Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is hosting a range of events in celebration of Ulster Scots Week 2024 (25-29 November). The week marks the contribution the Ulster-Scotch language makes to life through music, arts and culture.

Ulster-Scotch Leid Week provides a platform for communities to re-engage with the language recognising its intrinsic value to enhance a sense of self and place.

The programme of events forms part of the Council’s Good Relations Programme which is funded by the Northern Ireland Executive Office.

A series of daily poems

Island Arts Centre Social Media

Everyday a poem will be selected from the Ulster Scots journal ‘Yarns’ and featured on the ISLAND Arts Centre’s facebook and Instagram social media platforms.

Look out to see some fantastic examples of the Ulster Scots language extracted from its collection of prose and poetry.

Silk family art workshop by Pauline Mathew

Wednesday 27 November
Island Arts Centre


Choose from two sessions: 10am to 11.30am or 2pm to 3.30pm. Booking essential.

Discover the art of silk painting at this special workshop led by artist Pauline Matthew. Explore the heritage of Ulster Scots through the painting of a Thistle, the national flower of Scotland.

Pauline will be accompanied by British Sign Language Interpreters.

Storytelling by Steve Lally

Wednesday 27 November, 4.30pm
Enler Community Centre, Dundonald

This is a closed event

Steve Lally has over 15 years’ experience in storytelling and has authored and published two books. He is renowned for encapsulating audiences by telling folk tales from Ireland and around the world in his particular style. Steve reimagines myths, legends, recitations and ignites a curiosity within his listeners.

As part of Ulster Scots week Steve will be hosting a number of storytelling sessions for local community groups within the Dundonald area.

Cup O’ Joe

Friday 29 November, 6.30pm-9pm
Studio Theatre, Lagan Valley Island

Booking essential

Join bluegrass & folk band Cup O’ Joe for a night of celebration of the Ulster Scots language, music and storytelling. Cup O’ Joe blends the intricate tones of bluegrass, folk and jazz tones to create their own progressive acoustic sound.

They will be accompanied by Anne Harper on Harp and storytelling narrative.

This is a licensed event.

Bookings for all events open to the public can be made through Island Arts Centre or by calling 028 9244 7452.