-fatsis-talk-discussion-and-vinyl-set/) - Policing the Beats explores how authorities criminalised Black music, from slavery to UK drill, revealing racist justice systems through culture. - [Rarewitch:
Sensory Overload](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/rarewitch-sensory-overload/) - A special night with rarewitch, who will perform his folk music, screen some animations and premiere his new hip-hop play. - [Anne Cadwallader: Crossing Over](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/anne-cadwallader-crossing-over/) - Join this acclaimed journalist and author as she marks her transition from investigative non-fiction to historical fiction. - [Four Days in July](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/four-days-in-july/) - Imagine! is delighted to present a rare showing of the brilliant ‘Four Days in July’. - [Why are our indigenous languages worth preserving and what is stopping us?](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/why-are-our-indigenous-languages-worth-preserving-and-what-is-stopping-us/) - Learn more about these cultural assets, their history, promotion and benefit. - [A Way Out of No Way: Hip Hop Roots, Culture & Community Building](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/a-way-out-of-no-way-hip-hop-roots-culture-community-building/) - Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Croatian born Phat Phillie. - [Checks and Balances: the Role of Opposition in UK and Ireland](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/checks-and-balances-the-role-of-opposition-in-uk-and-ireland/) - This event will examine the role of the opposition across UK and Irish legislatures. - [From the grassroots up: build a culture-for-all campaign](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/from-the-grassroots-up/) - An interactive and hands-on workshop exploring how grassroots action can spark nationwide change and learn practical ways you can build your own campaign for change. - [Bookmark Weaving and Tour At Carnegie Oldpark](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/bookmark-weaving-and-tour-carnegie-oldpark/) - Hear about the building's future plans and weave a bookmark of your very own to take home. - [Invoking Ireland: Connecting With the Source](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/invoking-ireland-connecting-with-the-source/) - Invoking Ireland is a reflection of the ideas of Irish philosopher and mystic John Moriarty. - [Creating a Different Story: kindness, curiosity and cooperation](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/creating-a-different-story-kindness-curiosity-and-cooperation/) - An alternative to the overwhelming narrative that we need to protect and divide in competition for scarce resources. - [What’s wrong with this square?](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/whats-wrong-with-this-square/) - Loiter with intent and imagination in Blackstaff Square. - [In celebration of
‘GREY GARDENS’](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/in-celebration-of-grey-gardens/) - ‘Grey Gardens’ (1975) is the film no one forgets. - [Wholly Trinity: Abortion, Art and Activism in Ireland](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/wholly-trinity-abortion-art-and-activism-in-ireland/) - Join us for a special evening performance by the Belfast Ukulele Jam at HALT . - [Speaking of Schools: Talking Education in Northern Ireland](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/speaking-of-schools-talking-education-in-northern-ireland/) - Education in Northern Ireland is never simply about schools and exams, it is fundamentally shaped by identity, politics, class, inclusion, and community. - [Springwatch
with Aidan Crean](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/springwatch-with-aidan-crean/) - Exploring the wonders of local bird life and the fascinating mechanics of migration. - [Belfast and the Partition of Ireland](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/belfast-and-the-partition-of-ireland-guided-walking-tour-with-historian-jason-burke/) - Join historian Jason Burke for a guided walk which will tell the story of Ireland's partition from a Belfast perspective. - [Writing Speculative Fiction as a form of Rebellion](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/writing-speculative-fiction-as-a-form-of-rebellion/) - A workshop designed for emerging fiction writers to explore real world issues such as sexism, racism, class disparity, religious persecution, and propaganda in a safe and creative environment. - [Clashing Symbols! So where are you really from?](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/clashing-symbols-so-where-are-you-really-from/) - An interactive discussion that asks people to imagine and propose alternative ways to express national and cultural identity. - [An Audience with Adam Kay](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/an-audience-with-adam-kay/) - BAFTA-winning humourist Adam Kay discusses NHS realities and staff mental health in conversation with William Crawley. - [Tatreez Sewing Circle](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/tatreez-sewing-circle/) - Join us for a thoughtful and interactive workshop where you will learn the beautiful art of Tatreez embroidery! - [MUSICAL COMEDY NIGHT](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/clips/) - A fabulous Sunday evening of musical comedy with Will Sebag-Montefiore and Teresa Livingstone. - [Garden of Eden: Artist Talk](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/garden-of-eden-artist-talk/) - Clinton Kirkpatrick presents an exhibition of works titled ‘Garden of Eden’. - [Art is Collective window drawing session](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/art-is-collective-window-drawing-session/) - Join the collective for a collaborative, large-scale window drawing session! - [Almost Like Belonging](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/almost-like-belonging/) - A panel discussion with writer Rus Bradburd, 20 year old survivor of Syrian war Ahmed Soda, and his GAA coach Ciaran Doherty. - [Garden of