Northern Ireland’s only disability arts festival returning this autumn

The festival takes place against the backdrop of proposed benefit cuts for disabled people

Northern Ireland’s only disability arts festival returns this autumn with its most ambitious programme to date.

Now in its 14th year, Bounce continues tochampion disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent artists through a festival that’s open to all and creatively fearless. This year, the festival has a bold new theme of ‘Not Just…’ with events taking place in Belfast and Derry from October 2-5.

Against the backdrop of proposed benefit cuts for disabled people in the UK, Bounce 2025 celebrates art as activism, community, and joy. The theme ‘Not Just…’ speaks to the layered experiences of disabled people—who are also parents, carers, LGBTQIA+ people, migrants, artists, workers, and more. It’s an urgent call for richer representation and deeper inclusion.

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Edel Murphy, CEO and Artistic Director of University of Atypical, the organisation behind Bounce, said: “I am truly excited to reveal this year’s Bounce 2025 programme. We’ve had to add an extra day this year to accommodate our packed programme.

“Bounce is not just a festival—it’s a movement. As individuals, we are not just one thing,” she added. “This year’s artists bring a wealth of intersectional experiences that challenge stereotypes and celebrate complexity.”

Patricia Lavery, Head of Community Arts and Participation, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “We are committed to supporting and celebrating the work of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, and the Bounce Arts Festival does just that, offering a vital platform to shine a light on the work of these talented artists.

“Congratulations to University of Atypical who have curated yet another terrific programme this year and I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy this incredible festival!”

Ciara Smyth, Chair of University of Atypical, thanked the funders from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland along with Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, National Lottery Communities Fund, Department for Communities, Arts Council of Northern Ireland Commissioning Programme supported by the National Lottery, Cultural Bridge, Belfast Harbour Community Awards, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland through The Ultach Fund, Esmé Mitchell Trust and Blueprint through Arts and Business NI.

Festival highlights across the four days:

• Not Just BS (Breakfast Symposium) will be held on consecutive days in both Belfast and Derry-Londonderry. These networking and panel events feature some of the leading artists and performers exploring the importance of disability representation, intersectionality, and inclusion in the arts.
• Eugene McPeake will perform a blend of folk, blues, jazz and original compositions, at the Black Box in Belfast. His music is paired with a poetic short film to create a layered storytelling experience rooted in place, memory, and imagination.
• Still Not Your Pity Party! At The Playhouse in Derry – Queer, d/Deaf, and disabled performers take the mic in this high-energy cabaret challenging pity narratives with pride, power, and unapologetic humour.
• Fócloir Faoi Mhíchumas / Disability Dictionary at the Duncairn Centre in Belfast with Billí Mills & Soso Ní Cheallaigh exploring disability and Gaeilge through words, movement, and collective imagination. No prior Irish or arts experience required.
• Tales from the Mother at the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast – acclaimed dancers Helen Hall and Linda Fearon collaborate in this raw and intimate performance about motherhood, loss, and shared strength, told through movement and music.
• Out of the Box comedy at the Black Box with Ross Mitchell and a stellar lineup of disabled and neurodivergent comedians delivering big laughs and razor-sharp observations in a night that refuses to play it safe.

“These events are just a taste of the packed, exciting programme we’re proud to present this year,” says Edel Murphy. “Bounce 2025 is diverse, disability-led, and for everyone. This festival belongs to you—come make it your own.”

Tickets and full schedule are available at: https://universityofatypical.org/bounce/.

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