LQ BID, a proud sponsor of this year’s Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics, is set to host 12 events across the diverse programme of activity, creating more reasons for people living and working across the city to visit the Linen Quarter – known as a part of the city where business and culture meet.
Spanning from thought-provoking panel discussions to live performances to guided walking tours, the Linen Quarter is set to come alive with debate, music, comedy and curiosity.
Among the highlights is the lively ‘Clashing Symbols! So where are you really from?’ panel at the Grand Central Hotel, featuring keynote speakers Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds and Ulster Scots Commissioner Lee Reynolds.
Oscar nominated actor Stephen Rea will also feature in the festival, interviewing award-winning journalist and author Anne Cadwallader, as she launches her debut novel ‘Crossing Over’ at the Accidental Theatre on March 25th. Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to explore the Linen Quarter’s past and future with walking tours led by Corrymeela Community and Wee Walks NI.
Comedy is taking centre stage at the Limelight with performances from Adam Kay on March 24th, and Eleanor Tiernan’s show ‘An Awkward Age’ on March 26th, whilst the Accidental Theatre will host a brand-new animation by viral folk musician and visual artist rarewitch.
Stevie Maginn, Communications and Events Manager at LQ BID said, “The Imagine! festival marks another significant investment by LQ BID as part of our commitment to supporting local grassroot artists and deepening Belfast as a city of cultural credibility. 2026 is set to be a huge year for Belfast with the Fleadh set to welcome 800,000 visitors. Across the Linen Quarter, we’re aligning to this scale of ambition, and have invested £160,000 into our 2026 events programme, enabling the transformation of the Quarter into a vibrant festival stage right across the year. We’ve our own lively programme of weeknight activity, and are also enhancing the footprint of other festivals such as the Fleadh, TradFest, Belfast Book Festival, Make Music Day, and Culture Night.
“Our investment is crucial, not only in supporting this District’s heritage in the arts, but in strengthening the sense of community amongst residents and employees here, after all this is the area of the city where commerce and culture intersect.”
HALT, the city’s newest meanwhile-use space located at the site of the former Europa Bus Centre, will host a series of free drop-in music performances featuring artists including Seosamh Mac, The Enthusiasts Choir, Belfast Ukes, and Hypnic Jerk.
As Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID explained, HALT serves as an important gateway to the Linen Quarter, enhancing its reputation as a vibrant destination.
He said, “Linen Quarter is growing in its reputation as a social environment where commuters can enjoy what is right outside their office doors. HALT and Belfast Grand Central Station, part of the Weavers Cross development, represent transformative investment in our city’s infrastructure. The station’s strategic location creates a seamless link to the heart of Belfast, making the city centre more accessible than ever, and encouraging increased dwell time during the week. The city is now even better primed to host large scale events and festivals. This isn’t just about transportation – it’s about reimagining Belfast’s future and creating new opportunities for businesses, workers, and visitors to thrive in an increasingly connected city.”
Taking place from 23rd – 29th March the Imagine! festival will see over 120 events across 50+ venues in Belfast. The 2026 programme features a high-energy mix of traditional debates, workshops, comedy, music, theatre and film screenings alongside podcasts, walking tours, public gatherings and quizzes, under the theme, ‘Thou Shalt Not Have No Idea.’
Speaking about this year’s theme, Festival Director, Mags White-O’Kane said, “Our theme this year, ‘Thou Shalt Not Have No Idea’ is a call to curiosity in the face of despair. We’re moving past ambivalence and misinformation toward something better: community connection and shared experience. Beyond just entertainment – we’re inviting audiences to find inspiration and solidarity within the Imagine! programme in an increasingly fractious world.”
