Songwriter’s Festival celebrates 20 years with FREE virtual concert

Supporting our very own local talent 👏

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 19th May 2021
Last updated 19th May 2021

This Saturday 22nd May, Panarts Charity are celebrating 20 years since the pilot run of their Song Writing Convention and Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival.

To help them celebrate, they have four 30-minute concert premieres on their website and Youtube Channel.

Saturday’s celebration will feature four singer-songwriters...

  • Cora Kelly - 8pm
  • Ben Cutler - 9pm
  • NJ McLean - 8pm
  • Cup O’Joe - 9pm

The free virtual concerts are part of the regular Saturday night Panarts Belfast Songwriters Series and all the artists are supported by Stability funding from the Arts Council.

Back in 2001, they tested the water to see if there was a need for song writing workshops and events here in Northern Ireland.

With support from the Arts Council NI, they put on a trial festival and conference on Botanic Avenue which led to the annual #belnashfest.

Panarts Director Colin Magee said: "We’ve worked with hundreds of amazing creative artists who have written so many beautiful songs for audiences to enjoy."

"We set out to shine a spotlight on the people who create lyrics and melodies and we hope the public will tune in on Saturday to hear four fabulous concerts online at panarts.org and on our Youtube Channel."

All the songwriters featured in the series are filming 30-minute live concerts and Saturday’s virtual events will include young contemporary singer-songwriters and Americana and Bluegrass writers.

How to watch:

The shows premiere at 8pm and 9pm at panarts.org and audiences can subscribe for free to discover new music from Northern Ireland.

Check out some of previous performances:

Read more:

Ashley McBryde brings 'One Night Standards' tour to Belfast

Pop rock band Texas reveal another Belfast date for upcoming tour

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.