Nightlife

A still of David Bowie in the video for single 'John, I'm Only Dancing'. (c) Mick Rock, 1973, 2026. Courtesy of the Estate of Mick Rock

David Bowie producer and glam-era drummer bring tribute show to Belfast tonight

Upstream ABL backs long-term partner Print Library for ambitious growth plans. From left: Michael Thompson, co-founder of Print Library; Alastair Gracey, relationship manager at Upstream ABL and Geoff Truesdale, co-founder of Print Library

NI packaging firm targets next phase of growth with £2m investment

The Ringland Group has put Belfast’s 1852 Hotel and the popular Town Square bar up for sale, with offers invited in excess of £2.85 million

'Time to pass on the torch': Landmark NI hotel and bar hits market for £2.85m

A two-week run of 'Mean Girls' was supposed to start at Belfast's Grand Opera House on Tuesday, but has now been cancelled entirely. Image: Visit Belfast

Unrest axes entire two-week run of hit musical - though Farmers Bash seems on

Husband and wife duo Michael and Aveen Moreland have taken over ownership of Minny Doyle’s, the popular traditional Irish pub in Hilltown once owned by Aveen’s family, as part of a six-figure investment. Pi ctured is Ulster Bank business development manager Lee White with new owner of Minny Doyle’s pub in Hilltown, Aveen Moreland

Husband and wife duo return 'home' acquire NI century-old village pub

Superstar Keith Urban headlines the final night of the Country To Country event in Belfast this weekend. Photo: Jem Cresswell Photography

Biggest names in country roll into Belfast for three-day event

Album covers embedded into flooring forms part of the redesign at Level One in The Bentley Bar as the venue reopens following a major refurbishment, transforming the upstairs space into a fully equipped rock themed live music venue in the heart of Londonderry. Credit: Aodhan Roberts.

First look: Bold new refurbishment at NI bar creates ultimate music venue

Beloved Asian restaurant wagamama has announced that it will open a new outlet at popular leisure destination Odyssey Place later this year – creating 40 new jobs

Beloved Asian restaurant to open second NI spot at popular leisure destination

Florence and the Machine perform to a packed audience at the 2012 Tennant's Vital festival in Boucher Road playing fields, Belfast. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Pacemaker.

Belfast set to lose 'only site for truly global talent' in crunch concert vote

Film and TV star Kiefer Sutherland brings his country-styled singer-songwriter music to Northern Ireland in May.

Kiefer Sutherland to play NI gig - '24' star brings country tunes to Belfast

Competitors in 2019's UK Pipe Band Championships. This year's Ulster Pipe Band Championships are to be held in a large park in Bangor, happening at the same time and just a few minutes' walk from an open-air eight-hour concert connected to the all-Ireland Fleadh. Photo: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press

Alliance accuse DUP of secretly wanting rid of Fleadh over pipe band clash

One of Belfast’s most beloved and storied pubs The Errigle Inn will mark a major milestone this month as it celebrates 90 years on the Ormeau Road

Cheers to 90 years: NI family pub celebrates with plans for exciting new chapter

A life-size replica of the Belfast city's most famous elephant Sheila was shown in Commercial Court, Belfast.

Mammoth festive surprise for revellers in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter

Kalon Rae, Peter Corry and Dana Masters take to Belfast Cathedral for a special festive concert.

Cathedral swings open for festive season with Christmas concert

One of Belfast’s biggest event spaces has undergone a dramatic transformation, with The Devenish Complex announcing the completion of a major renovation of its Grand Ballroom. The ballroom sports a fresh new look, with a refurbished bar, redesigned entrance and foyer, and a landscaped garden to boost the arrival experience

NI entertainments complex raises the bar with high-impact £400k ballroom revamp

Ginger Janes Cocktail Bar, the buzzing venue on Trevor Hill in Newry, is up for sale for £450,000, offering buyers the chance to own a slice of the city’s entertainment scene. Credit Whelan Commercial Ltd

One of NI’s most quirky cocktail bars hits the market for nearly £500,000
One of Newry’s best nights out – landmark venue put up for sale after years at the heart of the city’s social scene
Claire Cartmill

The Arts Council collected data from 131 organisations.

