With summer right around the corner, concerts and festivals are a great way to hang out with friends and enjoy some of the world-class talent coming to Northern Ireland. We’ve broke down some of the top festivals that you won’t want to miss!
Belsonic
One of the biggest events every year is the Belsonic Festival, Ormeau playing fields are transformed at the end of June each year to welcome huge headliners to the stage and thousands of people in the crowd.
Some headliners this year include Charli XCX who is bringing her ‘Brat Summer’ to Belfast! Irish favourite Snow Patrol are returning to the stage for a massive Saturday night slot as well as Justin Timberlake who is returning to Belfast for the first time in 17 years – you won’t want to miss it!
It’s one of the best festivals of the year and there’s something for everyone – check out the full lineup at Belsonic 2025
Belsonic
Belfast Vital
Formerly known as Tennent’s vital – it’s one of Northern Ireland’s longest running outdoor music festivals. The shows at Boucher Road playing fields run late August to early September each year and are the perfect way to wrap up the summer before uni kicks off again.
Hosting some incredible artists over the years such as The Killers, Liam Gallagher and Noah Kahan. The first act of 2025 has been announced as no other than Sam Fender on the 28th of August – tickets are on sale now! More acts are due to be announced so be sure to follow Belfast vital on Instagram for more updates.
Vital
City of Derry Jazz and big band festival
Taking place over the May bank holiday weekend – This festival is a huge celebration of jazz music, attracting local and international artists. Grammy winner Billy Ocean headlines this year with performances by Ula Healey, Ska Beats and many more.
For the full line up visit: City Of Derry Jazz Festival
Custom House Square
Beginning in August gigs at the custom house square run until early September and is only an 8-minute walk away from our Belfast campus for those of you who live in student accommodation. They host a variety of genres from rock and pop to indie and folk – you’re guaranteed to find something you like. This year some of the artists lined up are The Wallows, David Gray, Belfast’s own Stiff Little Fingers. For the full lineup visit Custom House Sqaure Lineup
Atlantic Music Festival
A four-day event which takes place in Portrush showcases a diverse range of musical genres such as singer-songwriter, blues, indie and much more. Taking place in November this year - it is later than others but offers a break from your studies. It runs across various music venues, restaurants, hotels and bars of Portstewart and Portrush and the performances are completely free!
The 2025 lineup is yet to be released but if it’s something that sparks your interest, keep an eye out on their social channels or check on their website at Atlantic Sessions.
Electric Picnic
Dubbed as Irelands version of Glastonbury, although it doesn’t take place in Northern Ireland it is a major must for thousands of people up north who travel down each year.
Located in County Laois, this is a traditional camping festival, with over 14 campgrounds to choose from. If camping isn’t your thing, you can get day passes which grant you access to all the stages. It has hosted major headliners each year such as Niall Horan, Lana Del Ray and Billie Eilish to name a few.
This year is no different with headline performances from Hozier, Chappel Roan and many more, it’s going to be unbelievable! There are more artists still to be announced for 2025 as there are over 20 stages, areas and venues – keep an eye out for more at Electric Picnic IE
Electric Picnic
If you’re going to camp here is some essentials to bring:
Camping Equipment
If you're staying at the campgrounds then you'll want to bring a tent that is easy to set up - you don't want to be struggling with poles and tarps. You can get great pop up tents for £20 -£30, it's worth asking friends and family if they have one you could borrow before purchasing!
Air matresses or a thick yoga mat is another essential for comfort over the weekend. Campgrounds are usually uneven and cold, so you want something that will lift you off the ground to ensure you get the best sleep possible.
Clothes for every season
We all know what the Irish weather is like so try to pack for as many seasons as possible. Take some light waterproofs, a warm jumper or hoodie and a change of shoes/wellies in case it rains. It’s also worth bringing lighter clothes like a t-shirt, shorts and hat in case the sun does make an appearance – and don’t forget suncream!
Water
Bringing a pack of bottled water will ensure you don’t get dehydrated over the weekend, especially after long days of singing. Some festivals now have water filling points, if this is the case bring a reusable water bottle – it helps the planet as well as keeping your water cooler for longer.
Camping
Festival Fits
Now that we’ve discussed where you can go, let’s break down some fashion essentials to a good outfit.
One piece
Whether it’s a jumpsuit, dungarees or a playsuit – having a one piece is a classic festival look. You can make it as simple or extravagant as you wish – one downside is using the bathroom so keep that in mind!
Dresses
A cult classic for any occasion, with a variety of styles, lengths and fits it is a festival must have. Tassels and sequins are very popular, but you could also switch it up and go for a funky pattern.
Shorts
You really can’t go wrong with a simple pair of denim shorts; they can pair with any shirt or top you might be wearing and still fit the festival vibes.
Jackets
There’s no doubt that it can get chilly at night, so a jacket is super important – try look for something lightweight so if you’re tying it round you during the day it won’t weigh you down.
Footwear
Boots are a must have, especially in festival fields. A good comfortable pair of boots won’t let you down. You also can’t go wrong with a pair of wellies – especially on rainy days. The two most popular brands are Doc Martin and Hunter but any will work!
Festival Essentials
Whether you’re going to a camping or day festival there are a few things to bring to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Power Bank
The last thing you want to happen is your phone dying and not being able to find your friends or not being able to take a video of your favourite song. A power bank is the key to solving all those problems – if you don’t already have one, you can pick them up in most stores.
Hand Sanitiser
After a few hours the Portaloo’s can get yucky so having hand sanitiser is a must for getting rid of germs.
Bag
Having a bag that is big enough to carry your items but small enough to be comfortable is so important. Bumbags are a great option if you are camping and only need to bring a few items to the stage with you. If it is a non-camping festival, you might have more things - a small backpack will be your best friend.
Camera
This one isn’t essential but if you want to spend less time on your phone but still capture the atmosphere of the festival and the fun times with your friends a camera is perfect! Whether it’s a digital or film camera it will capture all the full you get up to while allowing you to detox from your phone.
Tissues
A multipurpose item, they can be kept in your bag during the day for any running nose or eyes, used in the bathrooms as it’s typical for toilet paper to run dry easily.
Staying Safe
Festivals can be overwhelming due to the amount of people attending, it’s important to stay safe – If your planning on attending follow these tips:
Create a meeting point
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of people and the phone reception isn’t always great. So, talk to your friends beforehand and agree on a place to meet after the gig in case you get separated. It could be anything from the main festival entrance to one of the food stalls.
Watching what you drink
It can be easy to lose track of what you’ve drank when you’re enjoying the music. If you plan on having a few drinks, consider alternating between alcohol and water. It helps to keep you hydrated and avoiding overconsumption. It will not only make you feel better, but you’ll also be able to remember the festival clearer.
Know your surroundings
Once you enter the festival grounds, familiarise yourself with the stage layout as well as emergency exits and first aid locations – It will help keep yourself and your friends safe.
Know your limits
Festivals can be very overwhelming, especially if it’s more than a one-day event. If you’re feeling tired or overloaded, take a break and head to the back of the crowd or find a quieter area and allow yourself to recharge before heading back in. It will help keep you calm and avoid any panic attacks from putting too much pressure on yourself.