South Belfast community festival returning for ‘bigger and better’ fifth year

The festival was set up to bring the community together to reconnect after lockdown

A free community festival in South Belfast is returning for a “bigger and better” fifth year.

Ballynafest was created by a group of local residents in the Ballynafeigh area, with the first event taking place in 2021. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength, with over 1,500 people in attendance last year.

The festival came from an idea to bring the community together for an outdoor event to reconnect after a series of lockdowns. It moved to Ormeau Park in 2023 due to growing popularity, where it will take place again this Saturday, September 13.

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It will feature free activities designed for all ages including a petting zoo, live music, sports activities, dancing, a walking tour, and much more.

The event is run by a group of volunteers, known as Open Ormeau, who have led a number of community initiatives over the years all aimed at improving the local area. This includes a ‘greening the alleys’ initiative which led to a number of residents working together to clean and repurpose their alleys with planting and seats.

One of the volunteers who has been involved since the beginning, Suzanne Lagan, said: “We are delighted to be running the festival again this year, which has become a firm favourite in the calendar for many.

“We’re a really small team of volunteers and we’re lucky to have received funding from Belfast City Council to pay the various performers and entertainers who’ll be there on the day with so much to do from drumming, breakdancing or arts as well as arts and crafts and more.

“For us, it’s an opportunity for people in the community to enjoy free activities. We work hard to make sure there’s something for everyone as well as a range of interactive activities as a way for people to meet their neighbours and make connections.

“We take on feedback every year and have some brilliant new additions this year including a sensory play tent, arts and crafts areas and a walking tour so we’re confident this will be the best one yet!”

Ballynafest will take place from 2 – 5pm Saturday, September 13 in Ormeau Park. More information is available on OpenOrmeau social media channels.

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