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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2023 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
Winter's Den is back for 2023!
Step into our Winter’s Den for a season of fabulously festive, free events this Christmas, or simply pop in to soak up the cosy atmosphere. Chill out in the sensory igloo, write a letter with the elves at Santa’s Post Office or indulge in one of Yallaa Café's hot chocolates!
From 18th November, you're invited to join events including twilight, pottery and craft markets, festive family performances and even a dog fashion show!
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Get your toes twinkling at a tea dance or silent disco or impress friends and family with your sustainable street cred by getting crafty at our free workshops. Make your own reusable crackers, advent calendars, upcycled Christmas jumpers and more! We'll also be unwrapping a stack of musical treats both inside and outside the venue.
santa's post offce
Santa’s Post Office, brought to you by Belfast One, makes a return to 2 Royal Avenue this year.
Little ones can join Santa’s elves for free activities such as arts and crafts and design their own letter to Santa Claus. To make sure the mail reaches the North Pole in time, they can post their letters in Santa’s special post box.
Santa’s Post Office Opening Dates
18th November- 17th December
Saturday 18th November 10am-8.30pm
Sunday 19th November 1pm-4.30pm
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Saturday 25th November 10am-4.30pm
Sunday 26th November 1pm-4.30pm
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Friday 1st December 4pm-7.30pm
Saturday 2nd December 10am-4.30pm
Sunday 3rd December 1pm-4.30pm
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Thursday 7th December 4pm-7.30pm
Friday 8th December 4pm-7.30pm
Saturday 9th December 10am-4.30pm
Sunday 10th December 1pm-4.30pm
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Wednesday 13th December Quiet Session 6pm-7.30pm
Thursday 14th December 4pm-7.30pm
Friday 15th December 4pm-7.30pm
Saturday 16th December 10am-4.30pm
Sunday 17th December 1pm-4.30pm
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Please note: Its important that Santa's Post office closes promptly at the above times. If a large queue has formed near closing time the Post office Elves may suggest to families to visit another day.
cash for kids mission christmas
Times are tough for many right now. The cost of living crisis is pushing local families who were just barely managing into poverty. Christmas is aluxury they just can't afford when the choice could be between having enough money for food and heating, or buying gifts for their children.
Cash for Kids' Mission Christmas is coming back to help. We're busy getting everything ready, so we can provide gifts for children across Northern Ireland who are at risk of waking up to an empty space under the tree on Christmas Day.
You can drop off your gift donation during 2 Royal Avenue Opening hours from 13th November.
week commencing 27th NOVEMber
FRIday 1 DECember
GLENVEAGH SCHOOL CHOIR 10am-11.30am POSTPONED
Glenveagh School
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Glenveagh's Makaton Choir and Singing Choir are delighted to be performing again at 2 Royal Avenue. We will be signing and singing to some festive favourites along with other pop songs. We will also be fundraising for new instruments for our Music department. Please come along and support us!
Free Event, no booking required.
BELFAST POTTERS MARKET 5pm-9pm
Mud Ireland​
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The Christmas Belfast Potter’s Market will take place over 2 days for the first time ever! Open Friday 1st December 5pm- 9pm and Saturday 2nd 10am – 5pm.
25 Of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery! The fabulously festive market will have Christmas music, treats and hot drinks available from the cafe to enjoy while you browse.
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Free Event, no booking required.
saturday 2 december
BELFAST POTTERS MARKET 10am-5pm
Mud Ireland​
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The Christmas Belfast Potter’s Market will take place over 2 days for the first time ever! Open Friday 1st December 5pm- 9pm and Saturday 2nd 10am – 5pm.
25 Of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery! The fabulously festive market will have Christmas music, treats and hot drinks available from the cafe to enjoy while you browse.
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Free Event, no booking required.
