The festival is the largest comedy, circus, and outdoor arts festival on the island of Ireland, with over 70 performances taking place on the streets of Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter.
The festival is the brainchild of the late Belfast Community Circus School Director Will Chamberlain, who believed passionately in the power of street theatre and laughter to bring people together regardless of background, religion or language. He established Festival of Fools in Cathedral Quarter in Belfast at a time when the area was a far cry from the bustling cultural centre it is today.
Nowadays the Festival is a firm fixture on Northern Ireland’s cultural calendar, bringing thousands of visitors to Cathedral Quarter and the city centre.
Event Dates and Times
Fri 29th April: Thick as Thieves circus show at Writers Square – From 6 pm
Sat 30th April: Multiple events available from 1 pm – 6 pm
Sun 1st May: Multiple events available from 1 pm – 6 pm
Mon 2nd May: Multiple events available from 1 pm – 6 pm
Main Performance Locations
St Anne’s Cathedral Car Park – 30 Edward St, Belfast BT1 2LP
St Anne’s Square – Edward St, Belfast BT1 2LS
Writers’ Square – Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2HB
Cathedral Gardens – Belfast BT1 2GT
