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.
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2024 Opening Hours
2 Royal Avenue is open 10am-6pm Monday to Sunday.
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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!
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Check out whats on below!
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If you are interested in using 2 Royal Avenue for an event or workshop, please contact 2royalave@maywe.co.uk
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Did you visit our 2023 Winter Den? Please tell us your thoughts via this quick survey
2 Royal Avenue
Audience Survey
MayWe Events, the venue operator of 2 Royal Avenue is gathering information about the visitors of the venue to better inform our decision making, events and evidence the value of spaces like 2 Royal Avenue.
Please respond to questions you feel comfortable to answer, you can skip any question you do not wish to answer. All responses are completely anonymous.
WHAT'S ON
EXHIBITIONS
thursday 22 August - wednesday 18 September
the fire @primark & the marvellous yellow sea containers
Dermot Blackburn​
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"The Shop Next Door"
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One of the few positive things about the fire at Primark, (the Bank Buildings, 'next door'), was that no one was killed, or even injured. Another was the subsequent appearance of the towers of sea containers, built to stabilise the fragile fabric of the remaining structure, & which over time, (& an inspired coat of yellow paint), took on the appearance of an enormous public sculpture.
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The most colourful thing in Belfast, a yellow sarcophagus for the Bank Buildings burnt bones. I developed a 'bit of a thing' about it.
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All the images you see presented here were made within 200 metres of 2 Royal Avenue, (2RA) where you are now standing. During the creation of these photographs, (between the years 2018 & 2023), '2RA' was actually a branch of Tescos. So, at that time, I could never have envisioned the finished work finding itself here, but which now seems the perfect 'site specific' location.
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Kudos, & of course thanks to '2RA' for hosting it.
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Free Entry. Open 10am-6pm Monday-Sunday.
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thursday 1 august - sunday 15 september
rnli200 the exhibition
RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)​
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A family friendly, and immersive exhibition showcasing the remarkable legacy and courageous endeavours of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
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Open for Late Night Art Thursday 1st August 6pm-8pm.
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Free entry. Open 10am-6pm Monday-Sunday.
WHAT'S ON
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
week commencing 9th sEPTEMBER
TUESDay 10 SEPTEMBER
GRAPEVINE 11am-2pm
Age Friendly Belfast
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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.
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Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
TEA DANCE 2pm-4pm
Age Friendly Belfast
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Enjoy an afternoon of music and dancing at the Tea Dance in 2 Royal Avenue!
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Featuring live music from Rosie Hunter and delicious refreshments provided by our in house caterer, Yallaa Café.
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Pop your dancing shoes on and dance the day away to all your favourite hits, in partnership with Age Friendly Belfast.
Free Event, no booking required.​
HEARING AID SUPPORT 2pm-4pm
RNID
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Visit RNID's free drop-in service – no appointment needed.​ You can get help with:
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Information on hearing loss and tinnitus​
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How to do a hearing check​
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How to access support and services in your area.​
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Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
wednesDay 11 september
YALLAA WOMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE WORKSHOP 12.30pm-2.30pm
Yallaa
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, there's something for everyone. Join Yallaa Women Co-operative Crafts Workshop and let's empower each other through creativity and community.
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Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
saturDay 14 september
EUROPEAN HERITAGE OPEN DAY TOURS 10.30am & 12pm
2 Royal Avenue & MayWe Events​
Learn all about the history and architecture of our iconic 2 Royal Avenue building! Our resident historian, Paul, will be offering free tours of the building as part of European Heritage Open Day.
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Free Events. No booking required, just drop in and speak to a member of staff. ​​​
KIDS ABSTRACT ART WORKSHOP 11am-12pm
Abstract Art Academy​
Design and create your own finished pieces in our exciting new workshop, which is a chance to learn about the making of abstract art through demonstrations and guidance from our artists.
​
Tickets £10. Booking required, book here. Limited spaces available.​​​
ADULTS ABSTRACT ART WORKSHOP 1pm-2pm
Abstract Art Academy​
An interactive workshop which allows anyone to learn and create with the techniques and materials shown by our artists.
​
All tickets include one to one guidance from the artists and a space in the workshop, which is a chance to learn about the making of abstract art through demonstrations and trying for yourself.