OPEN ARTS COMMUNITY CHOIR CHRISTMAS JUKEBOX 11am-1pm
Open Arts Choir
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Come and get into the Christmas spirit with a live choral Jukebox! The Open Arts Community Choir will be singing some of the best-loved Christmas songs and carols in 2RA this year – all they need is for you to choose your favourite from their Jukebox menu and they’ll sing it just for you and your family!
The OACC is an award-winning, dynamic, inclusive choir based in Belfast, demonstrating how people from different cultural backgrounds, with and without disabilities, come together through the medium of song.
They have performed all over the UK and Ireland, as well as in America and Latvia. Their third album, entitled “Three”, is available on iTunes.
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Free Event, no booking required.
ULSTER SINFONIA PERFORMANCE 1.30pm-4.30pm
Ulster Sinfonia ​
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The South Ulster Sinfonia and Lagan Camerata are joining together to give you a Saturday full of Christmas cheer. Take a break from your shopping to hear Christmas favourites: carols old and new, seasonal music, time it right and you may get to hear Corelli's Christmas Concerto or the Snowman Suite.
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Free Event, no booking required.
sunday 3 december
MUSICAL ME 12pm-12.45pm & 1pm-1.45pm
Antrim School of Music (CIC)
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Antrim School of Music (CIC) are delighted to present 2 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 SOLD OUT
CHRISTMAS CRAFT: GNOME WORKSHOP 1pm-4pm
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Join us at this fun art workshop where children get to make their own Winter’s Den Gnome. Suitable for 6-12 year olds and all materials provided. Carers to stay onsite and there is a coffee shop within 2 Royal Avenue.
Free event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
SUNDAY CHESS 2-5pm
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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.
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Not sure if it's for you? Come in and try it!*​
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*All under 16s must be accompanied by responsible adult at all times.
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Free Event. Contact roamingknightsni@gmail.com for more info.
SHINE OUT CONCERT 2pm-6pm
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More information to follow.
week commencing 4th DECEMber
MONDay 4 DECember
CHRISTMAS SENSORY STORYTELLING FOR BABIES 11am & 12.30pm
Tale Time​
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Join storyteller Vicky McFarland for a seasonal sensory sensation! Come enjoy a fun, hands on sensory storytime for babies to get you and your little one in the mood for Christmas.
Free Event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
tuesDay 5 DECember
CLIMATE FRESK WORKSHOP 10am-1pm
Climate Fresk​
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Want to help tackle climate change but don’t have the time to become a climate scientist?
In just 3 hours, the collaborative Climate Fresk workshop will teach you the fundamental science behind climate change and empower you to take action.
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Join us at 10am at 2 Royal Avenue ready to explore, learn and discover
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Tickets £5-10. Booking required, book here
CHRISTMAS TEA DANCE 2pm-4pm
Age Friendly Tea Dance ​
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Enjoy a festive afternoon at the 2 Royal Avenue Christmas Tea Dance! Featuring live music with some holiday favourites with Housty, and delicious refreshments from Yallaa Cafe!
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Free Event, no booking required.
wednesDay 6 DECember
MACRAME AND MULL WORKSHOP 6pm-8pm
ASTRL Fibres​
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Join Alison of ASTRL Fibres in 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, on Wednesday December 6th from 6-8pm and learn to handcraft a Christmas Tassel and a Winter Swirlicle. Alison will introduce you to macramé knotting and wrapping techniques, with expert guidance to help you understand and enjoy the process of making your own Christmas decorations.
All materials will be provided with embellishments to add your own creative touch. You’ll leave with two handmade decorations, perfect for gifting or adding to your Christmas decor. This 2 hour session is suitable for beginners, seasoned crafters and anyone looking for a knotty and seasonal good time! Mulled wine provided
Free Event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
thursDay 7 DECember
ACTION ABILITY SING A LONG 3pm-6pm
Age Ability ​
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More information to follow.
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Free Event, no booking required.
