Welcome

The festival takes place over the weekend from Friday 27 to Sunday 1 March 2026, with some spill-over events in the week leading up to that weekend. Our aim is to celebrate North Belfast’s rich heritage, and its cultural, creative and literary talents. As a result, our programme features a wide range of activities and interests, including talks, walking tours, literary discussions, debates, poetry, music, workshops, and exhibitions, drawing on local talent, but also including outside performers.

Please check individual event listings on our website for the most up-to-date information.

The Look North Festival organisers include The John Hewitt Society, the North Belfast Heritage Cluster, Ulster University, Beat Carnival, Cavehill Business Association, Paul Carlin, The Linen Hall Library and New Lodge Arts.

We are grateful to all our supporters and venue providers, particularly our principal festival sponsors, the National Lottery Community Fund, Belfast City Council Community Festivals Fund, Ulster University, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. We do hope you enjoy our Festival, and we are pleased to present the creativity and quality of work from local artists, performers and young people, and the opportunity to remember and to celebrate all that is special about North Belfast.