The Ties That Bind - Secret Song

The Duncairn hosts The Ties That Bind - Secret Song on Saturday 14 November, a night of live music and spoken word that takes its name from a cross-island creative partnership. The project brings together two of Ireland's grassroots venues — Levis' Corner House in Ballydehob, West Cork, and The Duncairn Arts Centre here in North Belfast. Since July 2024, artists from both communities have worked together through residencies, performances and exchanges, and this night is one of the results. It's funded by Creative Ireland's 'Creative Communities on a Shared Island' initiative, with support from Cork County Council and Belfast City Council.

The evening draws on the Secret Song Music Festival, which has run annually at Levis' for eleven years. The whole point of that festival is that the line-up is kept secret until the day, so you don't know who's playing until they step on stage. Past surprise guests there have included Lisa Hannigan, Ye Vagabonds, Jen Grant, Mick Flannery, SOAK, Rozi Plain, Lily Lyons and George Houston. This Belfast night follows that same spirit, with the music and spoken word coming from a mystery bill that stays under wraps until the night itself.

It's a strictly 18+ event, so keep that in mind if you're planning to bring anyone along. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets are £25 plus booking fee.