Belfast Times - February 2026

FEBRUARY THEATRE LATEST LISTINGS

THE ART EDIT BELFAST GALLERIES

BELFAST, ABROAD TRAVEL FEATURES

ONTOUR NI WHO’S TOURING

THE FASHION FILES WHAT’S IN STYLE

CRUISE NEWS WITH PANACHE

TV - THE TRAITORS

BELFASTTIMES

FEBRUARY

WHAT’S ON IN FEBRUARY

St George’s Market every Fri, Sat, Sun

Late Night Art Belfast 5 February 6-10pm

4 Corners Festival until 8 Feb. Now in its 14th year, the festival encourages people to step beyond Belfast’s physical and psychological “corners”, fostering peace, wellbeing and connection across the city.

RENDR is a two-day creative industries festival at Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast. It focuses on the film, TV, animation, gaming and immersive industries. 12-13 Feb.

NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 11-22 Feb. NISF celebrates the wonders of science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths through a vibrant programme of events each February across Northern Ireland.

Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival (from 22 Feb)

Eight days of world-class jazz and late-night energy.

An Anti-Valentine’s Night of Unromantic Poetry & Dark Love Stories

8 February 2.30pm

No roses. No happy endings just sharp, unsentimental poetry and dark Irish love songs and stories Featuring Trish Bennett and Colin Urwin exploring love’s darker edges.

Tickets on Eventbrite

FEBRUARY THEATRE

MAGGIE'S MENOPAUSE

MON 2 FEB - SAT 7 FEB

After the shocking revelation that she is now in the menopause, Maggie struggles with how to navigate these buck-daft times. Will she lose the plot with the hot sweats? Will she get her lovelorn lust back? Or will she end up in Maghaberry after batein' long-suffering Billy round the bap with her leopard-print stiletto?

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

TUE 17 FEB - SAT 21 FEB

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

TUE

24 FEB - SAT 7 MAR

Aaron Sorkin’s riveting, award-winning stage adaptation of the seminal American novel about racial injustice and childhood innocence became a Broadway and West End sensation with starstudded sell-out seasons on both sides of the Atlantic. Now this thrilling courtroom drama embarks on a UK & Ireland tour for the very first time.

Enter into 18th century Seville with all the ingredients for comic chaos, a love match made in heaven and the wily and inventive Figaro juggling everything to make it happen.

LYRIC THEATRE THE MAC

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

THE LYRIC THEATRE

SAT 31 JAN - SUN 22 FEB 2026

Back by popular demand, The Importance of Being Earnest once again takes centre stage at the Lyric Theatre. Hailed as one of the greatest comedies ever written, Wilde’s dazzling satire of Victorian society is brimming with sharp wit, tangled romances, and delightfully absurd mistaken identities

THE HUMAN VOICE

PRIME CUT PRODUCTIONS

THU 12 - SAT 28 FEB

Set in contemporary Belfast, The Human Voice is a bold reimagining of Jean Cocteau’s seminal play, bringing its emotional intensity into a world that never stops ringing.

THE ART EDIT

The Lost Paintings: A Prelude to Return

THE MAC 23 Jan 2026 - 29 Mar 2026

This exhibition gathers 53 artists from Palestine and its diaspora across time and borders to reimagine the missing works of Maroun Tomb.

Insight into the Other GOLDEN THREAD GALLERY

14th February – 18th April

An exhibition exchange between Belfast and Boston that looks at how place affects how we see art and each other. The exhibition invites people to think about difference, understanding, and shared experience through art.

The Naughton Gallery at Queen’s University

Running from 5 Jan - 29 March 2026, the Oliver Jeffers: Disasters and Interventions exhibition marks the world premiere of a major 15-year body of work, brought together in its entirety for the first time Created between Jeffers’ Belfast and Brooklyn studios, these paintings, sculptures and narrativedriven pieces reconnect a globally developed series with the place that shaped him.

Re-presenting Representations of Representation: Revisited Belfast Exposed presents ‘Re-presenting representations of representation: Revisited’ explores the history of performance art through the lens of its documentation. Rather than presenting performance as a fixed or singular event, Peter Richards asks a fundamental question: do we know performance art itself, or do we know its images?

