It’s been described as the nearest thing the Belfast Festival has to a “fringe” – even though it takes place several months before the bigger event. The organisers of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival are pleased to be seen as somewhat on the edge – promising alternative venues and more experimental, even risqué artists. That’s not to says it’s obscure or totally divorced from the Arts Establishment – this May it’s managed to lure Sinead O’Connor to the city for the first time in twenty years. She’ll perform with the Ulster Orchestra in a free concert to be broadcast live on BBC Radio.
We’re promised the twelve days will “begin with a climax, follow through with a crescendo and finish with an event that will change the way you view the world forever.” As you may expect, traditional music features strongly in the programme, from artists such as Sharon Shannon and Liam Clancy, but there’s also room for Bassekou Kouyate, Malian Ngoni player, and Japanese-born Damo Suzuki (from the 70’s krautrock group “Can”).
The main problem for a ticket-buyer is that with most events crammed into a relatively short festival, (eleven plays in twelve days, anyone?) there are bound to be clashes and tough choices to be made. The sense of a culturally flourishing city will be enhanced by the presence of two other events during May: the Festival of Fools, celebrating clowning and street performance, runs during the CQAF over the bank holiday weekend; the Belfast Children’s Festival takes over the city at the end of the month.
One way to soak up the artistic atmosphere is a guided cycle tour of Belfast, with a Flann O’Brien theme. Fancy dress is optional , but there are prizes for the most unfashionable bicycle, best costume and noisiest bell.
Festival Director Sean Kelly says it’s honestly hard to pick a favourite. He’ll happily stand over every act selected, from the big hitters like O’Connor and The Fall, to the Bluegrass in the basement of a pub, to comedians such as Simon Munnery upstairs in a (different) pub.
“I can’t claim to have my finger on the pulse of what’s new and edgy, and we are a small team – but with solid partnerships in various fields – with music promoters, for example, whose instincts I trust absolutely. It’s these relationships which keep us strong”.
It’s also the compactness of the central team which ensures the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival’s success in times of underfunding and budget pressures. Only one member is employed full-time, and overheads are kept as low as possible. There‘s some sponsorship but no single major donor, which leaves Sean with complete freedom when it comes to programming.
Sean describes his work as tightrope-walking: “The Arts Council, who fund us, and the sponsors like something they can recognise. But we also want to retain our core audience who seek something outside the mainstream.” It’s a balancing act which has stayed steady and remained entertaining for nine years now, with audiences growing each time.
The festival runs 1-12 May 2008.
