Belfast is preparing to host the ninth annual Belfast Learning Festival, bringing a comprehensive programme of interactive activities and workshops to various venues across the city.

Running from Monday 8th to Sunday 14th June, the festival invites members of the public to participate in a diverse array of free classes, lessons, and events. Designed to accommodate all levels of talent, age, and experience, the initiative highlights that learning takes place in numerous everyday environments, including community centres, libraries, lecture theatres, workplaces, cafés, and cultural spaces.

The festival features a broad spectrum of practical and theoretical sessions. Attendees can participate in physical wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, sound baths, guided walks, and dance classes. For those interested in intellectual and linguistic pursuits, the programme includes discussion groups, talks, and introductory language sessions. Practical, hands-on workshops will also be available, covering skills such as sewing, painting, woodcraft, willow weaving, gardening, and musical instruments. Additionally, unique activities on offer include combat robotics, utilising old cameras for art installations, and exploring the feminist history of Belfast. The festival emphasises lifelong learning as an accessible pursuit at any stage of life. No prior qualifications are required to attend, and all programmed events are completely free of charge, though participants must register for their chosen sessions.

This annual celebration is coordinated by key partners within the Learning City Collective in conjunction with Belfast City Council. Academic institutions including Belfast Met, Queen's University, and Ulster University work alongside local community organisations to deliver the schedule. The festival is co-funded by the Public Health Agency, aligning with the principle that learning constitutes one of the five steps to personal well-being.

High Sheriff of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey welcomed the festival's return, stating: "As a UNESCO City of Learning, Belfast has a commitment to ensuring our residents have access to the gift of lifelong learning. The Belfast Learning Festival is a bit like a taster menu, offering up lots of choices. You can try a bit of this, a bit of that and sample new things to see if you like them.

"We're very lucky to work alongside fantastic partners from all over the city, who help us deliver a festival that celebrates learning in all its forms, connects people throughout the city, and proves that learning really can happen anywhere. I'd encourage everyone to look at the programme and see what's on offer this year."

Members of the public can view the full schedule of events and find further details by visiting the official website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastlearningfestival.