Join us for a special evening celebrating fresh voices from our CQAF Creative Bursaries 2025. Taking place as part of Sound of Belfast, this showcase spotlights three outstanding artists supported through CQAF’s Creative Bursaries programme.

Eve Belle is a bilingual singer-songwriter from Donegal, now based in Belfast. Writing in both Irish and English, her songs explore love, mental health, and identity. Her latest EP Sad City, Baby! blends Americana influences with wry storytelling, and she’s currently working on a new bilingual collection on neurodiversity, due in 2026.

Conn Thornton is a Belfast composer and songwriter whose ethereal “folk with teeth” fuses classical piano roots, queer identity, and cinematic influences. Having supported artists like Daudi Matsiko and Courting, Conn will release their new EP When Bethesda Lands They’ll Throw Us a Parade on October 2nd.

Garrett Laurie is a Belfast-based alt-folk artist whose “soul-stirring” voice (The Thin Air) and cinematic storytelling create a distinctive, theatrical world. Named one of Youth Music’s Ones To Watch 2024 and a nominee for the NI Music Prize’s Joe Cassidy Chrysalis Award, Laurie has become a key voice in Northern Ireland’s scene, with recent releases including the Something Blue EP and a debut album No Son of Mine due in 2026.

BC Camplight (Brian Christinzio) isn’t just one of the most celebrated songwriters in UK independent music—he’s also one of the most captivating live performers you’ll ever witness. His shows are an electrifying mix of raw emotion, masterful musicianship, and an undeniable connection with his audience.

Hot off the success of his first Top 40 album, The Last Rotation of Earth, Christinzio has taken his breathtaking live performances to bigger audiences than ever before, culminating in a show-stopping television debut on Later… With Jools Holland.

BC Camplight’s live shows are unpredictable, intense, and deeply moving, reflecting his own journey of resilience and redemption. Originally from Philadelphia, he found creative rebirth in Manchester, crafting a series of albums that have been hailed as masterpieces by The Guardian and The Sunday Times. His music, a stunning blend of heart-wrenching lyricism and soaring melodies, comes alive on stage in a way that must be experienced firsthand.

This is more than just another gig—this is BC Camplight at his absolute peak. Don’t miss the chance to see one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed artists deliver a powerful, unmissable live performance in Belfast.

Hollie McNish is back in Belfast for one night only with her brand-new book tour. A Sunday Times bestselling author, expect strong language and adult content, gift-wrapped in her much-loved poetry and chat as she reads from her brand-new collection Virgin; on love, loss, wolves and warm morning croissants.

Here, she will be joined by Scotland’s best-cherished poet and performer Michael Pedersen reading from his prize-winning poetry collection The Cat Prince, plus magical new novel, Muckle Flugga.

Hollie McNish is a poet and author based between Glasgow and Cambridge. She was the first poet to record at Abbey Road Studios, London and won the Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry for her poetic parenting memoir – Nobody Told Me – of which The Scotsman stated ‘The World Needs this Book’. She has published five further collections of poetry – Papers, Cherry Pie, Plum, and Slug and Lobster, both Sunday Times bestsellers. Her next book is out in October 2025. She loves writing.

“Warm, relatable, smart and funny” – Sophie Ellis-Bextor

“bold, hilarious and tender” – Salena Godden

“Her writing is sublime” – Ellie Taylor

“One of the best poets we have”. – Matt Haig

”Never have we needed her more’ – Stylist

Adult content warning 18+ / Book signing after the gig.

Affectionately known as the “First Lady of Folk”, Kate Rusby has become a cherished highlight at festivals around the world. With her distinctive Yorkshire warmth, captivating voice, and timeless songwriting, Kate brings a unique charm to every stage she graces.

A Mercury Prize nominee, recipient of multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and too many more accolades to mention, her live performances are renowned for blending heart, humour and an unmistakable connection with audiences.

Celebrating over 30 years in music, Kate’s setlist is a rich tapestry of traditional songs and her own compositions, ranging from poignant ballads to upbeat, singalong favourites. Her sound effortlessly transitions from intimate, delicate moments to expansive, lush soundscapes, creating an emotional journey that captivates every listener.

Her 2026 festival performances will feature selections from her acclaimed new album ‘When They All Looked Up’ alongside her enduring classics.

With a stellar band of world-class musicians, Kate’s shows are nothing short of magical. Fans can also expect a sprinkling of her famous between-song banter, ensuring smiles and an unforgettable experience all around. Come and see why Kate and her band are the heart and soul of every festival she plays.