Eden](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/garden-of-eden/) - Clinton Kirkpatrick presents an exhibition of works titled ‘Garden of Eden’. - [The Imagine! Festival Politics Quiz](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-imagine-festival-politics-quiz-2026/) - Belfast’s favourite culture and politics quiz – this year at Ormeau’s Parador Lodge. - [Under-the-radar](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/under-the-radar/) - Finding and recording the hidden biodiversity around us. - [Let’s dream together!](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/lets-dream-together/) - A utopian workshop to imagine possible better futures. - [From Fairy Forts to Doughnuts](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/from-fairy-forts-to-doughnuts/) - Falling back in love with the places that have shaped us and enabled us to thrive ...with the help of doughnut economics! - [What did a derelict former bonfire site ever do for the city?](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/what-did-a-derelict-former-bonfire-site-ever-do-for-the-city/) - How did a dangerous space become a green, nature-filled and creative community garden? - [Never Seen It Film Club Presents: Persepolis](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/never-seen-it-film-club-presents-persepolis/) - Persepolis (2007): Revolution, Identity, and the Graphic Truth. - [Accidental Scratch Night: Marx In Soho](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/accidental-scratch-night-marx-in-soho/) - This reimagining of Howard Zinn’s Marx in Soho seeks to uncover the local and contemporary relevance of Karl Marx’s ideas. - [Explore and Imagine Child Development and Parenting](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/explore-and-imagine-child-development-and-parenting/) - The NI Child Development Research Network will offer hands-on activities on research findings and methodologies. - [HALT x Imagine! Presents: The Enthusiasts Choir](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/halt-x-imagine-presents-the-enthusiasts-choir/) - Experience the transformative power of harmony at HALT. - [Useful Art: John Byrne](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/useful-art-john-byrne/) - Join us for an urgent and inspiring conversation with John Byrne as he explores the transformative power of his new book, ‘Useful Art’. - [Listening to the Lough: A day of democracy, care and imagination](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/listening-to-the-lough-a-day-of-democracy-care-and-imagination/) - An all-day gathering of reflection, creativity, learning and democratic experimentation, responding to the ecological and political crisis. - [Listening to the Lough: stories, struggle & democratic futures](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/listening-to-the-lough-stories-struggle-democratic-futures/) - An evening of conversation with investigative journalist Tommy Greene about the long term mismanagement, degradation & future of Lough Neagh. - [Reclaim The Enlightenment: The Trial of John Mitchel](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/reclaim-the-enlightenment-the-trial-of-john-mitchel/) - A play in which the ghosts of the past are aware of what has been happening in the living world, and come to court to review the evidence. - [Tenx9](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/tenx9-2/) - Tenx9 is delighted to be teaming up once more with Imagine! - [Crossing Voices: Migration and Belonging Poetry Workshop](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/crossing-voices-migration-and-belonging-poetry-workshop/) - Join poet and artist Denisa Hasieberova for a morning of poetry, creativity and shared stories. - [Imagined Spaces: Moving Ways](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/imagined-spaces-moving-ways/) - Join Nandi, Azadeh, Anne and Pascal to explore what whiteness can and could mean to us in Northern Ireland in 2026 and beyond. - [Reclaim The Enlightenment: Slavery and Racism](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/reclaim-the-enlightenment-slavery-and-racism/) - Reclaim The Enlightenment invites you to an afternoon of four insightful talks at Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church, exploring the complex intersections of local and global history. - [HALT x Imagine! Presents… Belfast Ukelele Jam](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/halt-x-imagine-presents-belfast-ukelele-jam/) - Join us for a special evening performance by the Belfast Ukulele Jam at HALT . - [Guided Tour of Riddel’s Warehouse](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/guided-tour-of-riddels-warehouse/) - Discover Riddel’s Warehouse – a Victorian ironmongery warehouse on Ann Street. - [Everything is Connected: An Evening of Stories, Most Weird, Many True](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/everything-is-connected-an-evening-of-stories-most-weird-many-true/) - Peterson Toscano’s solo comedy connects conversion therapy survival, global activism and comic characters in a weird, wonderful and inspirational journey. - [Gathering in the glow](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/gathering-in-the-glow/) - In a city which is built on a binary split, celebrations and collective rituals can trigger strong emotional responses, highlight divisions and clarify choices. - [Voices of Truth](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/voices-of-truth/) - Voices of Truth is a joyful, soulful celebration of family expression through voice, movement, and shared presence. - [Beyond the Blue](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/beyond-the-blue/) - An interactive workshop and performance from ‘Beyond the Blue’. - [Bag of Excuses](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/bag-of-excuses/) - Amadan Ensemble presents a new interdisciplinary exhibition and programme of tailored workshops ‘Bag of Excuses’ by Gemma Mae Halligan and Sinead O’Neill-Nicholl. - [Troubled Queer Stories: Queerness in Conflict](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/troubled-queer-stories-queerness-in-conflict/) - A