Strand Arts Centre’s Temporary Move to Connswater Shopping Centre

As you might know, Strand Arts Centre is undergoing major restoration works, and we’re thrilled to announce our temporary relocation to Connswater Shopping Centre. While our beloved venue undergoes its transformation, we’ll continue to bring a vibrant array of cultural activities and entertainment to the Belfast community.

Final Curtain Call and Temporary Closure

Our last live music event will be on the 29th of June, followed by a special screening of the original Star Wars on the 5th of July 2024. After this, Northern Ireland’s last picture house will close its doors for the refurbishment, which is estimated to take approximately 18 months.

What’s Happening at Connswater Shopping Centre?

At our new Connswater location, you’ll find a diverse line-up of events and activities from 10am to 6pm, ensuring there’s something for everyone:

• Minors Club: Enjoy free films for the whole family, providing a fun outing for children and parents alike.
• Creative Arts Workshops: Engage in hands-on activities designed for all children and adults.
• Silver Screenings: Special movie sessions tailored for senior audiences, bringing classic cinema to everyone.
• Seasonal Cultural Classic Pop-Up Screenings: Celebrate various cultural seasons with fun and festive film screenings throughout the year.
• 8mm/16mm Film Club: Join our unique club for screenings and discussions around classic film formats.

Stay Connected with the Strand

Our Connswater location will also serve as an information centre. Here, you can:

• Learn more about our £6.5m renovation plans and the ‘Name a Seat’ fundraising campaign.
• Explore Northern Ireland’s picture house history and access archive film footage.
• Purchase refreshments and Strand merchandise to support the venue.

Community Engagement and Festivals

We will continue to participate in several annual festivals, hosting unique ‘pop-up’ screenings, live performances, and workshops in various venues across Belfast and beyond, such as Shorts Sports & Recreation Club, Harland & Wolff Social Club, and Banana Block. These events are designed to maintain strong community connections during the refurbishment period. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for details of these events.

Private Hire

Our pop-up screening room at Connswater Shopping Centre offers an intimate and unique setting for private events. Available for hire at £125 per session throughout the week (excluding Thursdays) and on weekends. Our available slots are a two-hour block from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Please note, in December the hire fee is £150.

This space is perfect for hosting private film screenings, family gatherings, film clubs, or kids’ birthday parties, where you can bring your own cake to make the celebration extra special.

To discuss your event and tailor the experience to your needs, please contact Linda at linda@strandartscentre.com. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred date and time.

Join Us at Connswater Shopping Centre

We look forward to welcoming you to our new home at Connswater Shopping Centre from the end of July. This marks an exciting new chapter for arts and culture in Belfast, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Contact Us:
Email: emma@strandartscentre.com
Phone: 028 9065 5830

Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see you at Connswater!