All About Belsonic Festival

Belfast, Antrim, UK

Open air

L – 5k-20k

Electronic, Rock, Pop

$$$

International, Casual, Live Music

+3 Days

Belsonic Festival has become a hotbed for award-winning DJs, rock stars, and folk music heroes.

Everything from electronic and rock to pop and hip-hop is played at the event, ensuring that all attendees will experience their go-to genre.

But what makes Belsonic unique is its vibrant crowd. With as many as 15,000 festival-goers, artists like Dermot Kennedy, Timmy Trumpet, and Picture This acknowledged the audience’s sheer enthusiasm.

Here’s everything you need to know about Belsonic.

Belsonic was initially held at Custom House Square

Before becoming one of the most anticipated events in Northern Ireland, Belsonic had its fair share of humble beginnings at Custom House Square.

Its inaugural 2008 show ran over three days and invited A-list headliners like psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips, English indie group The Enemy, and Liverpool’s The Zutons to join the beat-fueled shenanigans.

After a couple of successful years at Custom House Square, Belsonic moved to Titanic Belfast – The Slipways in 2016, making room for extensive lineups and ever-growing crowds.

However, this move was short-lived – for all the right reasons. Thanks to the festival’s roaring success at Titanic Belfast, it didn’t take long for Belsonic to move to Ormeau Park in 2017.

Belsonic features celebrated DJs, rockstars, folk singers, and more

What makes Belsonic Festival stand out in a sea of live music events is its commitment to giving voice to every music genre.

A multi-genre fest through and through, the event showcases international headlines from electronic, rock, folk, hip-hop, and pop.

Belsonic has witnessed some of the most prominent names in the music industry take to the stage. You can find trendy DJs like Marshmello and Skrillex, as well as legendary rock stars Slash and Green Day.

Other artists who graced the festival include folk singer The Lumineers, pop sensation Ellie Goulding, and electrifying rapper Stormzy.

Dermot Kennedy played two shows in a row

It is not often that an artists performs two shows at the same festival during the same edition.

But that didn’t happen to Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy. Overwhelmed by the audience’s response, Dermot took to his Instagram to express his immense gratitude.

Dermot, whose debut album Without Fear spent 28 non-consecutive weeks on the charts, has been highly regarded as one of Ireland’s biggest success stories. With over one billion global streams, he’s one of the major talents that Belsonic Festival has hosted.

Timmy Trumpet sold out Belsonic in 2018

The multi-talented musician, famous for his live trumpets, jazz influences, and breakthrough single Freaks, is one of the most influential and sought-after artists.

A fan jumped on the Belsonic stage for a selfie with Martin Garrix

What’s a music festival without its hilarious moments? During Belsonic 2017, a determined fan climbed onto the stage during Martin Garrix’s set to get a selfie with the internationally-acclaimed DJ.

The fan somehow bypassed security successfully and briefly met Garrix on stage. But before he could get a quick snap with his idol, on-stage security immediately pulled him away, leaving the DJ slightly shocked and amused.

Talking about Belsonic’s enthusiastic audience.

Liam Gallagher canceled a Belsonic gig because of a helicopter incident

Nothing is more rock ‘n’ roll than an unwanted incident, especially if it involves a helicopter.

Liam Gallagher, former Oasis frontman and now solo artist, was scheduled to perform at Belsonic 2021.

A few days before his gig, the British singer accidentally fell out of the helicopter during the Isle of Wight Festival and injured himself.

“So check this out I fell out the helicopter last night you couldn’t write it. All good. Who said RnR is dead Keith Moon eat your drum skin out C’mon you know LG.”

With a busted nose and several facial injuries, Liam was forced to reschedule his Belsonic show at short notice.

The company who founded Belsonic also managed a club

Belsonic Festival wouldn’t be possible without Shine Productions Ltd, known for its Shine Nightclub venture. Opened in 1995 by DJ Alan Simms, the clubbing destination was one of Belfast’s most respected electronic temples.

Music heroes like Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin and Deep Dish performed at the club during its heyday, giving revelers a taste of international electronic music.

Shine grew immensely over the next years and is now the production house behind events at Limelight, Custom House Square, and of course, Belsonic. But sadly, the nightclub is not part of the picture anymore, as it permanently closed its doors in 2008.