30% decline in arts performances as costs climb, survey says

Host Laura Whitmore (second right)with Boyzone members (left to right) Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Ronan Keating during a press conference at the London Irish Centre in Camden, north London, to announce their reunion for a one-off show next year. 'One for the Road: Live at Emirates Stadium, London', will be their biggest live show to date, and the first time they have performed together since 2019. Picture date: Tuesday September 30, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire

Boyzone to reunite for one-off stadium show in London

King Pins new Belfast location will feature 15 ten-pin bowling lanes, an extensive range of immersive games and activities, including NI firsts such as ice-free curling, tech darts, duck pin bowling and crazy pool, alongside an in-house restaurant

Multi-million UK entertainment brand 'can’t wait' to open first NI mega venue

New Laser Tag to open at Airtastic

Pictures from the launch night as Haymarket Belfast wraps up £5m hospitality investment in Belfast after creating 100 jobs

84 pictures: Haymarket Belfast to open three new bars ending £5m transformation

Blackwatertown’s beloved Portmor reopens this Thursday under the ownership of Stevie Hughes’ great-grandchildren, reconnecting with its historic roots after more than 70 years. Credit Facebook

Northern Ireland bar and restaurant returns to family hands after 70 years

The cobbles of Belfast’s iconic Commercial Court came alive with music, mischief, and the unmistakable sight of a giant life-size elephant being wheeled through the street last night (Friday)

Watch: Giant elephant glides through Belfast at alternative culture night

Iconic Belfast venue is reborn as new club opens its doors to buzzing crowds

Fashionistas can check-in and check-out the hottest trends at Victoria Square’s highly anticipated autumn/winter fashion show, which returns on Friday, October 3 with a new theme, inspired by the world’s most iconic luxury hotels

Check-in to style at Victoria Square’s 'Runway Residence' Fashion Show

Siblings Jarron and Victoria O'Neill Watson celebrating 20 years of 2Taps Wine Bar in Belfast

20 years, 3m guests, one iconic wine bar – NI siblings mark a major milestone

Norlin has secured a major multi-million deal to roll out a number of major regeneration-led entertainment venues across the UK, with a funding arrangement provided by Upstream ABL. Pictured at Titanic Distillers, where Norlin is already a significant investor, from left, Judith Totten MBE and John Metcalfe of Upstream ABL, and Stephen Symington and Richard Irwin, co founders of Norlin

NI hospitality group secures multi-million finance deal to accelerate UK growth
Upstream ABL partners with Northern Ireland Hospitality and Real Estate group Norlin to drive expansion across the UK and Ireland
Claire Cartmill

Belfast City Centre Night Czar, Michael Stewart, launched an open letter to the First and Deputy First Ministers in May calling for the funding of year-round late-night bus and rail services 52 weekends a year in Belfast. Pictured is Chris McCracken, Phillip Brett MLA. Martina Connolly, Night Czar, Deputy First Minister and Damien Corr

Over 1,000 NI firms call for late-night transport provision 52 weekends a year

One of Belfast’s most cherished social institutions, Lavery’s, has bid a heartfelt farewell to its historic public and back bars after more than a century of serving the city. Pictured credit Lavery’s

One of NI’s oldest family pubs says farewell to iconic bars after over 100 years

Kneecap attend the US premiere of their movie at the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

Kneecap fans paying legal fees as band plays sold-out Dublin gig to 8,000 people

NI’s boldest alcohol brand gears up for retail growth with big distribution deal

Plough Inn Hillsborough voted Best Bar in Northern Ireland…Pictured with the LCN plaque for Best Bar in Northern Ireland are Keith Johnston, manager, Plough Inn, Sean Paul Hayes, assistant manager, Plough Inn and Jess Njoroge, café manager, Plough Inn

Historic Co Down gem crowned ‘Pub of the Year’ at LCN Awards 2025

Star soprano Lesley Garrett brings hit musical Follies to Belfast in September.

Star Lesley Garrett brings Broadway smash musical to Belfast

NI steakhouse to bring bold flavour and sizzling reputation to the north coast

The Riverside Theatre, based on Ulster University’s Coleraine campus since 1975, is under threat following reports that the university has given Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council an ultimatum over its future

Petition launched to 'stop the closure' of iconic Northern Ireland theatre

The owners of EDŌ restaurant have expanded their Belfast city centre presence with the opening of Beau in Cathedral Quarter following a significant investment into fit-out. Credit: Elaine Hill Photography

Belfast’s dining scene grows bolder as EDŌ duo launch second restaurant

As Ibiza’s world-renowned party hotspots eagerly await to open their doors for Summer 25, VIBE by Jet2holidays is inspiring customers to jet away to the Spanish sunshine for the iconic opening parties

Fly from Belfast: Jet set for Ibiza’s opening parties with VIBE by Jet2holidays

Hannah Sharman-Cox (Pinnacle Guide), Aaron Dugan and Emily Doherty (The Merchant Hotel) and Siobhan Payne (Pinnacle Guide) with members of The Cocktail Bar team at The Merchant Hotel, pictured with the plaque to mark the Cocktail Bar’s Outstanding 2 Pin status in the Pinnacle Guide

Sip, sip, hooray! NI Cocktail bar gets global award and pinned for excellence!

