WE ARE RECRUITING- HERITAGE ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
In October 2025, the Belfast Historic Waterfront was officially designated a Heritage Place by @The National Lottery Heritage Fund, recognising the area’s national heritage significance. This has created a unique opportunity to place local communities at the heart of how the city’s waterfront is understood, protected and shaped.
Through the Heritage Place programme, Sailortown Regeneration are recruiting a Heritage Engagement Officer to deliver a community capacity-building programme for inner north. These roles will bring our natural and built maritime heritage and the stories of the waterfront to life for our community and visitors.
For job application packs and details on how to apply - contact: StJoesSailortown@gmail.com or click on downloadable form below
Closing date: 29/05/2026 at 12pm
#BelfastHistoricWaterfront #NationalLotteryHeritageFund #HeritagePlaces
@MaritimeBelfast (X & LinkedIn)
QUB: M.Arch 2019-2020 StreetSpace Sailortown
Juliette Moore collage
StreetSpace is a research and teaching project that seeks to understand the significance of local mixed streets, by analysing their physical, historical and experiential aspects. This multidisciplinary project aims to provide an alternative way of mapping, drawing, planning, preserving, developing and designing streets. Local mixed streets are complex, diverse and connected. They have evolved slowly through history, but can be radically transformed by redevelopment. StreetSpace explores streets with a rich mix of uses, with complex histories and especially those that have lost or risk losing their distinctive identities: See here for details: https://www.streetspaceresearch.com/march-2019-20
The project proposals included housing, schools, libraries, a brewery, cycling, Public Baths, storytelling, markets and green spaces
See here for details: https://www.streetspaceresearch.com/_files/ugd/b72f97_5d809158b03f47b08a46d48a7b670bb7.pdf
Sailortown Regeneration: What is it?
“There’s a difference between people-led regeneration and gentrification.”
“There’s nothing wrong with building apartments but you need to have the services as well; you need shops, doctors, nurseries, outdoor spaces and independent businesses so it doesn’t become generic and keeps the heart of old Belfast alive, which is what we’re all about.”
Brian Kennedy To Perform At Sailortown Festival On Sunday Night
Belfast-born singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy is set to perform at St Joseph’s Church this Sunday.
The concert is scheduled to take place as part of The Gathering, an exciting four-day festival celebrating and showcasing the history and culture of the Sailortown area.
Belfast-born singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy is set to perform at St Joseph’s Church this Sunday.
The concert is scheduled to take place as part of The Gathering, an exciting four-day festival celebrating and showcasing the history and culture of the Sailortown area.
Brian Kennedy’s performance forms part of an impressive lineup of events running until Sunday June 12.
Throughout the four-day festival there will be a variety of both free and ticketed events, ranging from musical performances to theatre, exhibitions and the Sailortown Fair, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Brian Kennedy’s performance at St. Joseph’s sees the regeneration project realised, with the large church – which was once the very heart of the Sailortown community – serving as the ideal venue.
“Churches, over the centuries, are one of the most special places to sing. The sound quality and the height of the ceilings.. Lend themselves. It’s like you’re singing to the saints and angels. All of those statues and figures are in the walls, the stained glass. Before you even look at the audience that might be here, already you have an angelic audience waiting for you”, said Brian.
“I think it’s really fitting that St. Joseph’s is getting a brand new breath of life, and part of the breath of life is playing music and singing back into the walls.
“I never really plan shows too much. After 32 years of doing this, I can dip into that well and see what is appropriate. I feel the building, what would be appropriate to sing. I let the audience sometimes guide the show.”
The festival serves as a celebration of 150 years of history and heritage at St. Joseph’s Parish. Organised by Sailortown Regeneration, the festival is also a recognition of the progress made in the regeneration of the maritown village.
Terry McKeown, Project Manager of Sailortown Regeneration, has been involved with the project for the previous eight years, holding the belief that the restoration of the church will create a safe space for the local community to rejoin together once again.
She said: “The church lay almost derelict for a number of years and we’ve now got to the stage that we can open it as a community space for local people, but also as a happening place with activities in it. The Gathering is an opportunity for everybody from Sailortown, particularly the ex residents, to come down and help us celebrate bringing Sailortown back to life with a whole range of events.”
Other headline events include a dance off at the Dockers Club, hosted by Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan on Friday night, and a DJ set from U105 presenter Johnny Hero.
One of the events, Sunday On The Maritime Mile, is set to see performances from singer/songwriter Anthony Toner and other guests, as they share the stage with their Sailortown inspired songs and poetry.
“I’m thrilled to get the chance to play again in Sailortown”, said Anthony.
“The historic part of the city and its story inspired the song that first launched me into the world as a songwriter, and it’s a delight to be part of this festival and to see the ongoing regeneration work that is centred on St. Joseph’s. Other parts of the city might have the glamour - but Sailortown has soul.”
The regeneration of St. Joseph’s has been ongoing since 2005, under the remit of Pat Benson, Chair of Sailortown Regeneration and Trustee of St. Joseph’s, who was a resident in the area before the construction of the M2 Motorway.
He explained: “St. Joseph’s has always been the heart of the community since day one.”
“Having events like The Gathering here is incredibly important for bringing the older residents, their children and their grandchildren back down here and showing their roots, their untold stories.”
St Joseph’s will function as a venue for a multitude of events held throughout the duration of the festival, whilst other events are set to take place in locations within the Sailortown area.
The Gathering will be a celebration of the community’s past, whilst also promising an exciting future for the urban village.
Tickets are £17.50 and available from www.maritime-mile.com. To learn more about Sailortown Regeneration, visit www.sailortown regeneration.com.
