2017 Summer gig guide
Last updated 16th May 2017
Summer is the festival season and music lovers’ favourite time of year. Regardless of the weather, Northern Ireland revellers and avid music fans come out in force, whether the sun shines or not.
The line-up for 2017 is no disappointment, featuring another one of the biggest summers of live music across the province.
From the typical summer festivals such as Belfast Vital and Belsonic to a plethora of live, intimate gigs across the province, there is something for everyone.
Downtown & Cool FM have gathered a collection of the best festivals, to create your one-stop-shop for a summer of live music.
DANNY BOY JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL, 7-11 June, Limavady
This 21st annual event sees free performances from jazz bands, gospel choirs and swing musicians for jazz and blues lovers. Click here for more details
BELSONIC, 13-30 June, Ormeau Park, Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GG
BELSONIC celebrates its 10th Anniversary at the new location. The festival is a 16+ event unless otherwise specified as 18+. Valid photo ID is required. Gates open at 6pm for all of the performances with live acts due to finish before 11pm.
Tuesday, 13, Arcade Fire featuring the Cooks
Friday, 16, the 1975 plus special guests
Saturday, 17, Cream Classical Live, featuring K Klass, Judge Jules, Tall Paul, Robbie Nelson
Monday, 19, Martin Garrix, Don Diablo, Justin Mylo
Thursday, 22, Jess Glynne, Martin Jensen plus support
Monday, 26, The Chainsmokers, Anne Marie & Lost Kings
Friday, 30, Axwell ^ Ingrosso
Check social media for updates and time changes or click here for full details
SUNFLOWERFEST, 28-30 July, Tubby’s Farm, Cabra Road, Legacurry, Hillsborough, BT26 6NB
Featuring a multitude of bands and DJs, Sunflowerfest is a three-day bonanza of local talent. From Screaming Eagles, to Beans on Toast to the Electric Swing Circus, there is something for everyone. Check out the website for the full lineup.
OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL, 1-31 August, Bangor
100 events take place over 40 venues, with some of the best home-grown musicians from all genres. Cick here for more details.
EASTSIDE ARTS FESTIVAL, 3-20 August, East Belfast
This annual summer festival is a showcase of creative talent from across east Belfast, including a Rhythm n Blues event. Full programme details will be released online in June.
FEILE AN PHOBAIL, 3-13 August, Falls Park
A host of live musical as well as comedy events come to Falls Park with one of the highlights including UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey on the 11 Aug, at 19:30. Click here for more details.
BELFAST** VITAL, 23-26 August, Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast, BT12 6EU**
Wednesday, 23 MUSE & Biffy Clyro: Nothing But Thieves and Dublin band Fangclub have also been added to the line up. Headliners MUSE will perform hits from all seven studio albums.
Saturday, 26, Tiesto, featuring Clean Bandit and Robin Schulz.
BELFAST MELA, 27 August, Botanic Gardens, 12-6pm
Belfast’s August Bank holiday weekend event returns in a carnival of global cultures. Click here for more details.
HARVEST 2017, 26-27 August, Enniskillen and Westport
This Country music festival is headlined By Miranda Lambert and Nathan Carter with a special guest appearance from Charley Pride. A host of international artists will perform across two different locations. Click here for more details.