workshop for LGBTQ+ writers aged 16-21. - [The Battle of Algiers](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-battle-of-algiers/) - Join us for this special 60th anniversary screening of the most powerful political films ever made. - [The Keepers](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-keepers/) - Imagine! is delighted to present the NI première of ‘The Keepers’. - [Draw Your Language(s)! A Self-Portrait of Your Linguistic Heritage](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/draw-your-languages-a-self-portrait-of-your-linguistic-heritage/) - A creative workshop to explore language through colours and patterns - no previous drawing experience required! - [Finding Jane: Fallen Women in Victorian Belfast](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/finding-jane-fallen-women-in-victorian-belfast/) - Join historian Dr Robyn Atcheson as she reconstructs the life of Belfast woman the ‘notorious Jane McCance’. - [Book Launch: Transforming Education in Northern Ireland](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/book-launch-transforming-education-in-northern-ireland/) - Join Ulster University and the Integrated Education Fund for the launch of ‘Transforming Education in Northern Ireland’. - [Discover Belfast’s Welcoming Past – and Imagine Its Future](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/discover-belfasts-welcoming-past-and-imagine-its-future/) - Join us for a PEACEPLUS Interfaith & Belief Walking Tour. - [Ecologies of Care: A Life Studio in the Making](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/ecologies-of-care-a-life-studio-in-the-making/) - An interactive creative event exploring an ecology of care, using DIY art practices to nurture wellbeing, agency, collaboration, hope and place. - [Quickfire Plays](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/quickfire-plays/) - Bold, funny and fearless new theatre from Amadan Ensemble, created in collaboration with an exciting troupe of guest artists. - [HALT x Imagine! Presents… Hypnic Jerk](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/halt-x-imagine-presents-hypnic-jerk/) - Live music at HALT in partnership with Linen Quarter BID. - [The democratic impact of social media abuse towards women in politics](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-democratic-impact-of-social-media-abuse-towards-women-in-politics/) - Exploring the impact of social media abuse on women in politics and what it means for democratic participation, respectful debate and political life. - [POWER STATION](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/power-station/) - Two artists in Walthamstow set out to take their street off the grid, kickstarting a solar-powered energy revolution. - [‘Millies & Militants’: Women of Belfast Walking Tour](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/millies-militants-women-of-belfast-walking-tour/) - This is a two-hour walking tour around Belfast City Centre featuring 12 women who were either Millies, Militants or both! - [Precarity, Process, Place: Resilience Tools for Climate Change](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/precarity-process-place-resilience-tools-for-climate-change/) - Gathering around an exhibition to discuss how we live together in a time of overlapping crises: climate, social, political, & economic. - [Where Freedom Finds Us](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/where-freedom-finds-us/) - A night of storytelling and performances. - [HALT x Imagine! Presents… Seosamh Mac](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/halt-x-imagine-presents-seosamh-mac/) - Join us for a special performance by Seosamh Mac at HALT. - [Dani Larkin](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/dani-larkin/) - Acclaimed songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Dani Larkin has announced a Belfast show in the gorgeous surroundings of Rosemary Street Church. - [The Seascape of Leadership in the Grey Zone](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-seascape-of-leadership-in-the-grey-zone/) - lluminaire Leadership and artist Jon White present a public conversation on his painting "The Grey Zone”, commissioned by Illuminaire in 2025. - [Be prepared: Civil food resilience](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/be-prepared-civil-food-resilience/) - What happens when the food system falters? - [Let’s Talk about Whiteness](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/lets-talk-about-whiteness/) - Join Nandi, Azadeh, Anne and Pascal to explore what whiteness can and could mean to us in Northern Ireland in 2026 and beyond. - [You Killed God!](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/you-killed-god/) - Afghan rap star and human rights activist Sonita Alizadeh leads a compelling discussion on the intersection of religious power, political extremism and the systemic oppression of women. - [A Father’s Heart: The Story Behind Daithi’s Law](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/a-fathers-heart-the-story-behind-daithis-law/) - A conversation on how one dad’s journey to change the law inspired a nation. - [10 years since EURef: Lessons & Learnings for Northern Ireland](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/10-years-since-euref-lessons-and-learnings-for-northern-ireland/) - An engaging conversation with leading academics and journalists trying to understand the legacy of the EU referendum of June 2016. - [Breaking the Silence: Art, Law and the Journey of Reproductive Health](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/breaking-the-silence-art-law-and-the-journey-of-reproductive-health/) - An interdisciplinary event exploring reproductive health. - [Fun Protestants:
WKD Infused Blood](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/fun-protestants-wkd-infused-blood/) - Techno Punk Prod-Core Duo Fun Protestants debut their album ‘WKD Infused Blood’. - [The Art Ritual:
Reflect, Create, Imagine](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/the-art-ritual-reflect-create-imagine/) - A gentle, inclusive art-making session that invites participants to slow down, explore and connect. - [Poyums Annaw:
An Evening with Len Pennie](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/poyums-annaw-an-evening-with-len-pennie/) - Join award-winning Scottish poet and activist Len Pennie for an introduction to her Sunday Times-bestselling sophomore collection, ‘poyums annaw’. - [Mhairi Black:
Politics Isn’t For Me](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/mhairi-black-politics-isnt-for-me/) - For the first time ever, former MP Mhairi Black brings her fearless, sharp-witted commentary to Ireland. - [Ukraine to Belfast](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/ukraine-to-belfast/) - Bbeyond is proud to invite artists Volodymyr Topiy and Mariya Hoyin to Belfast for a transformative workshop and performance residency. - [Kraina: Songs of the Polish Diaspora](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/kraina-songs-of-the-polish-diaspora/) - A concert and discussion of classical music from the Polish diaspora, featuring songs in both Polish and English. - [Dan Donnelly](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/dan-donnelly/) - Dan Donnelly brings his fusion of country passion and punk energy to Imagine! for the first time. - [X: The Movies That Horrified Ulster](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/x-the-movies-that-horrified-ulster/) - Dark historian Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours presents an illustrated talk on 130 years of motion picture mania across the north of Ireland. - [I, Tom Mayhew](https://imaginebelfast.com/event/i-tom-mayhew/) - Darkly funny, frank stories of recession-era adulthood, JobCentre battles and resilience. ## im_blogs - [Home Together: Reimagining Community Through Co-Housing](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/home-together-reimagining-community-through-co-housing/) - A reflection on co-housing, community and belonging, and how shared living could help rebuild stronger, kinder neighbourhoods in Northern Ireland. - [WeAreClass―: Creating Space for Working-Class Voices in the Arts](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/weareclass_-creating-space-for-working-class-voices-in-the-arts/) - WeAreClass_ is a chance to bring together artists, cultural workers, and creatives to share experiences, discuss barriers and imagine a more inclusive arts sector. - [Listening to Lough Neagh: Democracy, care and imagination](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/listening-to-lough-neagh/) - Rebekah McCabe reflects on the crisis at Lough Neagh and what it reveals about democratic failure – and how a Citizens’ Assembly could help communities shape the lough’s future. - [DEMOCRACY IS FOR EVERYBODY, NOT JUST A/THE MAJORITY](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/democracy-is-for-everybody-not-just-a-the-majority/) - Dr Peter Emerson of The de Borda Institute argues that binary majority voting is often unfit for complex democratic decisions and makes the case for preference-based alternatives. - [The Politics of Play in Everyday Life](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-politics-of-play-in-everyday-life/) - Orla Nicholls of Fun Palaces explores how everyday creativity in community spaces becomes political practice, building participation habits that shape our shared future. - [The City-wide Bus Tour Celebrating Belfast’s Vibrant Arts and Culture](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-city-wide-bus-tour-celebrating-belfasts-vibrant-arts-and-culture/) - Tour guide Dolores Vischer discusses her Arts Across Belfast Bus Tour, a new cultural experience showcasing the city’s artistic heritage through visits to venues including The MAC Belfast and the Seamus Heaney Centre. - [USE YOUR IMAGINATION](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/use-your-imagination/) - Imagine this! A brand new festival for Belfast. - [DEALING WITH OUR DIS-EASE](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/dealing-with-our-dis-ease/) - Our democratic systems seem to be ailing and unfit for purpose. There is a sense of ‘dis-ease’. - [THE FESTIVAL LAUNCHTIME](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-festival-launchtime/) - The inaugural Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics. - [THE PROBLEM WITH MAJORITY RULE](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-problem-with-majority-rule/) - The problem in Northern Ireland was, in part, majority rule. - [THE FESTIVAL ACCORDING TO QUINTIN OLIVER](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-festival-according-to-quintin-oliver/) - Belfast will, for the first time, stage the Imagine! Festival of Ideas and Politics from 9th-15th March 2015. - [THE HISTORIAN & POST-CONFLICT SOCIETY](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-historian-post-conflict-society/) - What is the role of the historian? - [THE ALTERNATIVE MANIFESTO](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-alternative-manifesto/) - Your chance to pitch in your top 5 proposals for change. - [RAIF BADAWI](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/raif-badawi/) - Whatever we may disagree about here and other local political blogs, we can all agree that blogging is not a crime. - [NUS-USI: IS DEMOCRACY DEAD?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/nus-usi-is-democracy-dead/) - At some point we will all have heard someone say something along the lines of “there’s no point in voting”. - [SHAPING OUR SHARED PRESENT](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/shaping-our-shared-present/) - A civic conversation on the subject of ‘leadership we need in Northern Ireland’. - [HISTORY AND HISTORIANS](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/history-and-historians/) - The role of history and historians in dealing with the past after the Stormont House Agreement. - [SAY WHAT YOU SEE](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/say-what-you-see/) - A short history of election advertising. - [AN ALTERNATIVE MANIFESTO FOR NORTHERN IRELAND](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/an-alternative-manifesto-for-northern-ireland/) - The results of an online civic engagement campaign conducted by the Imagine! Belfast festival in March 2015. - [OPEN GOVERNMENT](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/open-government/) - People can re-engage with politics and politicians may be able to break the deadlock. - [LET’S START MAKING SENSE WITH SOME IMAGINATION](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/lets-start-making-sense-with-some-imagination/) - Imagine!, Belfast’s festival of ideas & politics returns during 14-20 March 2016 to broaden horizons and puncture preconceptions. - [IMAGINE… THE GREAT BIG POLITICS QUIZ IS BACK](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/imagine-the-great-big-politics-quiz-is-back/) - The Great Big Politics Quiz returns next month as part of the fantastic Imagine Festival of Ideas & Politics! - [BITING THE HAND: IS THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR ‘STILL IN THE BUSINESS OF DOING GOOD?’](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/biting-the-hand/) - A discussion of the role of the community and voluntary sector in contemporary NI. - [‘A BETTER WAY OF BEING GOVERNED’: WHAT IS THE STATE OF DEMOCRACY IN NORTHERN IRELAND?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/a-better-way-of-being-governed/) - Examining the state of NI’s democracy and the role of civil society within it. - [OUR PUBLIC LOVE AND SECRET CHAIN FOR A POLITICS OF KINDNESS](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/our-public-love-and-secret-chain-for-a-politics-of-kindness/) - Philip Orr on 18th Century thinker Francis Hutcheson. - [BRINGING OUR OWN LENS: VISUALISING CONFLICT IN PALESTINE](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/bringing-our-own-lens-visualising-conflict-in-palestine/) - A display of three types of imagery — participatory, documentary, and expository. - [ST. PATRICK DEPORTED BY CITIZEN JURY](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/st-patrick-deported-by-citizen-jury/) - Where a public jury of citizens of Ireland voted to deport (Saint) Patrick. - [REVEALING FACT OR FICTION: A FACTCHECKNI QUIZ](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/revealing-fact-or-fiction/) - Do you know your facts from your opinions? Why do those politicians lie all the time? - [ON IRISHNESS: A CIVIC CONVERSATION](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/on-irishness-a-civic-conversation/) - We were asked to consider what we considered to be ‘Irishness’. - [DEMOCRACY DAY 2017](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/democracy-day-2017/) - Looking at Building Change Trust’s Democracy Day. - [DISCUSSING ‘DODGE’](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/dodge-exhibition/) - Melissa Bailey and Lisa Bowers talk about their forthcoming exhibition 'Dodge'. - [A NIGHT MAYOR FOR BELFAST STREETS?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/a-night-mayor-for-belfast-streets/) - Our Festival Director, Peter O'Neill, writes about the need to revitalise Belfast's night time economy and the need for a Night Czar. - [WRITING FOR THEATRE IN TURBULENT TIMES](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/writing-for-theatre-in-turbulent-times/) - Tinderbox Theatre Company's Hanna Slättne discusses the challenges of writing for theatre in turbulent times. - [WHY I WRITE FOR THEATRE](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/why-i-write-for-theatre/) - John McCann, writer of ‘Famla’, talks about why he writes for the theatre. - [DIALOGUE DAY](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/dialogue-day-is-it-time-for-the-public-to-engage-in-dialogue/) - Michael Donnelly expands on the thinking behind Dialogue Day at this year’s Imagine! festival. - [ARTIVISM AND POPULISM](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/artivism-and-populism/) - As we settle in to a new year, the twin challenges of Trump and Brexit continue to dominate our political and cultural discourse. - [A DUTY TO BE BEAUTIFUL?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/a-duty-to-be-beautiful/) - Prof. Heather Widdows of Birmingham University discusses the pressure to measure up to the beauty ideal. - [THE GREAT BIG NAKED CONSPIRACY NIGHT](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/blog-the-great-big-naked-conspiracy-night/) - Eileen Walsh previews ‘The Great Big Naked Conspiracy Night’. - [WHAT DOES SEX SELL?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/what-does-sex-sell/) - Kat Rezai previews ‘What Does Sex Sell?’ - [WHY SOCIAL MOVEMENTS MATTER](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/why-social-movements-matter/) - Dr. Laurence Cox discusses the importance of social movements. - [THE PROBLEM WITH PATRIOTISM](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-problem-with-patriotism/) - David Mountain discusses an overlooked factor in the turbulent politics of recent years. - [POLITICS BEYOND POLITICIANS: TIME WE SHIFTED OUR HORIZON](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/blog-politics-beyond-politicians/) - Northern Slant asks: is it time we shifted our horizon on politicans? - [A POST ABOUT ELECTION POSTERS](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/a-post-about-election-posters/) - Imagine! 2019's mock election posters… what was that all about? - [MAY TYRANTS TREMBLE: THE LIFE OF WILLIAM DRENNAN](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/may-tyrants-tremble/) - Fergus Whelan discusses his book ‘May Tyrants Tremble: The Life Of William Drennan (1754-1820)’ - [ON ‘MORAL AND IMAGINATIVE QUICKENING’](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/on-moral-and-imaginative-quickening/) - Denis Stewart suggests we apply Seamus Heaney’s ‘moral and imaginative quickening’ to the 21st Century. - [NEIL HEGARTY: 2031](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/2031-blog/) - Neil Hegarty surveys the events of a decade from the vantage point of the year 2031 – and observes a scene in which geopolitics, society, and Ireland itself are changed utterly. - [HOW BRITAIN ENDS: GAVIN ESLER IN CONVERSATION](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/how-britain-ends-gavin-esler-in-conversation/) - Gavin Esler is looking forward to coming to Belfast. He last appeared at Imagine! festival in 2019 at an event called ‘Why Leaders Lie?’ - [PANDEMIC TIME](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/pandemic-time/) - In advance of Sinéad Gleeson’s much anticipated interview, we are delighted to publish her reflections on the Covid lockdown and a playlist which has distracted her during this time. - [ALAN WHYSALL: BORDER POLL OR BUST?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/border-poll-or-bust/) - Alan Whysall presents an edited text of the talk he gave at this 2021’s Imagine! festival. - [ELECTIONS, NEAR AND FAR](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/elections-near-and-far/) - Nicholas Whyte speaking ahead of his talk on 25th March. - [WE DON’T HAVE A POVERTY PROBLEM — WE HAVE A WEALTH PROBLEM](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/we-dont-have-a-poverty-problem-we-have-a-wealth-problem/) - The Alternative Economists’ Mary McManus talks ahead of their 26th March Imagine! event ‘We have a wealth problem!’ - [BELFAST CITY COUNCIL AND THE BATMAN: LOCAL FILM CLASSIFICATION RETURNS!](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/belfast-city-council-and-the-batman/) - Sian Barber on the return of local film classification. - [LISTEN](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/listen/) - A piece by Susan Millar DuMars ahead of her Over The Edge literary reading at the 2022 festival. - [CANCELLATION & CENSORSHIP IN FILM](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/cancellation-censorship-in-film/) - Alan Meban recently caught up with Hugh Odling-Smee from FilmHubNI who are supporting a strand of films at this year’s Imagine! Festival that explore cancellation and censorship. - [TRUTH AND LIES IN PARTICIPATORY ARTS PRACTICE](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/truth-and-lies-in-participatory-arts-practice/) - Ahead of their Imagine! event 23rd March, Sheelagh Colclough from the peer led group P³ shares some thoughts. - [ZINES, BAGGAGE, OTHERING WORDS AND LOTS MORE FROM SECOND COLLECTIVE](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/zines-baggage-othering-words-and-lots-more-from-second-collective/) - Alan Meban talks to Cathy Scullion and Sinead O’Neill Nicholl about Second Collective and their events at this year’s Imagine! - [SHORT-TERMISM ISN’T WORKING](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/short-termism-isnt-working/) - Why Northern Ireland Needs to Think Longer-Term. - [SEEING BELFAST THROUGH A NEW LENS](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/seeing-belfast-through-a-new-lens/) - Dolores Vischer has always loved tours… - [LET’S RE-IMAGINE OUR FORGOTTEN SPACES](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/lets-re-imagine-our-forgotten-spaces/) - Meadhbh McIlgorm previews this year’s Imagine! special project ‘Forgotten Spaces’. - [THE IMAGINE! BELFAST FESTIVAL OF IDEAS AND POLITICS 2023 RETURNS WITH A FEAST OF EVENTS](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-imagine-belfast-festival-of-ideas-and-politics-2023-returns-with-a-feast-of-events/) - The Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics has launched its full programme of events with Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Christina Black and other guests at an event on 2 March in the Grand Central Hotel, sponsored by Linen Quarter Bid. - [everybody’s business](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/everybodys-business/) - Ahead of the Social Change Initiative’s event at Imagine!, Jeannie McCann writes about meeting an indigenous community who peacefully resisted corporate power and how our taxes can be used as a force for good in the world. - [THE ENIGMA OF ANDREW CARNEGIE – CREATOR OF PALACES OF LEARNING](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-enigma-of-andrew-carnegie/) - Quintin Oliver discusses Andrew Carnegie – creator of palaces of learning – and the community-owned Carnegie Oldpark Library ahead of his ‘hard hat’ tour on 24th March. - [What are the prospects for citizen-led democracy in Northern Ireland?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/what-are-the-prospects-for-citizen-led-democracy-in-northern-ireland/) - This important question will be addressed at a seminar in Belfast on 15 September marking the International Day of Democracy. - [Food is everything: join us for some Belfast Food Stories](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/food-is-everything-join-us-for-some-belfast-food-stories/) - Beth Bell of Belfast Sustainable Food Partnership talks about the upcoming ‘Belfast Food Stories’ event at Imagine! 2024. - [Imagine! It’s been 10 years](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/imagine-its-been-10-years/) - A reflection by Peter O’Neill, festival founder, marking the 10th anniversary of the Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics. - [Two Cheers for the 1998 GFA Referendum](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/two-cheers-for-the-1998-gfa-referendum/) - The vote on the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement was a model for the world but it needs to be improved before another momentous referendum, aka ‘Border Poll’. Rules on campaign finance and the use and abuse of social media urgently need updated. The latter is especially true at a time of Russian interference in Western referendums, as most recently evidenced in the Constitutional referendum in Moldova in 2024. - [Cultivating peace within and between](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/cultivating-peace-within-and-between/) - Denis Stewart reflects on the turbulent state of the world, the necessity of love and disobedience in resisting its injustices, and the role of gatherings like those at Imagine! 