TWILIGHT MARKET 5pm-9pm
Little Fox Events​
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2 Royal Avenue and Little Fox Events bring you a very special indoor Twilight Market at the Belfast Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday 18th November and the popular Twilight Thursday Markets are back again this year on 7th, 14th and 21st December from 5pm - 9pm.
Enjoy the very best from local makers and producers at our indoor market. There is something for everyone at this festive array of crafts, art, fashion, jewellery and gourmet treats with music, food and surprises galore!
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Free Entry. No Booking Required.
friDay 8 DECember
COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING 11am-1pm
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More information to follow.
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Free Event, no booking required.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 7.30pm-10pm
St Agnes Choral Society
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Get ready to be dazzled by the beautiful voices of the award winning St Agnes' Choral Society as they perform a delightful selection of Broadway hits, blockbuster favourites, Christmas carols and holiday classics. Immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere as we light up the stage and fill the air with the spirit of the season.
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Take photographs by the incredible Christmas tree in the iconic dome at 2 Royal Avenue, treat yourself to a festive beverage from Yallaa before taking your seat for an evening with St Agnes' Choral Society.
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Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience! Grab your friends and family, and join us for a night of heartwarming music and festive fun.
Tickets £11.55 or £8.30 (Concession) Book here
saturday 9 december
CHRISTMAS CRAFT: PAPER CUT DECORATIONS 11am & 12pm
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Join Anans Arch to make your own festive decorations using sustainable materials. In this class you'll learn to cut, fold and stick paper to create beautiful decorations in time for Christmas. Suitable for ages 12+.
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Free event, booking required. Book here
WINTER WARMING TALES & TUNES 12pm-4pm
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Shake off the shopping panic and feel the Christmas spirit sitting around the tree for a day of festive tales and tunes from around the world. With stories and songs inspired by traditions in the UK, Ireland and much further afield it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hot chocolate and share in festivities.
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Free event, no booking required.
sunday 10 december
CRUFTY CHRISTMAS DOG FASHION SHOW 12pm-2pm
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It's time for the hottest event of the season... It's Crufty Christmas, our annual dog fashion show! Is your pet the next Kate Moss or David Gandy?
Register your stylish pooch for up to 3 catwalk categories:
Sleigh Sleigh Sleigh- Christmas Couture, Belfast Inspired- Local people and places, or Murphy and Bailey- Next Top Model.
Categories will be judged by guest judges with the opportunity to win a range of dog related prizes including vouchers and merchandise.
Open to dogs of all breeds and all ages. No dog, no problem. You’re invited to watch our fabulous pooches strut their stuff; every celebrity needs their adoring fans after all!
Community Search and Rescue will be accepting on the day.
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Free event, booking required. To book as an attendee or register your dog as a contestant click here SOLD OUT
STILL I RISE STORYTELLING 12pm-2pm
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Join Still I Rise for festive storytelling with diversity focused stories centred around a broad range of characters from across the world
Free Event, booking required. Book here
TRAD SEISIUN 2pm-4pm
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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. Participation in Seisuins is open to all young traditional musicians from the Greater Belfast area.
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Free Event, no booking required.
SUNDAY CHESS 2-5pm
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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.
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Not sure if it's for you? Come in and try it!*​
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*All under 16s must be accompanied by responsible adult at all times.
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Free Event. Contact roamingknightsni@gmail.com for more info.
week commencing 11th DECEMber
MONDay 11 DECember
GLENGORMLEY SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC SCHOOL SESSION 11am-2.30pm
Glengormley School of Traditional Music ​
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More information to follow.
Free Event, no booking required.
tuesDay 12 DECember
GLENGORMLEY SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC SCHOOL SESSION 11am-2.30pm
Glengormley School of Traditional Music ​
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More information to follow.
Free Event, no booking required.
wednesDay 13 DECember
BCC POP UP MARKET 10am-2pm
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More information to follow.
Free Event, no booking required.
