Our regular gig guide picks out a handful of must see gigs taking place across Northern Ireland.
It is a busy month so rather than do two guides and have you complain about missing shows or not being able to plan ahead, we’ve condensed December into one post.
Foo Laa Fest – 5 December 2024 – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
FOOLIGAN are putting on their first festival this week and its an absolute banger. With M(h)aol, Silverbacks, The Love Buzz, Makeshift Art Bar, Jock, Affection To Rent and Martha Greer on the bill, you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck.
No Oil Paintings – 12 December 2024 – The Empire, Belfast
Boisterous Americana specialists No Oil Paintings close out a quiet 2024 with a headline performance in the stunning surrounds of the Belfast Empire. Support on the night comes from Connor McCann and the Heroine Choir.
LEVELS – 12 December 2024 – Mandela Hall, Belfast
LEVELS has quickly become one of the best places to see up and coming talent. Its December edition features three hot prospects in the form of Penny’s Band, Ethan Hollan and Sweet Neptune.
Benjamin Amos – 13 December 2024 – Northern Regional College, Coleraine
Benjamin Amos of Sullivan & Gold fame returns to the North Coast to play in the NRC’s beautifully restored St Patrick’s Centre with band and legendary Arco String Quartet.
Crypt of the Riff – 13 & 13 December 2024 – Voodoo, Belfast
A monumental weekend as it’s the tenth edition of the always highly anticipated riff-worshipping festival, seeing ten bands take to the stage across the two days.
RUÁ – 14 December 2024 – Bennigans, Derry
RUÁ marks the release of her debut EP, the Healing with a show in Bennigans ahead of the Christmas festivities. We are promised a series of special guests as well as a taster for her follow up EP, The Magic Theatre, due early 2025.
amended – 14 December 2024 – INF, Newry
Yew Tree Promotions have put some hard yards in this year running gigs in Newry. Their December edition features pop/rock outfit amended alongside Ballistic and ilisium.
SONI Christmas Special – 18 December 2024 – Empire Belfast
Phil McCarroll one of NI’s hardest working promoters celebrates another 12 months of supporting local musicians with his Christmas shindig at the Empire. Headlined by recent Rockshore Battle of the Band winners, Madrai with Banshee, Crude Vernacular and Phonic Bloom on supporting duties.
Esmeralda Road – 18 December 2024 – Limelight, Belfast
With successive wins at the NI Music Prize, it is safe to say that Esmeralda Road are on a bit of a roll. The 7 piece band fuse indie folk, jazz and soul into a compelling mix that has won them a dedicated fan base.
Blue Pool Christmas Party – 19 December 2024 – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
Blue Pool have delivered a string of great events and this one might top them all. With performances from four incredible young bands in The Thing Is… Lord Jane, Monday’s Child & PTRNS, this is one Christmas party you’d be mad to miss.
ASIWYFA – 20 December 2024 – Limelight, Belfast
The record has been out for a while but ASIWYFA return to the Limelight to give it a proper launch just ahead of Christmas. Their live shows are always an incredible spectacle and the support in Arborist and paranoid void are worth the entry price alone.
David C Clements – 20 December 2024 – Ulster Hall, Belfast
Fresh from the release of his superb sophomore record, David C Clements hits the Ulster Hall for his biggest headline show to date. The Garden is a beautiful record and you’ll get to hear it in collaboration with the renowned Arco String Quartet. Support comes from Róise.
Enola Gay – 21 December 2024 – Old Oak, Enniskillen
An intimate and cosy homecoming for the uncompromising post punk of Enola Gay. Expect an intense and high energy night especially with Talking Knives down as support.
Lavengro – 21 December 2024 – Nerve Centre, Derry
Originally scheduled for October, this revised date sees Derry’s Lavengro close out 2024 with a hometown show after a busy year of gigging and new releases. Their last batch of releases have gained widespread radio play and cemented their high energy indie pop credentials.
The Delawares – 27 December 2024 – Empire, Belfast
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, for one night only, all original seven members : Elaine Murphy, Katie Richardson, Cully McLaughlin, Owen Lamont, Rory O’Connor, Eamonn Lynch and Dominic O’Neill, will reunite on the stage of the Empire Music Hall, their spiritual home, to lift the roof one last time.
Mucker – 31 December 2024 – Hustle, Belfast
Looking for something different for your New Year Eve party, look no further than Mucker’s gathering at Hustle. It’ll be a punk affair in a compact space and with Joni Samuels of Fraulein on support, tickets are expecting to fly.
How do I get added to the gig guide?
There are tonnes of great gigs happening right across Northern Ireland each week and our gig guide only showcases a fraction of them. If you are hosting a gig and would like us to consider adding it to a future Gig Guide, please send all the details to info@chordblossom.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Please be kind and remember we can’t feature everyone and where possible please try and give us at least 3 weeks notice.