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Tickets £10. Booking required, book here. Limited spaces available.​​​
COME AND PLAY OPEN REHEARSAL 2.30pm-4pm
South Ulster Sinfonia ​
Fancy the chance to play Schubert's 6th Symphony? If you play an orchestral instrument and want the chance to play alongside a community orchestra for an afternoon, then get in touch with us via Instagram, Facebook or email info@southulstersinfonia.com
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All are welcome to come along to 2 Royal Avenue and listen for free.
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Free event. No booking required. ​​​
sunDay 15 september
EUROPEAN HERITAGE OPEN DAY TOURS 10.30am & 12pm
2 Royal Avenue & MayWe Events​
Learn all about the history and architecture of our iconic 2 Royal Avenue building! Our resident historian, Paul, will be offering free tours of the building as part of European Heritage Open Day.
​
Free Events. No booking required, just drop in and speak to a member of staff. ​​​
ESOL FOR BEGINNERS 12pm-2pm
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 on Sundays. 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.
TRAD SEISUIN 2pm-4pm
Glengormley School of Traditional Music​
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Enjoy the music of young traditional musicians from the Greater Belfast Area, led by experiences adult traditional musicians/tutors from the Glengormley School of Traditional Music.
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​Participation is open to all young traditional musicians from the Greater Belfast area.
Free event. Drop in.
SUNDAY CHESS 2pm-5pm
Roaming Knights​
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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.
week commencing 16th sEPTEMBER
TUESDay 17 SEPTEMBER
REFUGEE JOB FAR 11am-3pm
GEMS NI
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GEMS NI and the Refugee Employment Network are hosting a Refugee Job Fair that will offer 20 exhibitors the opportunity to
engage with individuals interested in employment and employability opportunities.
The event will be opened by the Lord Mayor and will include 1:1 engagement with employers and support organisations for
participants to discuss their employment and training options.
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Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
GRAPEVINE 11am-2pm
Age Friendly Belfast
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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.
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Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
ONLINE SAFETY AWARENESS FOR 65+ 1.30pm-3.30pm
CLARE CIC
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North Belfast voluntary organisation CLARE CIC, invites people aged 65 years old and over to a free online safety awareness session.
The session, delivered by IT Ignite, will:
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explore the benefits of using your phone, tablet or laptop
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provide you with the knowledge to stay safe online
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familiarise you with apps such as WhatsApp, Zoom or YouTube
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show you how to set-up a personal email address
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introduce you to e-banking, email and communications, and
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encourage you to fully utilise technology.​
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For event information, contact CLARE CIC by email enquiries@clare-cic.org or call 028 9077 4185.
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This event is funded by AVIVA and Ardonagh Community Trust.​
Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
wednesDay 18 september
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 on Sundays. 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.
YALLAA WOMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE WORKSHOP 12.30pm-2.30pm
Yallaa
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, there's something for everyone. Join Yallaa Women Co-operative Crafts Workshop and let's empower each other through creativity and community.
​
Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
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.
saturDay 21 september
KIDS ABSTRACT ART WORKSHOP 11am-12pm
Abstract Art Academy​
Design and create your own finished pieces in our exciting new workshop, which is a chance to learn about the making of abstract art through demonstrations and guidance from our artists.
​
Tickets £10. Booking required, book here. Limited spaces available.​​​
BELFAST WRITERS GROUP 12pm-2pm
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Belfast Writers Group is an informal writing meet up in Belfast City Centre for writers of all genres, levels of experience and commitments.
Every fortnight we gather in 2 Royal Avenue to build community and take the time and space to write, read, chat and edit with no expectations or deadlines.
Whether you're someone who wants to get started in writing, loves writing but struggles to find the time with work, or you're working on an ongoing project, all are welcome no matter your levels of experience.
Free Event. For more information please contact writersgroupbelfast@gmail.com.
ADULTS ABSTRACT ART WORKSHOP 1pm-2pm
Abstract Art Academy​
An interactive workshop which allows anyone to learn and create with the techniques and materials shown by our artists.
​
All tickets include one to one guidance from the artists and a space in the workshop, which is a chance to learn about the making of abstract art through demonstrations and trying for yourself.
