City Sensations at Belfast Maritime Festival
City Sensations at Belfast Maritime Festival, 6–7 September 2025
Open Arts and Belfast City Council proudly present City Sensations — a FREE vibrant, inclusive, and accessible experience at this year’s Belfast Maritime Festival, 6th-7th September 2025.
Explore Four Inclusive Spaces:
Festival Space
Workshop Space
Sensory Space
Accessible Tours
Booking is free but required for many activities and spaces are limited. This is to make sure that workshop leaders and tour guides can provide everyone with the most accessible and enjoyable time possible. There is further information on the booking page of each activity on Open Arts' Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/open-arts-32376039881
Festival Space (no booking required)
- University of Atypical, Sounds Atypical: Bold performances by d/Deaf, disabled & neurodivergent musicians
- The Black Box, Black Moon DJs: High-energy sets by DJs with learning disabilities — dance, express & celebrate!
- Giant Games: Accessible fun with Connect 4, Snakes & Ladders & sensory support items
Workshop Space (booking required for all workshops)
- Arts & Crafts with Open Arts
- Talia McDowell Dance
- Streetwise Community Circus
Sensory Space
- Takeaway Theatre: Create your own story through props & play (booking required)
- Songs & Gongs: Indonesian gamelan, storytelling & sound baths (booking required)
- Mae Murray Calming Corner: A sensory-friendly retreat for all ages (no booking required)
Accessible Tours (booking required)
- BSL Titanic Quarter Tour with BSL Tours Belfast
- Audio-Described City Quay’s Garden Tour with NI Sightlines
Spaces for activities are limited, so don’t forget to book via Eventbrite!
Open Arts are currently developing more detailed access guides that will be available very soon but until then, here is an overview of what to expect:
Dedicated car park for those with a blue badge and/or a workshop booking (first come, first served)
Level & ramp access throughout
Suitable and dignified toilet provision
BSL interpreter on site all day
Staff trained in audio description & sighted guiding
Sensory space available all day
Ear defenders and sensory support items available
Access Assistants for workshops
Dedicated mobile number for call, messages, voice notes: 07961 899 596 (Feel free to reach out via WhatsApp too, and voice notes are welcome!)
For more information about the work of Open Arts visit www.openartsni.org
And for more information about City Sensations, visit: http://www.openartsni.org/city-sensations/