Peace Proms 2027

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland are bringing their Peace Proms production to The O2 Belfast for three shows across two days: Saturday 6 March at 15:00, and Sunday 7 March with a matinee at 13:00 and an evening show at 19:00. It's a big youth orchestra — 100 members — and the production is more than a traditional concert. The programme mixes peace anthems with Disney and pop classics, and the orchestra is joined on stage by choirs of children, soloists, drummers, pipers and dancers from across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

There's a fair bit of guest talent on the bill. Maestro Greg Beardsell conducts, and the guest performers include All-Ireland Champion Uilleann Piper Ruadhán Collier O'Brien and vocalist Lauren Murphy. They're joined by a power corps of pipers and drummers from bands across Ireland and Northern Ireland, alongside Ulster Scots and Irish dancing. The whole thing is built around the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, a youth orchestra founded in 1995 that draws almost 10,000 schoolchildren across three concerts, with equal representation from both communities.

Peace Proms is one of Ireland's most uplifting musical celebrations, and it sets out to prove that music can build friendship, understanding and cooperation across communities. The orchestra itself has played Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and Chicago Symphony Hall, and has performed for leaders including President Michael D. Higgins, King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

With three shows over the weekend, there's a bit of choice on when to catch it. The Saturday matinee is at 15:00, and Sunday has a 13:00 and a 19:00. All three are at The O2 Belfast.