2025 in fostering critical, creative, and hopeful engagement with these challenges. - [The arc of inspiration / honoring the muse](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/the-arc-of-inspiration-honoring-the-muse/) - Jinx Lennon describes his journey of discovering his artistic muse, realising the raw power of authentic performance and embracing imperfection as the key to creativity. - [Votes for Women: The Belfast Suffragettes and Their Fight for Equality](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/votes-for-women-the-belfast-suffragettes-and-their-fight-for-equality/) - Ahead of her tour on 30th March, Emma Casey of Wee Walks Belfast discusses Belfast’s suffragettes, their militant fight for voting rights, their confrontations with political leaders and their lasting impact on electoral reform. - [Trailblazing Women of Belfast](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/trailblazing-women-of-belfast/) - Historian Dr Robyn Atcheson describes how, behind Belfast’s industrial success, women fought for progress, from activism and education to legal rights and fair work conditions. - [Building a Living Wage Future for Northern Ireland](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/building-a-living-wage-future-for-northern-ireland/) - Northern Ireland has the highest rate of low-paid jobs in the UK, but the Living Wage NI initiative is working to change this by raising awareness, supporting employer accreditation and promoting fair pay to reduce in-work poverty and strengthen the economy. - [Exploring the Linen Quarter](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/exploring-the-linen-quarter/) - Belfast’s Linen Quarter played a crucial role in its economic and social development and this tour will showcase its historic buildings, industrial heritage and vibrant present. - [Young Women & Girls Deserve Healthy Relationships](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/young-women-and-girls-deserve-healthy-relationships/) - What if young women and girls could lead the conversation on healthy relationships, shaping a healthier and safer society? That’s exactly what the Brave Belfast Cailíní campaign is doing. - [When I have new evidence, I change my mind. What do you do?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_blog/when-i-have-new-evidence-i-change-my-mind-what-do-you-do/) - Collaboration for Change supports grassroots activism and will be hosting two Imagine! events on rethinking money (March 26) and Nordic-inspired system design (March 28). ## im_news - [2026: the stats are in!](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/2026-the-stats-are-in/) - 2026: the stats are in! May 15, 2026 Another successful year for the Imagine! festival. Now that the dust has settled a bit on our 2026 festival, we’ve had the chance to run the numbers – and it’s been another super-successful year. If you’d like to check out all the stats for this year’s festival, - [Imagine! is now a Living Wage Employer](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/imagine-is-now-a-living-wage-employer/) - Imagine! is now a Living Wage Employer June 5, 2025 We’re pleased to announce the festival’s official accreditation as a Living Wage Employer. The Imagine! Festival is proud to announce our official accreditation as a Living Wage Employer. This significant step underscores our commitment to fair pay and our dedication to investing in our staff - [Get on Board!](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/get-on-board/) - Imagine! seeks new trustees to help shape the future of our festival. - [Advance Shows for 2025 launched](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/advance-shows-for-2025-launched/) - Advance Shows for 2025 launched November 12, 2024 Here's a taste of what’s to come – get booking! We’re delighted to announce that we’ve just launched our advance programme of events for our 2025 festival that’s taking place from 24th-30th March. The taster includes comedy, poetry, music, workshops and talks from leading speakers and performers - [2025 Call for Events](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/2025-call-for-events/) - Imagine’s Call for Events is intended to give people a role in programming the festival, from suggesting speakers to directly creating and delivering events. - [All change at Imagine!](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/all-change-at-imagine/) - We are delighted to share the news that Mags White-O'Kane has been appointed as our new Director. - [IMAGINE! IS HIRING](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/imagine-is-hiring/) - IMAGINE! IS HIRING July 30, 2024 If you think you have the skills and experience required to be our new Festival Director, then read on… Think you have what it takes to co-ordinate one of Belfast’s most successful and exciting festivals? Our new Festival Director will play a central role in delivering our annual festival - [2024 Imagine! Festival preview on NVTV’s ‘The Round Up’](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/2024-imagine-festival-preview-on-nvtvs-the-round-up/) - Coverage of Imagine! on Belfast’s NVTV. - [Get your thinking caps on with the Imagine! Festival!](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/get-your-thinking-caps-on-with-the-imagine-festival/) - Get your thinking caps on with the Imagine! Festival! February 23, 2024 The Imagine! festival celebrates its 10-year anniversary with over 130 events this March. One of Belfast’s most thought-provoking and innovative festivals, the Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics today unveiled its full 2024 programme at a media launch with guests including Belfast - [Reach for the Skies: Help Us To Transform Belfast Rooftops](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/reach-for-the-skies/) - An exciting new project to find a rooftop space in Belfast for use as a possible cultural venue. - [CAN YOU IMAGINE WORKING FOR US?](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/can-you-imagine-working-for-us/) - We are recruiting for a full-time festival manager. - [INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY FESTIVALS ASSOCIATION](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/international-democracy-festivals-association/) - We are delighted to