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Belfast Festival at Queens: A Dream Ticket

A Shakespearean classic performed in a former jail, a troupe of incredible circus fleas and new work from Kylie Minogue's choreographer? By staff reporter - 06/09/07

These are just some of the attractions on offer at Ireland’s biggest international arts festival, the Belfast Festival at Queens, which runs from 19th October to 4th November.Over 16 packed festival days and nights, international artists and events from countries including Sweden, Poland, India, Australia and South Africa will entertain audiences in venues across the city.

Topping the bill at this year’s festival is The Ulster Bank Opening Concert at the Waterfront Hall on Friday 19th October, which features Irish music legends The Chieftains who will combine forces with The Ulster Orchestra, Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, Ulster Youth Choir and guests. This special performance will feature original compositions, traditional music, early American country music and dancing.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Jim Rodgers, pointed to the enormous benefits which the festival brought to the city, both economically and culturally:

“If we have a vision of Belfast as a modern, vibrant cultural capital (and we should have) then Belfast Festival at Queen's has a key role to play. It is an event that has reflected this city well internationally for 44 years and something that people in Northern Ireland can take ownership and be proud of.”

The programme for the 45th Belfast Festival at Queens is available soon from outlets throughout Northern Ireland and full details of all events are also online at www.belfastfestival.com.

Tickets for Belfast Festival at Queens events are on sale from today from the following outlets:

· Telephone the Festival Box office on 028 90971197 open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.

· Call in to the festival box office at QFT, 20 University Square open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.

· Book online at www.belfastfestival.com