2 Royal
Avenue
MayWe is delighted to manage 2 Royal Avenue, a new cultural venue that Belfast City Council have transformed playing host to artistic experiences, events and workshops.
2024 Opening Hours
2 Royal Avenue is open 10am-6pm Monday to Sunday.
Pop in to find some new additions to the space featuring...
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A New Installation 'Landscape with Columns and Figures' curated and commissioned by Belfast City Council with MMAS Architects and OGU Architects
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Our New Kids Cosy area
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The Library Corner, featuring a selection of books for all ages by Northern Irish and Irish writers and a diversity themed collection, curated by Seamus Heaney Centre at Queens, Michaela Mc Dermott, and Orla McKeating, and supplied by No Alibis bookshop.
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A Homework Station
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Our Sensory Dome
Yallaa Café will be open from 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 12pm-5pm Sundays, serving delightful hot & cold beverages and delicious food, featuring a new lunch menu!
Check out whats on below!
If you are interested in using 2 Royal Avenue for an event or workshop, please contact 2royalave@maywe.co.uk
Welcome back to the Winter Den!
Step into our enchanting Winter Den, returning to 2 Royal Avenue from Saturday 16th November to Tuesday 31st December.
This year's event programme will feature a variety of sustainable festive workshops, Christmas carolling and musical sing a longs, family theatre performances, and celebrations from around the world including art, storytelling and dance. The programme will include have baby sensory sessions, with autism and disability friendly events such as sensory workshops, activities and storytelling.
Check out the full programme of festive events below!
That's not all, as we are thrilled to host the Belfast One Santa's Post Office again this year. The opening dates & times are listed below. For more info click here
Santa's Post Office Opening Dates & Times
Saturday 16th November 4pm-8pm
Sunday 17th November 10am-5pm
Saturday 23rd November 10am-5pm
Sunday 24th November 10am-5pm
Wednesday 27th November 6pm-8pm (Book here)
Friday 29th November 6pm-8pm (Book here)
Saturday 30th November 10am-5pm
Sunday 1st December 10am-5pm
Thursday 5th December 4pm-8pm
Friday 6th December 4pm-8pm
Saturday 7th December 10am-5pm
Sunday 8th December 10am-5pm
Saturday 14th December 10am-5pm
Sunday 15th December 10am-5pm
Tuesday 17th December 6pm-8pm (Book here)
Friday 20th December 10am-5pm
Saturday 21st December 10am-5pm
Sunday 22nd December 10am-5pm
week commencing 2nd DecemBER
tuesDay 3 decemBER
GRAPEVINE* 11am-1pm
Age Friendly Belfast
The Grapevine is a new drop-in hub for older people. Come along, get a coffee, and catch up with the latest news and activities for older people in the city. Open 11am-2pm every Tuesday in 2 Royal Avenue.
Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
CHRISTMAS TEA DANCE 2pm-4pm
Age Friendly Belfast
Christmas Tea Dance Enjoy an afternoon of music and merriment at the Christmas Tea Dance in 2 Royal Avenue! Featuring live music from Warm Front Band and delicious refreshments provided by our in house caterer, Yallaa Café.
Pop your dancing shoes on and dance the day away to all your favourite festive hits, in partnership with Age Friendly Belfast. Free Event, no booking required.
Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
wednesDay 4 decemBER
ESOL FOR BEGINNERS* 11am-1pm
Yallaa
Want to improve your English and become more confident to get out there and make friends? Join Yallaa Free ESOL Classes in 2 Royal Avenue. Don't miss out it is a great chance to enhance your conversational skills!
Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
INTERMEDIATE ESOL* 1pm-3pm
Yallaa
Continue to enhance your English language skills with Yallaa's intermediate ESOL class. Suitable for those with good knowledge of English lanuage or for those who have completed the ESOL beginners classes.
Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
thursDay 5 decemBER
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CHRISTMAS MARKET 3pm-8pm
Join us at the Social Enterprise Christmas Market. Get into the holiday spirit while supporting a great cause! Our festive Christmas market is all about giving back to the community and promoting sustainable, ethical shopping. Every purchase goes towards helping those most needy in our society across NI. For the first time ever, Social Enterprise NI are having a bespoke “Social Enterprise Christmas Market” right in the centre of Belfast, during the Christmas period that is open to the general public. We are wanting to encourage shoppers to make a difference with their Christmas purchases this year.
For Shoppers: Discover unique, handcrafted gifts from local social enterprises. Be aware that all profits from any purchases are used to support that organisations’ social purpose, which includes children and young people in the care system, mental health, people with learning difficulties etc etc Enjoy seasonal treats and hot drinks as you browse stalls filled with eco-friendly, ethical, and handmade goods. Every purchase you make supports small businesses and social causes, so you can feel good about your Christmas shopping! Bring your family and friends, and let’s celebrate a holiday season filled with kindness, creativity, and community spirit.
Free Event. Drop in.
FESTIVE TUNES 6pm-8pm
Enjoy a performance from enthusiastic ukulele-ists, the 'Ukulele Rockstars' Only established 18 months ago, the group are building up their gigging set list consisting of everything from Johnny Cash to Guns N Roses. Includes a pop up performance from Bootleg!
Free Event. Drop in.
friDay 6 decemBER
BELFAST POTTERS MARKET 5pm-9pm
Belfast Potter’s Market is a twice annual event that celebrates potters across the North and South of Ireland. This Winter we will host our biggest market yet with 34 potter’s attending. During the event you can shop a wide range of different products and take part in pottery workshops.
Free Event. Drop in.
SATURDay 7 DECemBER
BELFAST POTTERS MARKET 10am-5pm
Belfast Potter’s Market is a twice annual event that celebrates potters across the North and South of Ireland. This Winter we will host our biggest market yet with 34 potter’s attending. During the event you can shop a wide range of different products and take part in pottery workshops.
Free Event. Drop in.
sunDay 8 decemBER
FESTIVE CRAFTED WITH PRIDE 11am-5pm
Belfast Pride
Join a fantastic selection of local crafters and the team at Belfast Pride on Sunday 8th December for our Festive Craft Fair. There will be plenty of tempting delights to see and purchase as gifts for yourself or someone else!
Free Event. Drop in.
SUNDAY CHESS* 2pm-5pm
Roaming Knights
Belfast City Chess meet up. This is a free weekly social meet up for chess players. It is not a chess club, or tournament. Under 16s must be accompanied by responsible adult.
Free event. Contact roamingknightsni@gmail.com for more info.
*Please note - this event is not part of the Winter Den programme.
week commencing 9th DecemBER
monDay 9 decemBER
TRADITIONAL MUSIC PERFORMANCES 10am-2pm
Tradional Music performances from Primary School groups in the Greater Belfast Area. Enjoy live music and song performances from talented students, with some familar festive hits!
Free Event. Drop in.
CREATIVE WELLFEST 3pm-5pm
Searching for ways to look after your wellbeing? Want more creativity in your day-to-day? Creative Wellfest is popping up in 2 Royal Avenue to promote community resources and creative ways of self-care and community connection.
There’ll be mindful art activities, creative prompts, community info, music and warm drinks. Come join us to take a moment to slow down in this busy season. More info coming soon.
This event has been organised by a passionate bunch of participants on youth event management programme at Start360.
Free Event. Drop in.
tuesDay 10 decemBER
TRADITIONAL MUSIC PERFORMANCES 10am-2pm
Tradional Music performances from Primary School groups in the Greater Belfast Area. Enjoy live music and song performances from talented students, with some familar festive hits!
Free Event. Drop in.
GRAPEVINE* 11am-1pm
Age Friendly Belfast
The Grapevine is a new drop-in hub for older people. Come along, get a coffee, and catch up with the latest news and activities for older people in the city. Open 11am-2pm every Tuesday in 2 Royal Avenue.
Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
wednesDay 11 decemBER
ESOL FOR BEGINNERS* 11am-1pm
Yallaa
Want to improve your English and become more confident to get out there and make friends? Join Yallaa Free ESOL Classes in 2 Royal Avenue. Don't miss out it is a great chance to enhance your conversational skills!
Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
SOS LÓIN* 12pm-2pm
Beir leat do lón féin agus bí ag labhairt Gaeilge!
Bímid ag teacht le chéile den gach dara Céadaoin idir 12.00 - 14.00 in 2 Ascaill Ríoga, Béal Feirste
Is deis iontach é Sos Lóin chun feabhas a chur ar do Ghaeilge, nó do chuid Ghaeilge a úsáid, pé leibhéal atá agat.
An opportunity to use whatever bit of Irish you have in a friendly, informal setting. This isn't a classroom. It's a place where people meet to chat in Irish.
Tá gach sort daoine ann. Tuismitheoirí atá ag foghlaim Gaeilge dá bpáistí go dtí cainteoirí dúchais ag úsáid a gcuid Gaeilge gach lá.
We have friendly members ranging from parents who are trying to learn Irish again to native speakers who want to continue to speak Irish daily.
Is imeacht shóisialta é seo atá eagraithe ag daoine atá ag iarraidh a gcuid Gaeilge a chleachtadh agus a labhairt lena chéile le linn a lóin. Táimid ag tnúth leat a fheiscint!
This is a purely social, non-profit event organised by people just like you who want to practice/speak Irish during their lunch break.We are looking forward to meeting you!
For more information visit https://sosloin.ie
Free event. Drop in.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
INTERMEDIATE ESOL* 1pm-3pm
Yallaa
Continue to enhance your English language skills with Yallaa's intermediate ESOL class. Suitable for those with good knowledge of English lanuage or for those who have completed the ESOL beginners classes.
Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
thursDay 12 decemBER
AAB CHRISTMAS CAROLLING & INFORMATION DAY 2pm-6pm
We would like to invite you to our event showcasing support for people with disabilities and their families/Carers.
During this time, Action Ability service users will add some festive cheer with Christmas carol singing, fun games and some treats. We would love to have your support. If your organization provides services or support for parents/ carers or people with disabilities in Belfast, we invite you to host a stall and engage with those attending.
Our goal is to ensure that everyone can access the support they need to overcome any barriers preventing them from living their best life. We are particularly keen to have organizations attend that can:
Offer a 15 to 30-minute talk on support for carers or parents. Provide social support for people with disabilities or their carers Offer carers’ support Provide services for children with disabilities Provide respite services Offer health or trust services Share employment, volunteering, or return-to-work opportunities Provide training courses Offer tailored advice or support services Focus on health and wellbeing Provide crisis support Offer housing support Provide financial or benefit advice
AAB carol singing fund raiser will also be part of the event bringing you into the Christmas spirit and fun.
Free Event. Drop in.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE INFORMATION EVENT* 10.30am-12.30pm
Department of Finance
Representatives from the Department of Finance will be available to provide help and support on a range of services including:
Advice about rate reliefs, Help with basic digital skills, cyber security advice and Northern Ireland statistics.
Free event. Drop in.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
friDay 13 decemBER
WINTER SOLSTICE ARCHAEOLOGY EVENT 11am-3pm
Join HERoNI (Historic Environment Record of NI) archaeologists for a glittering family-friendly event to celebrate Christmas. There will be games and activities for children (or for anyone young at heart), including the opportunity to make your very own archaeology themed Christmas decoration!
We will also have a selection of replica prehistoric pots and artefacts for handling, and interactive demonstrations of our Historic Environment Map Viewer if you’d like to find out more about heritage assets in your local area or throughout NI.
Bring along your festive spirit and any questions you might like to ask the HERoNI archaeologists who will be on hand throughout the day. This a free drop-in event, and you are welcome to spend as little or as long as you like. We look forward to meeting you!
