Showcase Stage Heading
 

Sunday 28th August
12pm - 8.30pm, Botanic Gardens

Download Programme

Artists

Belfast Community Gospel Choir

Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC) perform with power and energy, creating a dynamic vocal sound. They are led by their charismatic director, Marie Lacey. BCGC is a professional gospel choir that perform at concerts, civic & charitable events, festivals and weddings. They also provide backing vocals for international and local music artists performing in Northern Ireland. Although based in Belfast, choir members come from all parts of the province. The choir takes pride in the fact that it is completely multicultural and cross community. Following decades of violence, division and political upheaval in their country, BCGC are committed to performing music that carries the message of love, joy and peace and to promoting a positive image of Belfast City.

Magwere

Fronted by Zimbabwean born singer & percussionist Wilson Magwere, the band formed in Belfast, Northern Ireland several years ago. Since then they have been performing everywhere from civic events to international music festivals, private parties, local venues and have even found time to facilitate drum workshops with various community groups. Their music is primarily influenced by Zimbabwean rebel music, but there are elements of funk, reggae & trance also present in the mix. The result is comparable to Indian music (or even early Stooges) where hypnotic beats and basslines revolve around a single choral centre and form the foundation for a vertical colour of sound generated by guitar, keyboard and flashes of djembe.

Tír na n-Óg Irish Dancers

The Tir Na n-Og Irish Dancing Group was established in 1998 and consists of children and young people from all sections of the community in North Belfast and beyond. Dancers meet twice weekly to learn new steps in both solo and team dance traditions. They work hard to perfect the art of Festival Dancing and compete regularly in Irish Dancing Festivals all over Northern Ireland and beyond. Tír Na n-Óg is extremely proud of the high standards attained by its dancers both competitively and in performance work and teachers work tirelessly towards unlocking the full potential of every individual dancer. 

The Emerald Armada

The Emerald Armada set sail in early 2010. The fleet began with the friendship of singer/songwriter Augustus Allen and bassist Gary Lynas. From an early age these two companions grew up to love the sound of raw, energetic and meaningful music from such artists as John Martyn to Pearl Jam. after a few promising sessions The Emerald Armada was brought to life with the soul ambition of creating music from all of lifes little inspirations. After an impressive debut show in the acclaimed Black Box, followed by a jam-packed performance at the John Hewitt, The Emerald Armada are ready to roll on and take the seven seas by storm!

South Asian Dance Academy

The South Asian Dance Academy Programme teaches Kathak and other forms of classical dance to groups across Northern Ireland.  As well as showcasing the dance form itself, the programme delivers informative sessions on the history and heritage of the dance and the country from which it hails. This programme hopes to showcase this new form of dance, teach people about a different culture, as well as allowing people access to dance and movement as a form of expression and learning.

Success Lion

The Success Dragon & Lion Dance Association was founded in 2005 by Master Yuk Shan (Alan) Lui with the partnership of the Belfast Metropolitan College (formally Belfast Institute of Further & Higher Education) for the purpose of promoting and perpetuating an appreciation for Chinese culture in Northern Ireland. Working in extensive partnership with ArtsEkta, Success Lion will provide pint-size workshops in Chinese martial arts and lion dance.

Eternal Taal

Eternal Taal (translating to ‘Everlasting Beats’) are a professional female Bhangra dancing and drumming group in the West Midlands.  DHOL drumming & Bhangra dancing is a male dominated art but they have a team of female mixed male drummers and dancers who perform professionally at many social occasions with a modern westernised twist! They are an established group and have performed on the biggest stages such as Glastonbury festival 2009/2010, Eden Project Cornwall 09, London Mela, Clothes show NEC 09, Belfast Holi festival, Sports relief with BBC Asian Network, House of Commons 2010, Belfast Mela 2010, Birmingham opening of Britain’s Got Talent, British Asian Sports Awards 2011, Spain Malaga

Carrickmannon

Traditional Irish Music group, from Carrickmannon area of Co Down. The group is made up of fiddle, flute, bodhrán and whistle players. All are regular competitors and winners at the All-Ireland Fleadh. 

Sikh Sword Dancing

Since its foundation Irish Sikh Council is involved in promoting cultural diversity in Ireland.  Over the years their participation at Festival of World Cultures and a number of other cultural events across the country have been very well recieved by audiences and raised awareness about Sikh arts and culture. They have developed strong capabilities within the organisation to provide community-based Sikh cultural acts in music, dance & martial arts. 

Fire Poise

From corporate events to festivals, from parades to parties, FirePoise is an event favourite across Ireland and Northern Ireland. From regular performances for Belfast City Council at their Enchanted Evening and Halloween events, to workshops and fire displays for local councils around Ireland - and of course, leading the Dublin St Patrick's Day parade for three consecutive years, this highly talented group will lighten up the Mela with fantastic and dazzling ribbon poi displays throughout the day.