Arts & Culture

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.

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 its positive impact on Queens.

Does Ireland have a new it boy? Following in the footsteps of Paul Mescal and Anthony Boyle, Dónal Finn is lined up as the newest it boy export of Ireland.

Food influencers have long been at the center of social media. Caoimhe McCloskey discusses their relevance and impact on the Belfast food scene.

Grace Poynton reviews one of the UK and Ireland’s most exciting upcoming bands Keo for their gig at the Oh Yeah Music Centre.

The lead up to this years Oscars were filled with controversy nominees faced a handful of accusations about previous statements. Now the Oscars have passed Ellie Somers highlights what these controverises tell us about modern Hollywood and the state of Oscars season itself.

The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, or ‘All-Ireland music festival’, is set to return to Belfast in 2027 for the second year in a row, sure to bring culture, atmosphere and an abundance of tourism to the city.  Chloe Henderson talks everything about this exciting event.

Emma Ferguson comments in the best and worst moments of the 2026 Oscars ceremony including some fashion faux pas.

After almost 30 years Tracey Emin has installed her iconic artwork ‘My Bed’ once again, but what if any signifiance does that have for queen’s student? Ana Lazarut discusses the impact and ideas of Emin in modern Belfast.

Grace Allen investigates how a £25 loophole reshaped access to Leslie Odom Jr.’s West End debut in Hamilton, turning ticket buying into a system that not everyone could beat.

Declan Boyle-Shields reflects on the controversial 2026 BAFTAs and celebratory IFTAs ceremonies.

Ana Lazarut wants to be Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, but is “not her, I cannot look like her because I look like me, and most of all, I cannot dress like her because she was filthy rich.”

Georgia Glennie reports on the profound disappointment of the SSE Arena’s K-pop event and expands on a critique of media consumption among today’s youth.

What better way to spend reading week than on a European city break! Dáire McConville agrees and spent his reading week in Amsterdam, a city known for its liberal attitude. On a walking tour of the infamous city Dáire found out how the city came to be and why it is the way we think of it today.

The opening of Sephora in Belfast created a massive online moment and a massive turnout for the opening event. Grace Poynton believes local influencers played a massive role in bringing the major brand to Belfast and pulling in the crowd as well.

Olivia Dean’s first Grammy win should have been a moment of pure joy and celebration however it has been derailed online accusations of Dean peddling a ‘trad wife’ agenda. The question is why is Dean being targeted and why now? Chloe Henderson gives her thoughts.

World-renowned playwright and screenwriter Lisa McGee has held the premiere of her brand new Netflix show ‘How to Get to Heaven From Belfast’ in Queen’s University Belfast’s very own film theatre – the QFT. Grace Allen highlights the growth of Lisa McGee and the importance of the premiere being held at the QFT.

Perhaps the least known of the Best Picture nominees for the Oscars this year Katie Ward reviews ‘Train Dreams.’ Why has the film slipped under the radar and why has it recieved an academy award nomination?

The events of the 2002 Football World Cup will hang in the minds of every Republic of Ireland football fan. New film ‘Saipan’ aims to cover these events and focusing on the personal fall out between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy. Luke Collins gives us his thoughts on this new film.

What would Anthony Bourdain do if he came to Belfast now? Ana Lazarut discusses not what Bourdain would do in Belfast but how he would view a Queen’s student diet. More importantly, how Bourdain’s messages are still relevant to people today.

Ana Lazarut loves to knit but beyond a fun hobby what can knitting and other fabrics do for the world. A lot it turns out, read here to find about more about the politics of fabric arts.

Doomscrolling plagues us all and is giving us all shorter attention spans/ One side of social media is taking a stand against this by, ironically making content about consuming less. Katie Ward gave some of their suggestions a go to figure out if any of them actually work.

Connie Say declares Natalie Palamides’ one-woman show ‘WEER’ to be excellent, silly, and so very clever.

Are you in need of a sweet treat this deadline season? Laura Blackledge has the perfect recommendation for students who have a sweeter tooth and may be in need of a caffeine hit.

In an era of streaming, is cinema still relevant? Aoibhe McDaid-Nevis tackles this question, arguing that maybe relevance is not the point.

As always, the Grammy nominations have been released and people are not happy. Katie Blaney shares what she believes are the biggest snubs of the year.

Have you ever wondered how a conversation between William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe could be relevant to modern life? Laura Blackledge addresses how the themes in Born With Teeth apply to people in modern day Northern Ireland.