BRAIN INJURY MATTERS PERFORMANCE 2pm-4pm
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More information to follow.
Free Event, no booking required.
SANTA'S POST OFFICE - QUIET SESSION 6pm-8pm
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Bring your little ones this festive season to Belfast City Centre, where they can enjoy arts and crafts, and design a special letter to Santa. To make sure the letters reach the North Pole in time, they can post them in Santa’s special post box. This is a FREE event for all families to attend.
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This night is for those who need a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere, or that extra helping hand in writing their letter to Santa.
Free Event, booking required. Book here
thursDay 14 DECember
TWILIGHT MARKET 5pm-9pm
Little Fox Events​
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2 Royal Avenue and Little Fox Events bring you a very special indoor Twilight Market at the Belfast Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday 18th November and the popular Twilight Thursday Markets are back again this year on 7th, 14th and 21st December from 5pm - 9pm.
Enjoy the very best from local makers and producers at our indoor market. There is something for everyone at this festive array of crafts, art, fashion, jewellery and gourmet treats with music, food and surprises galore!
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Free Entry. No Booking Required.
friDay 15 DECember
CHRISTMAS JUMPER WORKSHOP 6pm-8pm
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Get into the festive spirit this year and create your very own Christmas Jumper! Pull out an old jumper and bring yourself along to the drop in workshop between 12pm and 4pm where you will have the opportunity to create a masterpiece. Choose from a wide range of icons, appliques, block colours, pom poms and festive fabric.
During this workshop you can sew/glue or press vinyls on your jumper. No need to buy a new festive jumper on the high street this year - just pop along to our workshop and create something truly unique! All ages are welcome to attend but under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring an old jumper to upcycle.
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Free Event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
saturday 16 december
WE CREATE: RECYCLED CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS FAMILY WORKSHOP 12pm-1pm
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It’s the season to deck your halls with handmade Christmas decorations using eco-friendly materials.During this beginner-friendly workshop, you will come up with your own decoration ideas and make eco-friendly decorations to showcase a more sustainable festive season!
Resources provided. Suitable for ages 6+ and all under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
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Free event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
WE CREATE: RECYCLED CHRISTMAS CARDS FAMILY WORKSHOP 1pm-2pm
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Join us to create and bring home some beautiful, handmade cards from recycled materials. Give that personal touch this Christmas and promote environmental sustainability too!
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Resources provided. Suitable for ages 6+ and all under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
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Free event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
QUIRE CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2pm-3pm
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More information to follow.
Free Event, no booking required.
sunday 17 december
MR HULLABALOO 11.30am-12.30pm
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Join Mr Hullabaloo and friends for some magical festive fun at his enchanted storybook cottage. This Christmas cracker of a show is full of storytelling, puppetry, music and fun audience participation to celebrate the joy and magic Christmas Season.
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Recommended Age: 3 – 12yrs and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Free Event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
MAKE YOUR MARK: STITCHING STORIES 12pm-5.30pm
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Belfast City Council has recently created a new approach to designing and delivering city events, which supports the ambition and creativity of our city. This workshop has been designed to creatively engage the public in thinking about the future of city events.
Make Your Mark: Stitching Stories, facilitated by Great British Sewing Bee's Angeline Murphy, teaches participants the skills to leave their mark on a shared 7metre length of Belfast linen. Learn how to stitch, embroider and applique to add your own distinct mark to the fabric that will shared by communities throughout the year represents a modern cityscape for city events. No experience necessary
Free Event, booking required. Book here
WE CREATE: SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS CENTREPIECES 2pm-3pm
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Join us to create and bring home some beautiful, handmade cards from recycled materials. Give that personal touch this Christmas and promote environmental sustainability too!
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Resources provided. Suitable for ages 6+ and all under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
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Free event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
SUNNYSIDE CHOIR CONCERT 2pm-4pm
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More information to follow.
Free Event, no booking required.