​
Tickets £10. Booking required, book here. Limited spaces available.​​​
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISIM WORKSHOP 12.30pm-3.30pm
Soroptimist International Belfast ​
More information to follow.
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Free event. No booking required. ​​​
sunDay 22 september
SUNDAY CHESS 2pm-5pm
Roaming Knights​
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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.
ART THERAPY WORKSHOP 3pm-5.30pm​
Meditate yourself happy through art therapy, an Art Therapy Support group fully which is inclusive and open to everyone.
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Free Event. No booking required.​​​
week commencing 23rd sEPTEMBER
TUESDay 24 SEPTEMBER
GRAPEVINE 11am-2pm
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.
wednesDay 25 september
BWC EMPLOYMENT/VOLUNTEER FAIR 10am-2pm
Belfast Works Connect
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Come along to The BWC Employment/Volunteer Fair to find out more about employment and volunteering opportunities including:
• 100+ live jobs
• Permanent/Temporary contracts
• Hours to suit all: Full/Part-time/Weekends/Evenings/WFH/Hybrid working.
Employment Opportunities in the following sectors:
• Warehouse
• Production
• Driving
• Administration
• Retail
• Customer Service
• Leisure Attendants
• Cleaners
• Care Assistants
• Security Officers
• Hospitality
• Volunteer Opportunities
Plus many more….
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Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
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 on Sundays. 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.
YALLAA WOMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE WORKSHOP 12.30pm-2.30pm
Yallaa
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, there's something for everyone. Join Yallaa Women Co-operative Crafts Workshop and let's empower each other through creativity and community.
​
Free event. Booking required. Email coordinator.yallaa@gmail.com and book your slot. Limited spaces available.
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.
FRIDay 27 september
PEOPLE PLANET PASTRY 10.30am-12pm​
Small 99
If you’re interested or curious about sustainability, come along to the People, Planet, Pastry event to meet like-minded business owners who are taking action on sustainability. Learn about what is going on locally, share insights on how to overcome barriers and make new friends!
This relaxed and informal event brings people together to learn more about sustainability and take action.
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The sister event, People, Planet, Pint, brings people together to learn more and chat about climate, while our “Pastry” series is focused on empowering small businesses with the action they can take and where to start with sustainability.
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While we will mostly be discussing businesses, this is an open event where anyone is welcome, so if you’re curious about what’s going on, come on down!
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Free event. Booking required - book here
saturDay 28 september
KIDS ABSTRACT ART WORKSHOP 11am-12pm
Abstract Art Academy​
Design and create your own finished pieces in our exciting new workshop, which is a chance to learn about the making of abstract art through demonstrations and guidance from our artists.
​
Tickets £10. Booking required, book here. Limited spaces available.​​​
BELFAST WRITERS GROUP 12pm-2pm
​
Belfast Writers Group is an informal writing meet up in Belfast City Centre for writers of all genres, levels of experience and commitments.
Every fortnight we gather in 2 Royal Avenue to build community and take the time and space to write, read, chat and edit with no expectations or deadlines.
Whether you're someone who wants to get started in writing, loves writing but struggles to find the time with work, or you're working on an ongoing project, all are welcome no matter your levels of experience.
Free Event. For more information please contact writersgroupbelfast@gmail.com.
ADULTS ABSTRACT ART WORKSHOP 1pm-2pm
Abstract Art Academy​
An interactive workshop which allows anyone to learn and create with the techniques and materials shown by our artists.
​
All tickets include one to one guidance from the artists and a space in the workshop, which is a chance to learn about the making of abstract art through demonstrations and trying for yourself.
​
Tickets £10. Booking required, book here. Limited spaces available.​​​
sunDay 29 september
BELFAST WOMENS CIRCLE 10am-2.30pm​
Come join us for a gathering of women at 2 Royal Ave. This in-person event is a safe space for women to connect, relax, unwind, learn new skills, share stories, support each other or just observe! Whether you're a seasoned wellbeing guru or a first-timer, all women are welcome to join our circle.
There will be yoga for all levels (chair yoga included), workshops on art therapy, mindfulness and menopause, meditation, a glorious sound bath and a free nutritious lunch! Come together to celebrate each other's journeys. See you there!
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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.