With all the anticipation surrounding Guillermo Del Toro’s adaptation of ‘Frankenstein’ Conor Mallon gives us his thoughts on the new film and some of the novel’s other adaptations.

Katie Ward talks all things Vogue World: Hollywood! runaway with an array of the biggest directors, actors, and musicians showcasing some of Hollywood’s most iconic costumes.

Esther Kabwika reviews Hayley Williams’ freeing new album ‘Ego Death at the Bachelorette’ released amidst Paramore’s breakup and speculation about the band’s future.

Is Celtic Punk experiencing a revival? Well… maybe, says Flora Day. Scottish band Brògeal are certainly leading the charge with their new album ‘Tuesday Paper Club’.

Ana Lazarut gives her thoughts on Taylor Swift’s new album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl.’ From its better musical moments to the controversial lyrics and marketing campaign. But what will Ana score it out of 5?

With Ireland Fashion Week being held this year between the 6th and 10th of October there is not better time for Ruby Corrigan to highlight the best and brightest designers from across the island of Ireland.

Chloë McCollum discusses her experience at the John Hewitt International Summer School and the enduring significance of the event in its 38th year.

Luke Collins gives a personal reflection on Oasis’ return as they perform at Croke Park, Dublin.

Dáire McConville review Lorde’s new album.

George Roberts writes on the much-awaited return of 90s rock pop-culture phenomena, Oasis, as they return to their hometown of Manchester,

Orla Lloyd reviews James Gunn’s Superman.

Lucy Hughes reviews Lena Dunham’s new Netflix show – Too Much.

Ana McGrath reviews Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s new drama – Hot Milk.

Jack Douglas reviews Wes Anderson’s latest film.

Orla Lloyd reviews Suzanne Collin’s new addition The Hunger Game book series – Sunrise On The Reaping

By Grace Harris For better or for worse, the film and television industry at present is heavily saturated by remakes.

George Roberts delivers his track-by-track review of the debut EP from Belfast four-piece Monday’s Child.
The all female line-up is fronted by songwriting duo – and sisters – Jen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Lauren McKay (lead guitar), with Clara McKay on bass and Caitlin Lenfestey on drums.

Tiffany Murnaghan discusses Marvel’s most recent film Thunderbolts, delving into how this may change the creative direction of future films within MCU.

Margot Paisner reviews Ielandic drama, When The Light Breaks.

Margot Paisner reviews Alessandra Celesia’s new documentary The Flats.

Alicia McCormack’s reviews Belfast latest, massive (literally) investment.

Cara Collins reviews Ryan Coogler’s new Vampire Western – Sinners.

Carmen Gray reviews Murder For Two at The Mac.

Sorcha Keeve details the ongoing rise of transphobia in Northern Ireland, calling for action.

Leah Dillon reviews local TV series, Say Nothing.

Alicia McCormack reviews Belfast’s newest bar and pool room – The Watson.

Esther Kabwika reviews Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land.

Alicia McCormack explores the legacy of Pretty Little Thing, and its recent rebrand that poorly attempts to fit in with recent trends.

Katie Ward unravels Disney’s most recent controversy; the live action Snow White. With Rachel Zegler at the epicentre of discourse, Ward uncovers the unjust treatment of Zegler from both society and Disney itself.

Katie Blaney reviews Gia Coppola’s latest film – The Last Showgirl.

Alicia McCormack critiques Irish Revenge Thriller – Bring Them Down.

Katie Ward reveals the winners at the 2025 Royal Television Society Student Media Awards.

Orla Lloyd reviews The Times of Harvey Milk, a documentary about the life of the openly gay person to be elected to public office in California.

Carmen Gray explores Timeleft, an app created to inspire human connection. While Timeleft aims to combat loneliness, is this really the best solution in today’s climate?

Katie Ward discusses the upcoming Royal Television Student Awards.

Esther Kabwika reviews triple Academy Award winner – The Brutalist.

Orla Lloyd delves into the sudden popularity of queer culture, discussing the importance of its representation on screen.

Carmen Gray and Naomi Rooney sit down with local business owner Oisin McEvoy, to discuss the role of Neighbourhood cafe as a community space.

Cara Collins writes about her experiences at the last two Late Night Art events, that are held every month across all the galleries in Belfast.

Carmen Gray visits Belfast’s newest restaurant and bar – Amelia Hall.

