Cresent art centre reopens

Crescent Arts Centre to return with major Belfast arts festival

A major week-long arts festival will mark the official return of the Crescent Arts Centre after completing an extensive multi-million pound restoration of the landmark Belfast building.

Supported by the Arts Council, the seven-day ‘Crescent Overture’ festival kicks off on Monday 19 April, giving thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland a chance to reveal their creative side, while viewing the stunning new surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities.


Hillas Smith and Flora Herberich from Bone Idle circus are joined by contemporary dancer Eileen McClory outside the new-look Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast.

A special series of lunchtime and evening concerts are planned, where local Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra, Maiden Voyage Dance Company and acclaimed aerial-dance performers Bone Idle Circus are just some of the eclectic world-class performers scheduled to appear. Visitors to these events are invited on a first-come, first-served basis for a nominal fee.

Visitors to the University Road site can also take part in more than 100 free ‘taster’ classes and workshops, specially organised to mark the occasion.

A feast of activities for every generation, adults can try flamenco, puppetry, photography, belly dancing, storytelling, ballet or creative writing. For the younger members of the family, a host of fun classes await to be discovered including Lego-building for Kids, Kids Book Club and Dizzy Kids.

All classes are free of charge.

David Hill, Chair of the Crescent Arts Centre, said:
“After years of planning and 18 months of intense construction work, all of us at the Crescent Arts Centre are thrilled to open the doors to our beautifully refurbished building. “This unique week-long festival programme will give everyone from Belfast and beyond the chance to celebrate our return and we would encourage people of all ages and abilities to come along, get involved and have some fun,” he added.

The ‘Crescent Overture’ festival, which marks the official re-opening of the 135 year-old Grade B listed building, also gives visitors the chance to join scheduled tours to view the new dance studios, spacious performance spaces, art and photography studios and flexible workspaces.

Explaining the Arts Council’s role in the project, Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Arts Council has supported The Crescent over the last 30 years and has provided £1.45 million of National Lottery money towards the refurbishment of this iconic arts centre. As one of Belfast’s first community arts centres, it is heartening to see how this restored building has been nurtured and transformed into a completely accessible building, offering a wide range of classes and activities for all sections of the community.”

Belfast City Council has also provided funding for the event.

Full programme details are available on www.crescentarts.org or by phoning 028 9024 2338.