Belfast's vibrant musical talent will take centre stage this Saturday, 24th May, as Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray hosts a "Musical Finale" to celebrate local artists before his term in office concludes. The day will feature a series of free gigs and showcases at venues across the city centre from 10 am to 7 pm.

Councillor Murray is inviting everyone to join him for the event. He commented: "I’ve been wowed this year with the depth of talent within our local music scene and I wanted to celebrate it by providing a platform for musicians and performers to showcase their skills."

He added: "My Musical Finale is an opportunity for people to come into the city centre and enjoy a day of free events over the bank holiday weekend."

The main hub for the Musical Finale will be 2 Royal Avenue, which will host live music throughout the day from 10 am to 7 pm, including dedicated performances by young musicians from 4 pm to 7 pm. Outside, there will be pop-up performances from artists like Sarah Anna Rees, Amanda Fawn, and the Quire Choir. Inside activities include Broadway Babies classes, drumming sessions for families, musical theatre workshops with James Huish and the Alfie Boe Academy, and performances from Smack Jay and Anna’s Number. The Lord Mayor's charities, Depaul and Inspire Wellbeing, will also have information points at this venue. Elsewhere in the city centre, Bank Square will feature vibrant street art demonstrations with Seedhead Arts, alongside street performers and walkabout acts from 1 pm to 5 pm. St George’s Market will host music from Rory Nellis between 11 am and 3 pm.

With the Spring Continental Market also taking place on the City Hall grounds over the bank holiday weekend, visitors will have a bumper day out. The market itself will have live music from 1 pm to 5 pm. Inside City Hall, the Oh Yeah Music Centre – one of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities – will host an Acoustic Picnic and Open Mic session specifically for under 18s from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, with a highlight being a debut performance from Owen Denvir and the Carubians. Young musicians interested in the Open Mic can register by emailing anna-marie@ohyeahbelfast.com.

Another of the Lord Mayor's charities, Show Some Love, will host the Beat Boutique disco at their Green House location from 3 pm to 7 pm (this event is for over 18s only and does not require a ticket).

For those interested in traditional music and the city's music history, An Droichead will host a Traditional Music Trail from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, starting at Madden’s Bar and finishing at McHugh’s. Creative Tours, in association with Oh Yeah Music Centre, offer Belfast Music walking tours, starting at the Ulster Hall at 1 pm and finishing at Oh Yeah. These two events are ticketed.

Most events throughout the day are free. Full information and booking details for all activities can be found at belfastcity.gov.uk/lordmayorsday.

Looking ahead, Councillor Murray remarked: "And, with preparations now well underway for Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann next summer, this is the ideal chance to experience music popping up in all sorts of venues and enjoy the rich diversity of talent we have on our own doorstep."