Key Information
Counties:
County Antrim and County DownYear of Inscription:
2021Link to Website:
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastmusic
Belfast UNESCO City of Music
For hundreds of years, Belfast has been channelling its passion into music and song; whether it’s the traditional Irish sounds of the céilí or the rock, punk, and electronic music that has emerged from this city. This UNESCO designation is an invitation for all to celebrate and nurture the incredible talent that exists in this city - and to ensure that Belfast remains a vibrant hub for creativity. Belfast is more than just a place where music is played; it’s a way of life.
What makes this UNESCO Designation special?
Belfast has always been a place where music thrives and evolves.
It’s in its very DNA. It reflects the clang of the city’s industrial past, the ferment of political events and expressions of youth. And whether it be Ruby Murray or Stiff Little Fingers, the world has been listening. Van Morrison turned the streets of Belfast into something magical, with Cyprus Avenue just as mythical a place as The Eagles’ Hotel California or Sinatra’s New York, New York. Snow Patrol’s Take Back the City wears its Belfast inspiration proudly.
But being a UNESCO City of Music is not just about looking back at the names that have shaped Belfast’s musical legacy. It’s about looking forward; about supporting the next generation of creators who are pushing boundaries. The commitment from Belfast’s status as a UNESCO City of Music is clear - continue to invest in the music industry, support local venues and festivals, and create opportunities where artists can grow and share their work.
From intimate venues to growing music festivals, Belfast offers spaces for every kind of performance. Indie, rock, electronica, folk, jazz, rap, and more - it’s all part of the rich musical tapestry of this unique city.
