_{THIS WEEK: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MYKABBI}

MyKabbi is a new locally founded and locally run taxi service, offering another way to book journeys around Belfast and NI.

MyKabbi offers an alternative to bigger ride-hailing services where a large cut of each fare leaves the local economy. We're pleased to have them this edition as our first Belfast Brief partner.

Whether you're heading into town, meeting friends or looking for a lift home, MyKabbi is an option worth considering!

Find out more and download the app →

DfI has published its Eastern Transport Plan 2035 with proposals for more pedestrian-friendly streets, a 20mph city-centre speed limit and improved cycling infrastructure. You’re invited to have your say…
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Free tickets for the Christmas lights switch-on on Sat 14 November are released today (Tue 3 November) at 10am. More →
Meanwhile, plans are progressing for a second Christmas market at Custom House Square, featuring 36 stalls from local traders. More →

9-15 November · Citywide

What could a greener, more resilient Belfast look like? Running from 9–15 November, RE[act] brings talks, workshops and creative events across the city, exploring how to create a more sustainable and hopeful Belfast.

Its opening day on Monday 9 falls within our Tuesday-to-Monday coverage. We've highlighted a particularly interesting screening in our family section below, but there's lots more to discover in the programme.

FIND OUT MORE →

FESTIVE MAKERS MARKET
Sat 7 November · Carlisle Memorial
Dilly Dally brings more than 35 local makers for art, handmade gifts and crafts.
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INN'S CROSS MARKET
Sat 7 November · Saintfield Road
Browse local farmers' and artisan food producers in this monthly market.
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BELMONT ROCK & BLUES FESTIVAL
6-8 November · Belmont Bowling Club
Three days of blues and rock, with the Pat McManus Band on Saturday.
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THE SUMMER OF THE HARPERS
Sun 8 November, 4pm · Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
Young performers from across the island bring an Irish-language musical inspired by the historic Belfast Harp Meeting of 1792.
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NŌS
Fri 6 & Sat 7 November · The MAC
Ireland's national dance company Luail performs three works by Akram Khan, Oona Doherty and Liz Roche.
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We visited this lovely wee Belfast shop on the Lisburn Road. It combines Fairtrade coffee and freshly baked buns with plants, unique gifts and artwork from local makers.

The coffee shop opened recently to add to the creative space hosting art workshops. A great spot to grab a coffee, browse something different and support local artists.
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6-15 November · Citywide
Belfast Cocktail Week returns for ten days, with 36 participating bars and restaurants across the city. Venues are also offering food promotions and some alcohol-free choices.
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5-7 November · Banana Block

Now in its 22nd year, the Belfast Beer & Cider Festival returns to Banana Block, organised by CAMRA Northern Ireland.

The three-day event showcases independent producers from NI and beyond, with food from local vendors and evening music.
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5–15 November · Citywide

Belfast's annual celebration of local music returns this week, with 11 days of gigs, album launches and special performances across the city.

From indie and folk to electronic music and hip-hop, the festival showcases the talent that makes Belfast a UNESCO City of Music.

One event that particularly caught our eye:

Sat 7 November · St Joe's, Sailortown
Musicians from different generations have each written an original song with the same title: The Old Town. The resulting album launches with folk, indie, rock and experimental music.

The event supports the brilliant work of ANAKA Women's Collective.
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THE LISTENING ROOM
Saturday 7 November, 7pm · Oliveira's Café
An intimate evening of acoustic music, poetry and spoken word.
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IRISH TRAD MUSIC
Follow Belfast Session Guide for a listing of traditional Irish music sessions across Belfast.

Thursday 5 November · ODEON
A remarkable true story from NI’s past comes to the big screen. Directed by Terry Loane, Faraway Home follows two Jewish children who escape Nazi-occupied Vienna and find refuge at Millisle during the Second World War.

A piece of local history brought to life as part of Belfast Film Festival.

FIND OUT MORE →

LATE NIGHT ART
Thursday 5 November · 6–9pm · Citywide
Explore Belfast's galleries after hours, with free exhibitions across the city centre.
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PRIDE & PREJUDICE AND 80’s HITS!
5–7 November · Waterfront Studio
Jane Austen meets 1980s pop in this lively musical. All proceeds from Thursday's performance go to NI Children's Hospice.
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Monday 9 November, 5pm · Europa Hotel

Part of RE[act] Festival, this documentary follows eight children travelling across Europe in a biofuel-powered bus, meeting some of the world's biggest companies to ask questions about the future of our planet.

FIND OUT MORE →

Saturday 7 November · Golden Thread Gallery
Make a colourful mini lantern using recycled materials in this hands-on family workshop celebrating Diwali. It runs 11am-12pm, is free and requires advance booking.
More →

Sunday 8 November · Oh Yeah Music Centre
Young musicians get a chance to perform in a welcoming setting.
More →

All November · Bog Meadows Nature Reserve

Ulster Wildlife's November self-guided trail explores how people have shaped Bog Meadows over the years, with wildlife and nature to discover along the way.

It's an easy circular route of just over a mile, taking around 30 minutes.

FIND OUT MORE →

Look closely as you walk around Belfast and you’ll spot the city’s coat of arms in all sorts of places, from historic buildings to familiar landmarks.

There's a ship, a bell, two seahorses and even a chained wolf. The images appeared on Belfast merchants' signs and coins in the 1600s, although their precise origins aren't known.

Beneath it are the Latin words Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus: 'What shall we give back in return for so much?' It comes from Psalm 116, and points towards a Belfast that should be positively contributing to others.

Thanks to the readers who responded to our recent feedback survey.

Of 27 responses, 26 readers said Belfast Brief has been useful so far, with one saying that they’d appreciate more food reviews.

Here are a few of the comments:

We've brought together 16 events to look forward to in Belfast this November, from festivals and family days out to the Christmas lights.

You can browse them all here:

EXPLORE THE NOVEMBER GUIDE →

A different view of the city, captured by local photographers.

Thanks to Orla Laverty for this striking view of The Watson, framed by Belfast Central Library and the Telegraph Building.

You can follow lens_life_by_Orla on Instagram.

We’re pleased to have reached over 2,000 readers in our first two months. Thank you for being part of it!

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