Arts & Culture

Lest there be a fleadh-shaped hole steadily smoldering within your beating heart, Emma Ferguson illuminates the month-long artscape set to commandeer the city.

Dearest gentle reader, there is but one question to ask following the announcement of Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton's spin-off: why? Yours truly, Lucy Rice.

What happens when enthusiasm itself is manufactured? Sarah Dempsey examines the bizarre phenomenon of music marketers posing as fans on social media to generate hype.

Alex Lloyd gives her twopence on the satire inflicting a Machiavellian stab against the conditions faced by the overworked and underfunded parties of our education system, teachers and students alike.

Feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly infinite (and frankly terrifying) amount of Netflix originals out there? Not to worry, as Georgia Glennie's got you covered with some essential spooky season viewing.

Aoibh Gilgunn delves into an auspicious upcoming event with the potential to reinstate Mandela Hall as the epicentre for electronic music in Belfast.

The Gallagher brothers are redefining the "will they, won't they" trope with the announcement of Oasis Live 27', a brand new tour for the same old songs. Michéal Haigney challenges the legacy of a band that, more often than not, says one thing and does another.

In a world where an Instagram story infographic can make or break someone's career, Anaisha Abraham investigates the widespread fascination with celebrity activism and deifying public figures for championing elementary ideologies.

There's hardly been time to come up for air between recent instalments of the popular franchise. Jess Hunt explores whether or not this surge in viewership proves perilous for the faithful among us.

Paighton Kelly-Gittins reviews the four latest (and most polarising) additions to the singer-songwriter's ever-expanding discography.

Wake up, babe, a new Netflix true crime docudrama just dropped. To Muhammad Anwar's dismay, however, the emphasis lies on the drama as opposed to the documentary.

The 2020s have fostered a fortuitous renaissance of all things as Gaeilge. Following a fifth Irish-language submission to the Oscars in five years, Dáracha McGlynn explores what it is exactly about our native language that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Dáracha McGlynn gives us an exclusive interview with the team behind Blue Lights ahead of season 4.

As students of the arts continue to suffer at the hand of state school curriculums, Ellie Somers unpacks the notion of the 'struggling artist' in an increasingly elitist society.

Owen Nugent shares his experience as a musician during the Fleadh in Belfast.

Ana Lazarut gives her thoughts on the hype around Christopher Nolan and what she thinks the issues are with his new film, The Odyssey.

We've all seen the rise in bad concert ettiquette that has occrued post-pandemic but it reached new heights on Noah Kahan's most recent US tour. Ellie Somers discusses the wider implications of these 'interesting' developments in concert culture.

Caoimhe McCloskey discusses the controversial announcement of the film adaptation of Haunting Adeline.

Another superhero movie is gracing our screens, but how is Masters of the Universe any different from those that have come before? Caoimhe McCloskey talks all things He-Man and why, in this case, wacky works.

Phoebe Bridgers is back and better than ever and offline… much to the internet's annoyance. Ellie Somers discusses whether the phone ban is an attempt to control or curate.

I the collab of the year, Olivia Rodrigo has covered CMAT's 'When a Good Man Cries', with much excitement from Irish fans and many more. Ana Lazarut highlights what the collab means to young women and why it matters so much.

Ana Lazarut discusses a recent book launch at Waterstones for Dr Emma Southon’s Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire and tells us why we should read it!

Eva Quinn dicusses a new magazine, The Olive Tree, which highlights Palestinian voices and experiences.

Many musicians lose their appeal once they become famous, shifting from relatable music to 'out of touch' lyrics and personas, but not Noah Kahan. Although Kahan's album discusses the impact fame has had on his life, it retains its relatability. Caoimhe McCloskey explores how Kahan is finding success.

Is country music ready for outspoken women? 20 years ago The Chicks were institutionally punished for rejecting US involvement in the Middle East, now Kacey Musgraves is speaking out against ICE. Dáire McConville explores these Liberal Cowgirls, their legacy, and their future.

Eurovision always hits the headlines this year for a more sour reason. Israel's participation in the event has been under question for some time, but this year saw the greatest number of boycotting countries in the competition's history. Ellie Somers examines the future of Eurovision, answering the question: Can it and should it survive?

With another Jane Austen adaptation newly released and many more in the works, Ellie Somers tackles the question, do we really need anymore Austen?

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival is running for its 26th year offering a massive range of music, art and culture. Emma Ferguson highlights the must-sees of this years lineup.

For four days, Sonorities Festival Belfast 2026 took over Queen’s University Belfast, transforming it into a hub for international sound. Over 100 artists took part in more than thirty events, spanning experimental music, immersive concerts, and striking installations. The festival slogan was, “You might not like it” — and it doesn’t try to change that. Grace Allen covers the festivals triumph and…

Belfast is becoming a hub of flourishing independent Coffee shops, but what is driving this sudden coffee shop boom in Belfast, and why does it matter?