The Blind Piglet will be the latest addition to the group’s expanding range of facilities at the Dormans Bar complex in Magherafelt. Pictured overseeing the construction work are Henry McGlone, director, DHG and Andrew Neilson, bar Manager, Dormans. The new Blind Piglet 5 000 sq ft addition will create 25 new jobs when the doors open in mid-March and represents a substantial £750 000 investment in the entertainment complex by DHG

NI family hospitality firm reveals £750,000 expansion of flagship pub complex

The Aviary on Old Market Place, Omagh, which is on the market for £500,000

Former Northern Ireland bar, restaurant and nightclub up for sale for £500,000

The award-winning Cocktail Bar at Belfast’s five-star Merchant Hotel has created a collection of exclusive cocktails crafted with three icons of the whiskey world – Midleton, Macallan, and Michter’s. Starting from £785 and going right up to £1,000, the exquisite Rare & Refined Collection will be the most expensive cocktails ever served at The Merchant – exceeding the famous £750 Mai Tai, which was previously crowned as the world’s most expensive cocktail back in 2007. Pictured is The Merchant Cocktail Bar manager Emily Doherty and Cocktail Bar general manager Aaron Dugan

NI hotel launches new cocktail menu...but check your bank balance first!

CEF launches the Northern Ireland Construction Gala Dinner sponsored by Deane Public Works. Pictured is Steven Oldham, sales director, Northstone (Next Generation Sponsor), Mark Spence, CEF chief executive, Bryan Vaughan, CEF president, Janet Deane, financial director, and Stephen Deane, managing director, Deane Public Works with Northstone apprentices and graduate employees Odhrán Canning, apprentice engineer, Joe Dallas, apprentice engineer, Emma Graham, civil engineering graduate, Hanna Miskimmin, sustainability graduate, Eoghan O’Neill, apprentice engineer and Emma O’Brien, environmental graduate

NI construction sector to mark 80th anniversary with gala celebration

Belfast's newest hotspot, Amelia Hall, has defied the traditional January slowdown in the hospitality industry, welcoming nearly 10,000 customers this month

Belfast's newest ents hotspot welcomes nearly 10,000 customers this month

JPs at the Railway, formerly known as The Railway Bar, is due to open on Saturday night. It is situated at William Street, Lurgan, Co Armagh.

New bar to open in Lurgan

For the past two years the venue has been occupdied by Grace Generation Church, which says many of its members used to attend the nightclub.

Coach Inn Banbridge to reopen? Pastor responds to claims

David Neely, operations manager at Jar Ltd and Duncan Campbell, manager of The Watson pictured in the revival of the Frames Pool Hall, a Belfast institution known for its legendary status in the 1980s

The Watson: Belfast's new £3.5m premier entertainment destination opens

Belfast concert promoter and venue owner Shine saw off stiff competition from some of the UK’s largest promoters to win UK Regional Promoter of the Year at London’s Troxy venue on December 11. Pictured is Alan Simms of Shine with LIVE chair Steve Lamacq and Shine promoters Adam and Addison

Belfast firm shines bright as it clinches UK’s top regional promoter prize

Caroline McComb, director of McComb’s Coach Travel

McComb’s: NI taxis firm to world-class tours, a story of growth and innovation

Celebrated restaurateurs Chris Millar and Matthew Roman-Wilkinson have opened their newest venture, Millar’s Brasserie, in the heart of south Belfast, marking a major step in the expansion of their hospitality empire

NI restaurateurs take a major step in expansion of their hospitality empire

Reuben (7) and Eva Forster (10) pictured with May McFettridge as Mrs Smee and Jolene O'Hara as Captain Hook...tickets are still available for this year's fabulous panto!

NI dairy firm ‘snaps up’ pantomime success as it reprises starring role

Marty McClinton from Lisburn has sparked widespread admiration and excitement across Northern Ireland and beyond for his amazing picture of Divis Mountain in Belfast. Pictured with friend Emmet McCracken from Belfast, who appears in the foreground of the shot

Stunning picture of Divis Mountain in Belfast takes social media by storm

This December, Social Enterprise NI is inviting the public to #BuySocial and join the holiday cheer at the Social Enterprise Christmas Market in Belfast. The market will take place on Thursday, December 5, from 3pm to 8pm at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast

‘Shop, celebrate and support NI heroes at Social Enterprise Christmas Market!’

Belfast’s iconic Bittles Bar has released its highly anticipated Christmas advert for 2024, marking a first for the historic pub and its owner, John Bittles

Watch: Belfast’s Bittles Bar releases first Christmas advert with festive twist

Belfast’s newest hospitality venue, The Stock Exchange, officially opens next week, completing an additional phase in Haymarket Belfast’s £3 million hospitality investment and sympathetic restoration of a historic landmark building on the city’s iconic Royal Avenue. Pictured is James Joyce, director of operations and owner Gareth Murphy

Haymarket Belfast to open 'groundbreaking destination' after £1m investment

Marty Wilson and his popular jazz band first performed in 1990 and have continued to play their popular afternoon jazz session in the city’s oldest pub each and every week for the last 35 years

Co Down bar's instrumental in 35-years of swinging success for Bangor jazz band

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