Belfast International Bellet Festival 2026
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Belfast International Ballet Festival 2026
From 27 July to 1 August 2026, Belfast will once again become a vibrant centre for ballet as the Belfast International Ballet Festival welcomes dancers, artists, and audiences from across Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, England and Türkiye.
Presented by High Points Youth Ballet, one of Northern Ireland's leading pre-professional ballet training organisations, the festival celebrates artistic excellence, international collaboration and the future of ballet. Following the High Points Youth Ballet Summer Intensive, dancers spend two weeks training with internationally renowned teachers and artists before coming together for a series of inspiring performances at The MAC Belfast.
Festival Performances
🩰 Future of Ballet
Friday 31 July 2026 | 7:00 PM
A celebration of the next generation of ballet artists, featuring High Points Youth Ballet students and Summer Intensive participants. The programme includes an adaptation of Act III from Paquita, one of classical ballet's most celebrated works, alongside a diverse collection of solos, duets, and ensemble pieces. Guest performances from Scotland's S-MB Company and visiting youth ballet organisations further showcase the festival's international spirit.
🩰 Ballet Heritage
Saturday 1 August 2026 | 3:00 PM
Celebrating the richness and inclusivity of the ballet community, Ballet Heritage brings together adult ballet companies, guest artists, and younger performers in a unique programme that demonstrates how ballet can inspire, challenge, and enrich lives at every age and stage of life.
🩰 Ballet Gala of Stars
Saturday 1 August 2026 | 7:00 PM
The festival concludes with a spectacular Gala featuring internationally performing Northern Ireland-born ballet artists Leigh Alderson, Anna McCoy, and Luc Burns, who return home to perform in Belfast. Sharing the stage with youth ballet companies from across Ireland and Scotland, these accomplished professionals celebrate both the excellence of Northern Ireland's ballet talent and the future of the art form.
Each performance culminates in a grand finale featuring the entire festival cast—a powerful celebration of dedication, creativity, community, and artistic ambition.
Whether you are a lifelong ballet enthusiast or discovering dance for the first time, the Belfast International Ballet Festival offers an inspiring week of world-class training, outstanding performances, and unforgettable artistic experiences.
🎟️ Tickets: https://themaclive.com/your-visit/belfast-international-ballet-festival
📍 Venue: The MAC Belfast
Join us for a remarkable celebration of ballet, talent and international friendship in the heart of Belfast.
Supported by the Belfast City Council
From 27 July to 1 August 2026, Belfast will once again become a vibrant centre for ballet as the Belfast International Ballet Festival welcomes dancers, artists, and audiences from across Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, England and Türkiye.
Presented by High Points Youth Ballet, one of Northern Ireland's leading pre-professional ballet training organisations, the festival celebrates artistic excellence, international collaboration and the future of ballet. Following the High Points Youth Ballet Summer Intensive, dancers spend two weeks training with internationally renowned teachers and artists before coming together for a series of inspiring performances at The MAC Belfast.
Festival Performances
🩰 Future of Ballet
Friday 31 July 2026 | 7:00 PM
A celebration of the next generation of ballet artists, featuring High Points Youth Ballet students and Summer Intensive participants. The programme includes an adaptation of Act III from Paquita, one of classical ballet's most celebrated works, alongside a diverse collection of solos, duets, and ensemble pieces. Guest performances from Scotland's S-MB Company and visiting youth ballet organisations further showcase the festival's international spirit.
🩰 Ballet Heritage
Saturday 1 August 2026 | 3:00 PM
Celebrating the richness and inclusivity of the ballet community, Ballet Heritage brings together adult ballet companies, guest artists, and younger performers in a unique programme that demonstrates how ballet can inspire, challenge, and enrich lives at every age and stage of life.
🩰 Ballet Gala of Stars
Saturday 1 August 2026 | 7:00 PM
The festival concludes with a spectacular Gala featuring internationally performing Northern Ireland-born ballet artists Leigh Alderson, Anna McCoy, and Luc Burns, who return home to perform in Belfast. Sharing the stage with youth ballet companies from across Ireland and Scotland, these accomplished professionals celebrate both the excellence of Northern Ireland's ballet talent and the future of the art form.
Each performance culminates in a grand finale featuring the entire festival cast—a powerful celebration of dedication, creativity, community, and artistic ambition.
Whether you are a lifelong ballet enthusiast or discovering dance for the first time, the Belfast International Ballet Festival offers an inspiring week of world-class training, outstanding performances, and unforgettable artistic experiences.
🎟️ Tickets: https://themaclive.com/your-visit/belfast-international-ballet-festival
📍 Venue: The MAC Belfast
Join us for a remarkable celebration of ballet, talent and international friendship in the heart of Belfast.
Supported by the Belfast City Council
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Where is it happening?
The MAC, Saint Annes Square, 11 Edward Street, Belfast, BT1 2, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherHigh Points Youth Ballet