FEBRUARY

Who’s on tour this month? Check out our gig listings on social media ONTOURNI

AD-CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR TICKETS!

February can be a strange month. It still feels like winter, even though spring is starting to appear, and weeks can blur into each other as we think about coming out of hibernation Planning ahead for the month and without a huge fanfare, let’s create some small, steady moments that shift the mood of a week.

This month is not about doing everything. It is about doing something. A single theatre night, a midweek coffee, an early dinner in the city, or a slow Sunday walk can make winter feel less like something to endure and more like something to move through.

Start with one plan that gives the week a centre. Book a show at the Lyric, The MAC, the Grand Opera House, or one of the smaller theatre spaces across the city, and suddenly the days have a destination Add a gallery hour, a short wander through the Ulster Museum, Golden Thread Gallery, or Belfast Exposed, and you have created space in the week that is not filled by screens, errands, or deadlines.

The Cathedral Quarter after dark has its own February charm too. Streets glowing, conversations unhurried, the city softened by winter light. It is the perfect setting for a catch up with friends, an easy meal, or even a simple stroll through town just to feel the city around you.

At the weekend, return to the rituals that always work. St George’s Market for a Belfast bap and a browse, a bookshop hour without a plan, or a walk that clears the head. Ormeau Park, Botanic Gardens, Cave Hill, Stormont, and the coastal paths beyond the city all offer the same thing in different ways, fresh air and a change of pace.

February does not need to be busy. It just needs a little intention. Pick two plans. Put them in the diary. Let the rest follow. 9

1) Book one theatre night

Lyric, The MAC, Grand Opera House, or a smaller stage.

2) Go to a midweek gig

Ulster Hall, Limelight, Black Box, or Oh Yeah Music Centre.

3) Do a slow café morning

Window seat, coffee, tray bake. No rushing.

4) Try a new lunch spot

Keep it easy. Go early. Midweek is best.

5) Spend one hour in a gallery

Ulster Museum, Golden Thread, Belfast Exposed, The MAC.

6) Cathedral Quarter after-dark

Early evening stroll, warm lights, no big plan needed.

7) A proper cinema night

Pick the film, book the seat, let your brain rest.

8) A bookshop browse with no agenda

Take your time. Choose something unexpected.

9) St George’s Market ritual

Belfast bap, coffee, browse, something local.

10) A Sunday walk reset

Ormeau, Botanic, Cave Hill, Stormont, or the coast.

11) Go for a “treat-yourself” breakfast

Quiet weekday morning if you can.

12) Visit a museum you’ve not been to in ages

Even a short visit counts.

13) Take a hot chocolate walk

Grab one to-go and wander the city.

14) Try a new early dinner menu

Before the weekend rush, when it’s calmer.

15) Do a rainy Belfast photo walk Reflections, neon, puddles, soft light.

16) Find one new local maker or shop

Small purchase, big joy.

17) Go to a talk or community event

Something thoughtful, something different.

18) In the evening head to the Albert Bridge to watch the marvel of the murmurations of starlings.

19) Do a proper “stay-in” night

Candle, good food, film, early bed. No guilt.

20) Plan one thing for March

Just one. A reminder that spring is coming.

I didn’t expect The Traitors to end on a note that felt genuinely heartwarming. It’s a show built on suspicion, strategy, and the constant possibility of betrayal, and yet the finale offered something quieter, and somehow more powerful. Integrity.

In the end, two people stuck by their word. They stayed faithful to each other, even when they could have turned. Even when the money was right there for the taking. Even when the rules of the game almost encouraged them to choose otherwise.

That choice felt bigger than the prize fund. Because it wasn’t really about money. It was about character. About what someone does when nobody would blame them for taking everything. About keeping your word when breaking it would be easier, and far more rewarding.

There was something unexpectedly moving in watching people choose loyalty over the prize fund, and principle over “winning.” In a world where so much can feel driven by greed, it was strangely uplifting to see someone say, quietly and clearly, this matters to me. My word means my word.

We don’t always notice integrity because it doesn’t make noise. It doesn’t announce itself. It’s usually private. A decision made in a moment, when you could easily choose something else.

But it stays with you.

The finale was a big reminder that the most satisfying ending isn’t always about taking it all. Sometimes it’s about leaving with the part of yourself you respect intact.

It’s not about the biggest prize. It’s leaving with your values.

There are few places in Northern Ireland that feel as dramatic as Downhill Estate. Perched above the Atlantic, this windswept headland delivers big skies, rugged clifftop paths and sweeping views that stretch along the North Coast. It is no surprise the estate sits within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and remains one of the most memorable walks in the region.

Starting from Castlerock train station, this 4 2 mile circular route offers an easy sense of adventure in just a couple of hours The trail follows coastline, forest paths and open headland before reaching the highlight of the walk, the iconic Mussenden Temple.

Sitting high on a 300 foot cliff edge, the temple is one of the most photographed landmarks on the island Built in 1785 by Frederick Augustus Hervey, the Earl Bishop of Derry, it was designed as a summer library and inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome Today, it remains a striking symbol of the estate’s history, imagination and scale

Along the route, there are plenty of details worth pausing for, including the Victorian Shell Pool, the quiet stillness of Black Glen Lake, the Belvedere viewpoint, and the ruins of Downhill House The walled gardens, gates and small historic structures scattered across the estate make it feel like a place designed for wandering slowly.

Distance: 4.2 miles (6.7km) Difficulty: Moderate

Good

to know

Wear sturdy shoes. There are steep steps, uneven ground and it can get muddy or slippery Dogs are welcome on leads.

Bring a layer, even on calm days it’s breezy up top.

Belfast Times tip

Go late afternoon if you can. The light on the cliff edge is unreal.

1 Start at Castlerock Train Station and follow The Moors Trail (pink markers).

2.Walk along Castlerock beach towards the Shell Pool

3.Continue the pink trail past Pool Green and up along the cliffs to the high point

4.Join the Downhill Trail (purple markers) with Black Glen Lake on your right.

5 Follow the purple trail out towards the cliffs, passing The Belvedere viewpoint.

6 Arrive at Mussenden Temple (the main highlight and halfway point).

7.Continue along the cliff edge past the Dovecote and Ice House into the estate

8.Walk through the Georgian Walled Garden to the Downhill House ruins

9.Head to Bishop’s Gate, then turn left through the arboretum.

10.Follow the Castlerock Trail (blue markers) back into the village and return to the station.

Sephora UK is opening its first Belfast store at Victoria Square on Thursday 12 February, marking its first launch of 2026 and its 13th UK location to date The new 2,550 sq ft store brings Sephora’s signature beauty playground to the heart of Belfast’s main shopping district, and represents the brand’s first ever opening on the island of Ireland.

Shake recently opened a new mega store right across from City Hall, packed wall-to-wall with the biggest and most trusted brands in the gym supplement game.

From performance and recovery to everyday health, there’s a huge range of products waiting when you step inside

A significant step forward for one of north Belfast’s most important historic buildings

Belfast Buildings Trust has received development funding to progress the next phase of regeneration at Carlisle Memorial, a landmark site reaching its 150th anniversary in 2026

The plans focus on reconnecting the building’s historic spaces, supporting creative use, and opening new pathways into culture, skills and community-led regeneration.

A story worth following.

The Ivy Belfast Brasserie has brought back its popular Taste of Ireland menu with new additions. Available every day, guests can enjoy two courses for £20.95, with the option to add dessert for £5.

Starters include Irish Stout and Onion Soup, Tamarind, Beetroot and Endive Salad, Silver Hill Duck Croquettes and Hot Smoked Salmon Rillettes. Mains range from the Ivy Shepherd’s Pie and Smoked Haddock and Salmon Fishcake to Chargrilled Halloumi, with the option to upgrade to a John Stone Bistro Steak for £4.95. Desserts include Bailey’s Caramel Chocolate Mousse, Frozen Berries, Kearney Blue Cheese or Drayne’s ice creams and sorbets.

Head Chef Diego Guerrero says the menu celebrates local producers and offers comforting, high-quality Irish dishes at great value. Bookings are available now at The Ivy Belfast Brasserie and The Ivy Dawson Street Dublin (menu and price varies).

The Taste of Ireland Menu is available until 28th February Book at www.ivycollection.com

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about what wine to share with that special someone (or to enjoy all for yourself!)

The most obvious way to impress the love of your life is with a bottle of fizz Perfect for any celebration, the pop of the cork and the gentle hiss of bubbles in the glass instantly set the scene for a romantic soirée. While Champagne is hard to beat, Crémant is a superb, more budget-friendly alternative This elegant French sparkling wine is made using the same traditional method as Champagne, with the bubbles created during a second fermentation in the bottle. Different regions across France use their own local grape varieties to produce Crémant, but Crémant de Bourgogne is my personal favourite as here they use the same grapes as in Champagne - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. The result is a beautiful Champagnestyle sparkling wine, with all the sophistication and finesse for a fraction of the cost

Try: Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne, £14 Sainsbury’s

If bubbles aren’t for you, then a rosé is another great option for Valentine’s Day. The pretty pink hue is the perfect partner for all the hearts and flowers and is sure to impress. Rosé is made from red grapes, but unlike red wine, the grape skins remain in contact with the fermenting wine for only a few hours rather than several weeks. The length of this maceration determines the final colour: shorter skin contact produces a pale, blush-style rosé, while longer contact results in a deeper, more vibrant pink.

Try: Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé, £9 Marks and Spencer or Arbousset Tavel Rosé, £13 Tesco, for a more deeply coloured option that’s full of fresh berry flavours.

For devotees of red wine, there’s no more appropriate option on Valentine’s Day than a bottle of Saint Amour This aptly named wine region is located in the north of Beaujolais in France and is one of the ten special ‘Crus’ where the very best Beaujolais wine is produced Made using the local Gamay grape, it’s light, fruity and very easy to drink. It also happens to be a great food pairing wine and will go nicely with most meals including grilled chicken, roast duck, salmon and even Asian food.

Try: La Victoire Saint Amour, £17.25 from Neill Wine in Groomsport and Helen’s Bay

mood swings to brain fog, there is no t that menopause can be challenging. It is the perfect opportunity to switch things up e. As our hormones change, so too do our ional needs and making a few simple ges to your diet and lifestyle can help you ort your health and help make the onal transition a little easier. .

itise Protein

ou know that women at mid-life need almost double the amount of protein they did in their 20s? As oestrogen levels change, women become more prone to muscle loss and weight changes. Protein helps protect lean muscle, supports a healthy metabolism and keeps you feeling full and energised. Aim to include quality protein at every meal think fish, chicken, eggs, pulses, tofu, nuts and seeds.

Eat better fat, not low fat

Forget low fat dieting, your body needs essential fats now, more than ever. Omega 3 and 6 fats, found in oily fish, nuts and seeds help to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to hormone balance. These fats also help with mood and cognitive function too – often one of the biggest issues women have at menopause.18

Phytoestrogens for hormone balance

Certain plant foods contain phytoestrogens. These natural compounds have a gentle balancing effect on oestrogen. Everyday heroes like flaxseeds, chickpeas, lentils and soya may ease symptoms such as hot flushes and support long-term wellbeing when included regularly. Aim to add flaxseed most days and eat pulses 3-4 times a week.

Eat real food!

A diet high in processed foods is associated with increased menopause symptoms including more intense flushes and sweats, sleep disturbances and poor memory and concentration. Build more vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, pulses, fish and meat into your diet and skip readymade or processed foods.

Drop the caffeine.

Caffeine has been shown to increase symptoms of hot flushes at menopause and is likely to impact on mood and sleep too. Make the switch to decaffeinated drinks, or herbal teas instead.

If you’d like to dig deeper into how food affects hormones, energy and overall wellbeing, join Nutritional Therapist Jane McClenaghan at the NI Science Festival talk Mid-Life Nutrition for Menopause at The Linen Hall, Belfast, on Friday 20 Feb at 1:00 pm.

She’ll break down the science, share everyday strategies and answer your questions empowering you to eat well and feel strong through mid-life and beyond.

Mid-Life Nutrition for Menopause | NI Science Festival

Let’s Talk About Red: The Secret Pop That Makes Every Outfit Instantly Stylish

February has strong associations with red thanks, Valentine’s Day. Red is synonymous with love, passion, and romance, so the month is filled with chocolate boxes, roses, and heart-shaped everything. Fashion and beauty brands lean in, too: red lipstick, scarves, and accessories spike in February campaigns, while designers use red in winter collections to break up neutrals or reference the occasion

Red has a reputation for being dramatic, which is unfair It’s not dramatic it’s efficient One small note of red can do the work of an entire outfit, which is perfect if you’re trying to get dressed in under five minutes without looking like you’ve given up Th st. It si un e

The mistake people make is thinking red has to be the outfit. It doesn’t. It’s better as a supporting act.

Red shoes quietly lift denim and knits without trying too hard.

A red bag sharpens tailoring and makes even a plain blazer feel considered.

Red lips are the simplest way to look finished no new clothes required.

Small red details like belts, scarves, or socks signal attention without effort.

A red cardigan or shirt layered under neutrals adds energy without tipping into costume. Used sparingly, red is reassuring rather than loud It suggests confidence without asking for attention, and style without chasing trends In a wardrobe built on longevity and restraint, it’s the one colour that never feels like an impulse purchase

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RED

Black/grey wardrobes → cherry or oxblood

Cream/camel/navy wardrobes → tomato or brick

Soft neutrals → washed-out or rusted reds

Play about with red, add any of the above then step away

Lips:

Blue-based cherry — classic, modern, powerful Soft brick red wearable, grown-up, very current

Why they work: blue-based reds sharpen the face; brick reds feel fashiony and polished Avoid orangey reds unless you want a bold statement.

RIVER ISLAND

RED BOMBER £49

Rio de Janeiro is a city that pulses with energy, colour, and natural beauty, offering visitors a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation Nestled between lush mountains and golden beaches, Rio is famous for its dramatic landscapes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re drawn by iconic landmarks, world-class beaches, or lively neighbourhoods, the city delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn

A visit to Rio would be incomplete without exploring its most recognisable symbol, Christ the Redeemer, standing proudly atop Corcovado Mountain The panoramic views from the summit provide a breathtaking introduction to the city’s geography, with Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay stretching into the distance Equally captivating is Sugarloaf Mountain itself, accessible by cable car and offering spectacular sunset views

Rio’s beaches are at the heart of local life Copacabana and Ipanema are not just places to sunbathe but social hubs where visitors can experience beach sports, street vendors, and laidback Brazilian culture Beyond the coastline, the city’s historic neighbourhoods, such as Santa Teresa, offer cobbled streets, art studios, and charming f h fl i i i i

Rio de Janeiro effortlessly combines urban excitement with natural wonder, making it a destination that appeals to every type of traveller seeking both adventure and relaxation

5 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Visit Christ the Redeemer for panoramic city views

Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain

Relax and people-watch on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches

Explore the artistic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa

Hike trails and discover waterfalls in Tijuca National Park

In a world increasingly dominated by fast living and digital noise, Castle Espie Wetland Centre offers a refreshing reminder of nature’s quiet power. Nestled along the shores of Strangford Lough, this wildlife sanctuary blends conservation, education and outdoor adventure into a destination that feels both inspiring and deeply restorative.

The centre welcomes visitors into a landscape shaped by water and wildlife Tranquil lagoons stretch across the reserve, while winding trails guide guests through habitats alive with birdsong and seasonal colour One of Castle Espie’s attractions is its internationally focused wetland aviary, where visitors can encounter rare and fascinating species from across the globe. Beyond observation, the centre creates opportunities for engagement through interactive exhibits, familyfriendly play areas and seasonal programmes designed to nurture environmental awareness

However, Castle Espie’s significance reaches far beyond recreation Wetlands remain one of the planet’s most valuable yet threatened ecosystems, playing a vital role in flood protection, water purification and biodiversity preservation By protecting and celebrating these landscapes, the centre highlights the urgent need for environmental stewardship

encourages visitors to reconnect with nature and recognise the fragile ecosystems that quietly support life across the globe

Where is Castle Espie?

