The programme for the inaugural Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival has been launched, revealing a truly world-class line-up of artists and events to inspire, provoke and stimulate. It will feature 134 events from 23 countries, including 18 UK and Ireland Premieres, 9 Northern Ireland Premieres, 3 Irish premieres and 2 world premieres.

Major programme strands include a focus on arts and culture from India and Mexico; a wide range of spoken word and physical theatre and contemporary dance from acclaimed stage artists across the globe and new collaborative works and installations from the edges of Europe.

The Festival opens on 9 October with Adrian Dunbar starring in The Night Alive written and directed by Conor McPherson at the Lyric Theatre and also includes the multi-sensory stage spectacular, The Kitchen from India; the acknowledged pioneer of Europe’s cirque nouveau movement to name just a few.

The city becomes the backdrop for a series of visual and performance-based installations created by artists from around Europe as part of the Corners of Europe programme in association with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Artist residencies and events will take place from the New Lodge to The Mill at Conway Street and the offices of the Belfast Telegraph, with a few surprise locations yet to be revealed.

Offering a truly rolling programme, with many performances only on for two or three nights, audiences at the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival could select something different every night of the week for the full 24 days of Festival.

Pictured are sponsors and supporters of the inaugural Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival.