SOUND LINKS BLOCK PARTY
A celebration of Townsend Street | Sat 21 September 2024, 2-8pm
The Ulster Orchestra, Zeppo Arts and Townsend Street Enterprise Park are thrilled to announce an exciting community street party set to take place on Townsend Street on Saturday 21 September 2024 from 2pm to 8pm.
The best part? Admission is FREE and everyone is welcome! This vibrant outdoor event promises an unforgettable day filled with live music, bustling markets, energetic dance performances and delicious food offerings, finishing with a live performance by the Ulster Orchestra* at 8pm - there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Our block party is part of the Belfast 2024 programme, celebrating creativity and culture, funded by Belfast City Council and taking place on International Peace Day.
- Live Music: Enjoy captivating performances from classical pieces to contemporary soul, funk and dance - the live music lineup is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Hosted by BBC radio presenter and musician Gemma Bradley, acts include Winnie Ama, String Ninjas, Utropiks, Boom Strutt Brass, Diamonte Dance and Drama, Downshire Brass and Belfast Ukulele Orchestra.
- Sound Links concert (SOLD OUT): A new musical commission about Townsend Street will be performed by the Ulster Orchestra at 8pm.
- Markets: Browse through a diverse selection of market stalls. These will feature products by local artisans, craftspeople and sellers.
- Dance: Experience dynamic dance performances that will get everyone moving. These will include everything from traditional Irish and Scottish dances to modern routines.
- Food: Indulge in a wide selection of food options from local food trucks and vendors. There will be plenty of delicious choices to satisfy your taste buds.
- Kids’ Activities. Children can enjoy workshops, bouncy castles and much more.
The Block Party is part of the Sound Links project by the Ulster Orchestra, Townsend Enterprise Park and Zeppo Arts, which explores the history of Townsend Street as part of Belfast 2024 – an ambitious cultural celebration that will see the city come to life with creative projects, events and civic initiatives taking place across Belfast throughout the year. Click here to find out more about the project.
Accessibility and information
Location
The Block Party will take place on Townsend Street, Belfast. View location on map. Townsend Street can be accessed from either end via Divis Street and Peters Hill.
Getting there
Townsend Street will be closed to traffic on the day of the Block Party, so we recommend travelling by public transport or on foot. Townsend Street is approximately a 15-minute walk from Belfast city centre.
The nearest bus stops are:
– Divis Tower (approx. 0.2 miles away)
– Millfield (approx. 0.2 miles away)
– Peters Hill (approx. 0.1 mile away)
– Lower Shankill (approx. 0.1 mile away)
Nearby car parks include:
– Handy Park – Millfield Car Park, 31 Samuel Street
– NCP Belfast The Tannery, 1 Francis Street
– Kent Street Car Park, Kent Street
– Handy Park, Wilson Street
– Handy Park, Winetavern Street
Guides/marshals in high-viz jackets will be situated along the length of the street and will be able to assist with queries or issues.
Accessible Parking
Townsend Street will be closed to general traffic however a limited number of on-street accessible parking spaces for blue badge holders will be available on the day. If you require an accessible parking space, please let us know by emailing [email protected] with your name and car registration number.
Wheelchair and mobility access
The location of the Block Party on Townsend Street is on a flat surface. The Ulster Orchestra performance at 8pm will take place in the former Townsend Street Church building. The building is fully accessible and accessible seating on the ground floor will be available upon request. If you require accessible seating for the performance, please choose the option for accessible seating when booking tickets.
Toilets
An accessible toilet (‘AccessoLoo’) will be situated at the Peters Hill end of Townsend Street. Please ask a guide/marshal who will be able to direct you.
Quiet Spaces
A Quiet Room will be available upon request. Please ask a guide/marshal who will be able to direct you.
Interpretation
A BSL interpreter will be at the main stage all day and at the 8pm Ulster Orchestra performance.
Dietary Requirements / Allergies
There will be food vendors at the event providing a variety of food and drink. Please vendors know when ordering if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at both the Block Party and 8pm Ulster Orchestra performance and there will be a designated outdoor toileting area for them.
Enquiries
If you have any questions about any aspects of the accessibility of the event, please email [email protected] or phone Vittoria Cafolla on 07907 443 771.