For more information about Archaeology 2030 click here
Free Event. Drop in.
saturDay 14 decemBER
MUSICAL ME! 10.30am, 11.30am & 12.30pm
Antrim School of Music (CIC) are delighted to present engaging pop up musical theatre sessions with a festive theme.
Your little ones can enjoy Singing, dancing and performing to some of the most well knowing musical theatre hits of the season with the support of our skilled and supportive team.
Free Event. Booking required, book here
SOUTH ULSTER SINFONIA CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2pm-4pm
On the 14th Dec the South Ulster Sinfonia will bring some festive cheer to Belfast with a popular collection of Christmas Music, sacred and secular.
If you fancy playing along, contact us on info@southulstersinfonia.com.
Free Event. No booking required.
sunDay 15 decemBER
SUNNYSIDE MUSIC SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT 10.30am-1.30pm
Violin & Piano students of all ages and stages perform their end of term concert, performing some Christmas songs and grade pieces, solo and ensemble.
Free Event. No booking required.
FESTIVE TRAD SEISIÚN 2pm-4pm
Enjoy live music performances with some festive favourites from young traditional musicians from the Greater Belfast Area, led by experienced adult traditional musicians from the Glengormley School of Traditional Music.
Participation is open to all young traditional musicians from the Greater Belfast area.
Free event. Drop in.
SUNDAY CHESS* 2pm-5pm
Roaming Knights
Belfast City Chess meet up. This is a free weekly social meet up for chess players. It is not a chess club, or tournament. Under 16s must be accompanied by responsible adult.
Free event. Contact roamingknightsni@gmail.com for more info.
*Please note - this event is not part of the Winter Den programme.
week commencing 16th DecemBER
tuesDay 17 DecemBER
GRAPEVINE* 11am-1pm
Age Friendly Belfast
The Grapevine is a new drop-in hub for older people. Come along, get a coffee, and catch up with the latest news and activities for older people in the city. Open 11am-2pm every Tuesday in 2 Royal Avenue.
Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
JINGLE AND JAZZ 2pm-4pm SOLD OUT
Step into a world of timeless charm and have yourself a jazzy little Christmas with festive Jingle and Jazz. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon, as we gather and groove in the cozy confines of 2 Royal Avenue's Winter's Den.
Marion Jordan local jazz Singer classical vocalist along with the wonderful tenor Karl mcguckin will bring glamour and the spirit of Christmas to the this year with Marion and her wonderful Pianist as a jingle their way through some great classics.
This Christmas, we're bringing the warmth and joy of the season to life, right here in our Winter's Den. As the snowflakes (or rain) falls outside, our hearts will be warmed by the sweet sounds of Christmas classics and jazz standards, all delivered with Marion's signature style and grace. Light refreshments included.
Free Event, booking required - book here SOLD OUT
wednesDay 18 decemBER
ESOL FOR BEGINNERS* 11am-1pm
Yallaa
Want to improve your English and become more confident to get out there and make friends? Join Yallaa Free ESOL Classes in 2 Royal Avenue. Don't miss out it is a great chance to enhance your conversational skills!
Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
INTERMEDIATE ESOL* 1pm-3pm
Yallaa
Continue to enhance your English language skills with Yallaa's intermediate ESOL class. Suitable for those with good knowledge of English lanuage or for those who have completed the ESOL beginners classes.
Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
*Please note this event is not part of the Winter Den programme
saturDay 21 decemBER
FASHION FOREVER FESTIVAL 11am-4pm
Keep NI Beautiful
This free to attend event, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), through the Carrier Bag Levy Fund is taking place on Saturday 21st December, highlights the ways we can think, act and shop more sustainably.
Taking place at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, the Fashion Forever Festival aims to inspire people to think differently when it comes to their clothing, with Reuse, Repair, Reimagine the overarching themes of the day.
The programme of events runs from 11:00am to 4:00pm on the 21st of December and has been designed to introduce sustainable fashion concepts and designers in a festive, fun and accessible way.
Our event highlights include:
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Shop sustainably this Christmas. We are working with a range of traders, exhibiters and experts in the field.