SUNDAY CHESS 2-5pm
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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.
​
Not sure if it's for you? Come in and try it!*​
​
*All under 16s must be accompanied by responsible adult at all times.
​
Free Event. Contact roamingknightsni@gmail.com for more info.
week commencing 18th DECEMber
TUESDay 19 DECember
JINGLE AND JAZZ 2pm-5pm
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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. Let the enchanting melodies of local legend Marion Jordan transport you to a bygone era of jazz and swing.
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
wednesDay 20 DECember
FESTIVE ARABIC CELEBRATION 3pm-6pm
Yallaa​
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More information to follow.
Free Event, no booking required.
thursDay 21 DECember
TWILIGHT MARKET 5pm-9pm
Little Fox Events​
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2 Royal Avenue and Little Fox Events bring you a very special indoor Twilight Market at the Belfast Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday 18th November and the popular Twilight Thursday Markets are back again this year on 7th, 14th and 21st December from 5pm - 9pm.
Enjoy the very best from local makers and producers at our indoor market. There is something for everyone at this festive array of crafts, art, fashion, jewellery and gourmet treats with music, food and surprises galore!
​
Free Entry. No Booking Required.
saturDay 23 DECember
CHRISTMAS SING ALONG 2pm-6pm
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Warm up this winter and join Sean McGreevy for a festive sing a long around the piano!
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Sean Pol McGreevy is an accomplished pianist/singer specialising in all types of music from Swing and Jazz standards to present day Pop and Rock. A singer and pianist of equal distinction, Sean Pol’s powerful and energetic performances make him a favourite across London's music scene.
Belfast Born, Sean Pol McGreevy has been performing since an early age. He trained at Trinity College Dublin and works as an Actor, Composer, Musical Director and Singer/Pianist.
He has enjoyed a varied career and a lot of success in all areas. As an actor he was lucky enough to land the leading role “Mark” in the musical “RENT” the Irish Premiere including some of the original London cast, and more recently has received a lot of critical acclaim for the role of ‘Prez’ in “The Pajama Game” Union Theatre London, ‘Frank’ in “Mack and Mable” Broadway Theatre London and ’Johnny Brown’ in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” The Landor Theatre London. One of the highlights of his singing career was performing at Glastonbury festival, he also composed the hugely successful musical “Ovid’s Transformations” which toured Ireland recently.
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Free Event, no booking required.
sunday 24 december - open 10am-4pm
CHRISTMAS MUSIC PERFORMANCE 12pm-2pm
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Join Sarah McLaughlin for festive tunes to get you in the Christmas spirit!
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Free Event, no booking required.
week commencing 25th DECEMber
MONDay 25 DECember - CLOSED
2 ROYAL AVENUE CLOSED
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TUesDay 26 DECember- CLOSED
2 ROYAL AVENUE CLOSED
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WEDNesDay 27 DECember
2 Royal Avenue open 10am-6pm as normal
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thursDay 28 DECember
2 Royal Avenue open 10am-6pm as normal
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friDay 29 DECember
ECO KIDS NI PLAY N STAY SESSION 12pm-1pm
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Your eco warrior of tomorrow can enjoy a session of educational play and fun learning from our Sustainability team about leading environmentally friendly lives in 2024. All children must be accompanied by an adult but accompanying adult does not require a ticket. Aimed at ages 5-11.
Free Event, booking required. Book here
sunDay 31 DECember
HOGMANY CEILE 2pm-4pm
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Why not come along & start your New Year celebrations with some ceílí dancing at Belfast City Councils newest city centre cultural venue Relaxing leisurely pace to learn new dances!
No need to have ceílí danced before as expert Tuition given and no partner needed although by all means bring a spouse, sibling or friend. Round it all off with a drink & sweet treat in Yallaa Cafe.
Free Event, booking required. Book here SOLD OUT
monDay 1 january 2024
2 ROYAL AVENUE CLOSED
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