announce our membership of the International Democracy Festivals Association. - [THE IMAGINE! BELFAST FESTIVAL OF IDEAS AND POLITICS 2023 RETURNS WITH A FEAST OF EVENTS](https://imaginebelfast.com/im_news/the-imagine-belfast-festival-of-ideas-and-politics-2023-returns-with-a-feast-of-events/) - The Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics has launched its full programme of events for 2023. ## Galleries - [THE FESTIVAL LAUNCHTIME](https://imaginebelfast.com/rl_gallery/the-festival-launchtime/) ## Categories - [arts](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/arts/) - [events](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/) - [freedom of speech](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/freedom-of-speech/) - [history](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/history/) - [local politics](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/local-politics/) - [society](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/society/) - [the festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/the-festival/) - [theatre](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/theatre/) - [voting](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/voting/) - [conversations](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/conversations/) - [exhibitions](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/exhibitions/) - [family](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/family/) - [film](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/film/) - [humour](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/humour/) - [multi-day](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/multi-day/) - [music](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/music/) - [online](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/online/) - [performance art](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/performance-art/) - [poetry+reading](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/poetryreading/) - [quizzes](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/quizzes/) - [talks](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/talks/) - [theatre+drama](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/theatredrama/) - [tours](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/tours/) - [blog](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/) - [festival events](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/festival-events/) - [Event Date](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/event-date/) - [23rd March](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/event-date/23rd-march/) - [24th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/event-date/24th-march/) - [28th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/event-date/28th-march/) - [29th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/event-date/29th-march/) - [27th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/event-date/27th-march/) - [26th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/event-date/26th-march/) - [25th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/event-date/25th-march/) - [2026 advance](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/2026advance/) - [workshops](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/workshops/) - [group discussions](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/events/group-discussions/) - [Environment](https://imaginebelfast.com/category/blog/environment-blog/) ## imblogtypes - [festival events](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/festival-events/) - [society](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/society/) - [history](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/history/) - [local politics](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/local-politics/) - [the festival](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/the-festival/) - [arts](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/arts/) - [freedom of speech](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/freedom-of-speech/) - [voting](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/voting/) - [theatre](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/theatre/) - [environment](https://imaginebelfast.com/imblogtypekey/environment/) ## imeventdates - [29th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventdatekey/29th-march/) - [28th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventdatekey/28th-march/) - [27th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventdatekey/27th-march/) - [26th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventdatekey/26th-march/) - [25th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventdatekey/25th-march/) - [24th March](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventdatekey/24th-march/) - [23rd March](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventdatekey/23rd-march/) ## imeventypes - [humour](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/humour/) - [quizzes](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/quizzes/) - [film](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/film/) - [conversations](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/conversations/) - [music](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/music/) - [tours](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/tours/) - [poetry+reading](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/poetryreading/) - [talks](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/talks/) - [performance art](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/performance-art/) - [theatre+drama](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/theatredrama/) - [online](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/online/) - [exhibitions](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/exhibitions/) - [workshops](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/workshops/) - [group discussions](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/group-discussions/) - [family](https://imaginebelfast.com/imeventypekey/family/)