Welcome
Welcome to the 17th Annual Belfast City Blues Festival.
We are delighted to welcome music lovers from near and far as we continue to celebrate and preserve Belfast’s rich musical heritage. Once again, the festival will bring the sound of blues to the heart of the city, with over 40 free gigs taking place across venues throughout the Cathedral Quarter and the surrounding areas.
Our festival team has been working hard behind the scenes to curate a programme that offers something for everyone. From lifelong blues fans to those discovering the genre for the very first time, the festival showcases a wonderful mix of styles and performers. We are proud to celebrate the exciting young talent emerging on the blues scene, while also welcoming the seasoned performers and established artists who have long been part of the fabric of blues music, both locally and from further afield.
Our late director
Seamus O'Neill
This year’s festival holds special significance for all of us. The 17th Annual Guinness Belfast City Blues Festival is dedicated to our late Director, Seamus O'Neill. Seamus sadly passed away in September 2025 after a short illness, leaving a huge gap not only in our hearts but across Belfast’s music community.
For sixteen years, Seamus worked tirelessly to build, nurture and grow the festival, helping shape it into the vibrant celebration of music it is today.
His passion, dedication and love for live music touched countless musicians, venues and audiences alike.
It is only fitting that we dedicate this year’s festival to Seamus O’Neill, a true titan of Belfast’s music industry.
Festival 2026
Thank you
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our friends, musicians, bands, venues and sponsors who have stood by the festival team and supported us in bringing this year’s event to life. The level of encouragement and goodwill shown has been truly overwhelming and deeply appreciated.
And of course, a special thank you goes to you — the audiences who buy the tickets, fill the venues and support live music throughout the city. Without your continued support, there simply would not be a Belfast City Blues Festival.
So, here we go…
26th – 28th June
Guinness Belfast City Blues Festival
Three days of great music, with great people, in a great city. 🎶
