Celebrating Diversity and Creativity: Entertainment Highlights at the NICVA Future Thinking Summit
The NICVA Future Thinking Summit 2024 is set to include an incredible lineup of local entertainment that will enrich the event with performances that bring people together through music, art and circus acts.
Here are some of the exciting performances that attendees can look forward to.
Tunes Translated: Intercultural Connections Through Music
One of the most heartwarming additions to this year’s entertainment is Tunes Translated, a musical integration project that beautifully captures the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange. In a world often divided by borders and barriers, Tunes Translated uses the universal language of music to bring together participants from 15 different countries. From Sudan to Somalia, Iran to Ukraine, and Tanzania to Ireland, this unique initiative showcases tunes from around the world alongside Irish Traditional music.
Developed through research and supported by funding from Belfast City Council, the project has created a space for migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and locals to share their musical traditions. Tunes Translated serves as a reminder that music has the power to unite us, no matter our background.
Colin Ukulele Band (CUB): Bringing Joy Through Ukuleles
For those seeking music that brings smiles and spreads positivity, look no further than the Colin Ukulele Band (CUB). Formed through the Colin Men’s Shed initiative, this community-based group uses music to foster social connections and provide an uplifting space for local men to learn, grow, and bond. The ukulele’s playful and light-hearted sound is the perfect vehicle for CUB’s mission—to spread laughter, joy, and happiness throughout their community.
Their performance at the NICVA Summit is sure to infuse the event with warmth and togetherness, showcasing how music can be a powerful tool for building supportive environments and promoting mental health.
Circusful: Adding Colour and Wonder to the Summit
Circusful is Ireland’s leading circus arts organisation, transforming the traditional art of circus into a modern and inclusive performance style. Based in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, Circusful has been dazzling audiences for over 36 years, evolving from the Belfast Community Circus School into a symbol of creativity and community engagement.
At the NICVA Future Thinking Summit, Circusful performers will bring a sense of wonder and excitement, incorporating acrobatics, juggling, and other circus skills that will captivate attendees of all ages. Their performances are not just about entertainment—they also promote inclusivity and artistic expression, aligning perfectly with the summit’s values of diversity and collaboration.
Quire: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Through Music
Recognised as Belfast Pride’s Entertainer of the Year, Quire is a musical ensemble that embodies the inclusivity and diversity of Northern Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community. More than just a choir, Quire creates a space where queer joy is celebrated through music, transcending divisions and bringing together people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
Their performance at the NICVA Summit will be a vibrant showcase of talent and togetherness, offering audiences an uplifting experience that highlights the power of music to unite and inspire.
Seisiún na mBan: Elevating FLINTA Voices in Music
Rounding out the musical offerings is Seisiún na mBan, a unique event series focused on amplifying FLINTA (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender, and Agender) musicians and performers. As part of a broader movement to create balance and representation in the music industry, Seisiún na mBan curates a mix of genres and talents, offering a platform for underrepresented voices to shine.
The NICVA Future Thinking Summit is much more than a gathering of ideas and discussions. With performances from Tunes Translated, the Colin Ukulele Band, Circusful, Quire, and Seisiún na mBan, the summit promises to be an unforgettable experience that celebrates the creativity, talent, and cultural richness of our communities.