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Get styled by a pro in our Styling Boutique, where you can try on outfits and snap your new look in our festive photo booth.
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Sustainable Fashion Show with Tools for Solidarity.
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Demos and craft workshops for all ages.
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Sustainable wrapping station which means you can reduce waste and relax while our artists wrap your gifts for you.
Free Event. No booking required, drop in.
sunDay 22 decemBER
MRS CLAUSE STORYTELLING 11am, 12pm & 1pm SOLD OUT
Come join Christmas Royalty in the Winter Den at 2 Royal Avenue!
“Who feeds the reindeer all their hay?
Who wraps the toys and packs the sleigh?
Who’s helping Santa every day?
– Mrs Santa Claus!”
Bing Crosby.
But let’s get it right—Mrs Claus has a name. It’s Mary. Mary Christmas, to be exact! Yes, before she became the North Pole’s leading lady, she was already spreading festive cheer with her own special magic.
Mrs Mary Claus is here to share a cosy moment away from the workshop, with centuries of stories and songs tucked under her fur-lined cape. She’s full of tales about Santa, the elves, the reindeer—even a few North Pole secrets! Want to know what it takes to make the Nice List or just how much hay a reindeer can eat? She’s got all the answers!
So bring your questions, your Christmas spirit, and maybe a mince pie or two for this holiday legend herself. Mrs Claus can’t wait to meet you and share the magic of Christmas!
Free Event. Booking required, book here
ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE (RELAXED) 12pm
Come and rock around our Christmas tree at this festive family silent disco. We will play the usual sing-along hits as well as those Christmas classics. Choose your own channel on your headset and dance and sing!
Suitable for ages 3 plus. Each session lasts 45 minutes. Relaxed session with sensory toys and quiet spaces available.
Free Event. Booking required, book here
ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
Come and rock around our Christmas tree at this festive family silent disco. We will play the usual sing-along hits as well as those Christmas classics. Choose your own channel on your headset and dance and sing!
Suitable for ages 3 plus. Each session lasts 45 minutes.
Free Event. Booking required, book here
SUNDAY CHESS* 2pm-5pm
Roaming Knights
Belfast City Chess meet up. This is a free weekly social meet up for chess players. It is not a chess club, or tournament. Under 16s must be accompanied by responsible adult.
Free event. Contact roamingknightsni@gmail.com for more info.
*Please note - this event is not part of the Winter Den programme.
week commencing 23rd DecemBER
monDay 23 decemBER
FESTIVE FILM SCREENING: THE GRINCH 11am-1pm SOLD OUT
Get in the Christmas spirit with some festive film favourites for the whole family!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town!
Free Event, booking required - book here
FESTIVE FILM SCREENING: ELF 2pm-4pm SOLD OUT
Get in the Christmas spirit with some festive film favourites for the whole family!
Elf (2003) Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.
Free Event, booking required - book here
tuesDay 24 decemBER - venue open 10am-4pm
CHRISTMAS EVE BOOK SWAP 10am-4pm
For the perfect Christmas Eve treat grab a mystery book from under our tree. With only a description and age rating on view we can all learn not to judge a book by its cover.
All books kindly donated. Have a book you wish to donate? Bring it into the venue before the 23rd December!
Free Event, no booking required.
CHRISTMAS EVE MUSIC PERFORMACE 12pm-2pm
Soak up the festive atmosphere with a Christmas music performance by Tyler Michael in our seasonal Winter Den.
Free Event, no booking required.
wednesDay 25 decemBER
VENUE CLOSED.
THURsDay 26 decemBER
VENUE CLOSED.
tuesDay 31 decemBER
NYE CEÍLÍ 2pm-4pm
Start your New Year celebrations with some ceílí dancing at 2 Royal Avenue! Learn new dances at a relaxing leisurely pace, no previous experience necessary! No partner needed although by all means bring a spouse, sibling or friend.
Free Event, booking required - book here
wednesDay 1 january
VENUE CLOSED.