Castle Espie Wetland Centre is situated 12 miles south east of Belfast on the shores of Strangford Lough

The centre is open 7 days a week, 363 days a year.

Visitor Centre - 10am to 5pm Reserve - 10am to 4 30pm

Kingfisher Café - 10am - 4pm

Jet2 is partnering with global tours and activities business Musement to offer an extensive selection of excursions, activities and attraction tickets for customers travelling on aJet2holidays package holiday or Jet2.com flight. The partnership means that all Jet2 customers across more than 75 destinations will be able to choose from a diverse portfolio of thousands of things to do, ranging from water park visits and boat trips, to sightseeing tours and off-road 4x4 adventures.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is launching a new ferry route from Larne this April. The service will run three times weekly in the offseason, increasing to five sailings at peak times This long-season schedule strengthens links for leisure and business travel, benefiting residents, visitors and freight customers.

To find out more visit the IOMSPC website.

This February room2 hometels invites guests to celebrate the ‘Month of Love’, whatever that may mean to them.

The new limited-edition ‘Perfect Pairings’ upgrade offering allows guests to curate their ideal stay room2 is the perfect spot to celebrate the Month of Love in a way that feels truly personal

Selected as one of the most romantic hotels in the UK by Harper's Bazaar, what could be more romantic than a fairytale castle getaway for two to Glenapp Castle in Scotland ? This February, escape to a place where time slows, fires glow a little warmer and romance takes centre stage. It is the month of love, after all!

Whether you’re looking for a cultural exploration of the Baltics, an expedition to the Arctic Circle, a luxurious sojourn along the Spanish Riviera, or even an islandhopping adventure in the Canary Islands, Southampton has you covered with easy, affordable cruise departures. Perfect for every traveller, no matter what climate suits your interest!

Interested in booking a cruise holiday?

Give Panache Cruises a call on 0161 513 8200 today and tell the team you’ve been referred by Jeff at Belfast Times to get extra Founders points when you book.

Atlas Bar will be brought to all four ships in the fleet, while Discoveries Restaurant will feel fresh and open with a sophisticated, contemporary feel The Chef’s Table will be rejuvenated, showcasing Azamara’s dedication to luxurious and immersive onboard experiences.

Most excitingly, suites and staterooms are set to be brightened up with a lighter, softer colour palette, chic furnishings and fresh bathrooms which feel more open and spacious. Plus, Azamara Forward will introduce a brand-new Penthouse Deck exclusively aboard Azamara Quest

www.panachecruises.com

To find out how to book an Azamara Cruise, visit www.panachecruises.com/azamaracruises

Interested in booking a cruise holiday?

Give Panache Cruises a call on 0161 513 8200 today and tell the team you’ve been referred by Jeff at Belfast Times to get extra Founders points when you book

CRUISE NEWS

Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary-and destination-focused luxury cruise line, invites discerning travellers to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a collection of 2026 Alaska and New England voyages These thoughtfully designed itineraries offer an elegant way to explore the land and history that have shaped the nation, all aboard Oceania Cruises' intimate, luxurious ships

Between May and October 2026, Oceania Cruises will offer 19 immersive voyages dedicated to Alaska and New England ports, inviting guests to savour unhurried exploration in these iconic regions.

Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess, at 115,875 tons and accommodating 2,670 guests, has added two specialty dining venues – Makoto Ocean and Princess’ signature, guest‑favourite steakhouse Crown Grill, further elevating the onboard culinary experience Reservations are now available for all sailings.

A new iconic adventure has officially begun. Royal Caribbean celebrated a major moment with the first cut of steel for the fifth ship in the record-breaking Icon Class, marking the start of construction on the new vacation experience set to debut in 2028