Fionnuala Hughes reviews the much anticipated, erotic thriller – Babygirl.

Tiffany Murnaghan explores the impact of capitalism in the art realm, highlighting the necessity of art in our society.

Johnny and Amy predict the big wins at The 2025 Academy Awards.

Enya Gleeson reviews Belfast’s newest bar – The Stock Exchange in Haymarket.

Sorcha Keeve examines the controversies surrounding performance art and why exactly it is a powerful medium.

Ester Kabwika delves into the importance of third places in Belfast, as Filthy McNasty’s is forced to close its doors.

Esther Kabwika reviews Mike Leigh’s lastest film – Hard Truths.

Emma Kane reviews Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ new religious horror – Heretic.

Alicia McCormack discusses how Nosferatu (2024) reinterprets its predecessor for contemporary horror fans.

Katie Ward discusses the life and legacy of iconic filmmaker David Lynch, delving into his links with Belfast.

Katie Ward uncovers key women in history who had their work stolen, assigning the rightful credit to their names.

Safia Minion uncovers how vintage clothing trends may possess the same problematic paradox of fast fashion.

Alicia McCormack reviews Fern Brady’s new memoir detailing her struggles living as a woman with autism.

Johnny Ball discusses the pitfalls of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2.

Aisling Suri delved into the Belfast Rap Scene and the impact of Adetunji and Kneecap on culture.

Katie Ward delves into the history of female poets in Northern Ireland.

Katie Ward reviews The Teacher – a movie discussing a devastating account of life in Palestine in an area under Israeli occupation.

Safia Minion unpacks the themes surrounding class and individualism in Billy Elliot.

Esther Kabwika delves into the Palestinian and Irish solidarity movement.

Ben Moroney reports on the influx of international music students attending QUB and discusses the attraction factor for these students to venture to Belfast.

Megan Batty writes on the need for feminism in architecture and its impacts on the future of our worlds design.

Amy Lonergan analyses Coralie Fargeat’s latest feature film, The Substance.

The Gown’s Lucy reviews The Marian Hotel – a piece of theatre dealing with the complexities of the female experiences in the Marianvale Laundry.

This week, the Naughton Gallery plays host to acclaimed Stolen Generations Aboriginal artist, Heather Kamarra Shearer’s first solo exhibition in the UK. The exhibition features works in all manners of artistic medium, from paintings to posters, ceramics to clothing, and is made up of pieces from throughout the artist’s career.

James Brown, Contributor Captain America: Civil War is the second superhero movie of the year offering a clash between two

By Laura Conlon, Contributor ‘Listen Then Look Then Walk’ I saw I Am Belfast twice. This might have been a mistake,

Tabitha Buckley, Contributor What do you get when you cross Arthur Miller’s classic play ‘The Crucible’ with an assortment of age-old horror

Paul Kennedy, Contributor. Bone Tomahawk is a film of missed opportunities. In the first few minutes, director and writer S.

Contributor, Colm Smyth Dawn of Justice will divide its audience in two. Not into Team Batman and Team Superman, but

Contributor Sarah Hughes sat down with Camilla Staveley-Taylor of The Staves ahead of their UK tour to talk about songwriting,

Sarah Hughes, Contributor. For the first time since a long three-year break, Frank Turner returned to Belfast to play a

Rosemary O’Dowd, Contributor.  Among the banks and bustle of Belfast’s Donegall Square, a black door sits quietly among them. Appropriately,

Laura Conlon, Contributor High-Rise is going to divide people. Not simply the two camps of those who’ve read it and

Paul Kennedy,  Contributor. I wasn’t expecting to like The Big Short. It’s trailer played as the sort of films director

Seamus O’Kane, Contributor The Revenant is an American frontier drama by Alejandro G Iñárritu, director of the critically acclaimed hit,

Eva Isherwood-Wallace, Contributor Directed by Todd Haynes Carol is a dreamlike film, by turns both beautiful and unsettling. Nominated for the

Andrew McAuley, Contributor Beach House have certainly had a busy couple of months. August saw the release of their much

Thomas Carvill, Contributor Having been a regular at the Queen’s Comedy Club for over two years, it’s surprising that I

Thomas Carvill, Contributor Following on from the billion-dollar grossing blockbuster Skyfall (2012), Spectre opens with a fantastic long take of

Rosemary O’Dowd, Contributor Is there a parallel between the life of a lobster and the human pursuit of love? Well