BBC Radio Ulster Star Hugo Duncan Joins The Bill At Sailortown’s The Gathering Festival
Radio Ulster’s very own ‘Uncle Hugo’ Hugo Duncan will be taking to the stage to lead the Dockers Club Dance Off at the Dockers Club, Belfast on Friday 10th June from 4-6pm.
The dance-off is one of several events throughout The Gathering Festival, a four-day festival running from Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th June filled with celebration and displaying of the history and culture of the Sailortown area.
Radio Ulster’s very own ‘Uncle Hugo’ Hugo Duncan will be taking to the stage to lead the Dockers Club Dance Off at the Dockers Club, Belfast on Friday 10th June from 4-6pm.
The dance-off is one of several events throughout The Gathering Festival, a four-day festival running from Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th June filled with celebration and displaying of the history and culture of the Sailortown area.
The Gathering Festival serves as a celebration of 150 years of history and heritage at St. Joseph’s Parish. Organised by Sailortown Regeneration, the festival is a recognition of the progress made in the regeneration of the maritown village.
Come with dancing shoes in hand as the Dance Off is set to include music from Country Harmony.
With nothing ruled out when it comes to Hugo Duncan, music for all ages is guaranteed as attendees are encouraged to perform their party piece.
“When I’m about you can expect anything”, said Hugo.
“I’m excited to be over in the Dockers to play music that suits all tastes. We’ll be giving people a waltz around, a mooch around and then a bit of jiving to bring out the rock ‘n’ roll. The main thing is to get everyone smiling and enjoying it, it’s going to be a great evening of entertainment.
“I’ve heard about St. Joseph’s so often. It’s such a beautiful place that’s rich in history. I know there’s a lot of work to be done yet, but just walking through the doors you get a feeling of being transported back in time. I remember hearing about the closure all those years ago and about people getting angry. And you can see why: St. Joseph’s is a part of Sailortown. The church is always the heart of everywhere and when you lose the heart it’s very difficult to keep the soul going.
“It’s really great to see Terry and her team, and everyone involved, getting it back to what it was: a place of community.”
Terry McKeown, Project Manager of Sailortown Regeneration, has been involved with the project for the previous eight years, holding the belief that the restoration of the church will create a safe space for the local community to rejoin together once again.
She explained: “The church lay almost derelict for a number of years and we’ve now got to the stage that we can open it as a community space for local people, but also as a happening place with activities in it. The Gathering is an opportunity for everybody from Sailortown, particularly the ex residents, to come down and help us celebrate bringing Sailortown back to life with a whole range of events.”
Hailing from a small town in Strabane Hugo has committed much of his time into working closely with tight knit communities across the country, recognising the importance of people in bringing communities back together once again.
“There’s so much of this happening around the country and sometimes the people who are doing it don’t get the gratitude and the return that they should get” he said, adding: “Every community needs someone working for them. The community can’t go on itself, because if it goes on and on with no one working for them, or in advocate of them and the area, it dies out. It closes down. Never let a place die because there’s so much history and heritage there. And that’s what’s special about this festival, about Sailortown. The willingness and commitment to restoring it.
As a ticketed event, be sure to grab some of the last remaining tickets for the Dance Off available at £5 per person or you can pay at the door.
Hugo added: “Get your tickets and come out for a bit of craic and enjoy yourself. For a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon, close the door behind you and look in front of you”.
Other headline events include an evening with Brian Kennedy, and a Crazy Bingo and DJ set from U105 presenter Johnny Hero.
St Joseph’s will function as a venue for a multitude of events held throughout the duration of the festival, whilst other events are set to take place in locations within the Sailortown area.
The Gathering will be a celebration of the community’s past, whilst also promising an exciting future for the urban village.
Tickets are £5 and available from www.maritime-mile.com. To learn more about Sailortown Regeneration, visit www.sailortown regeneration.com.
6 Exciting Events Taking Place at Sailortown’s The Gathering Festival This Weekend
A four-day action packed festival is set to take place in Belfast’s historic Sailortown later this week. Organised by Sailortown Regeneration, The Gathering will commence on Thursday, June 9 and run up until Sunday, June 12th.
A four-day action packed festival is set to take place in Belfast’s historic Sailortown later this week. Organised by Sailortown Regeneration, The Gathering will commence on Thursday, June 9 and run up until Sunday, June 12th.
In an effort to raise funds for reviving the urban village, this year's festival will feature a number of live music events, headlined by artists like Brian Kennedy and Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan across the four-day stretch, but will also highlight other types of exciting events, from theatre, sport, and markets, outlined here below:
1. I’ll Tell My Ma
Thursday 9th June - St Joseph’s Church
7.00pm-10.00pm | £10
Patricia Gormley’s hilarious one-woman play starring Christina Nelson tells of four generations of women from a West Belfast family and their various adventures. Trisha (a 60-something with a passion for writing), Chelsea Marie (an air stewardess extraordinaire with a tangled love life), Davina Corrina (a 16-year-old schoolgirl with the taste for the high life and Russian vodka), and Granny Eileen (fighting the cruel blows of fate) are all struggling in their own ways to deal with changes in their lives and find a way forward.
To find tickets, go to: https://maritime-mile.com/events/ill-tell-my-ma-play-9-jun-2022-07-00/
2. Boxing Blasts From the Past
Friday 10th June - St Joseph’s Church
8.00pm | £5
Hosted by Patsy Quinn Gym, this fundraiser is also in aid of local boxer and coach at Patsy Quinn Gym, Stephen McMullan, who spent five weeks in ICU from December 2021. This is one of a number of these events which have been hosted by the gym this year, including sponsored walks in February, and will also contribute toward the Sailortown restoration.
Boxing Blasts from the Past will consist of 12 exhibition rounds recreating the historic St Joseph’s Boxing Club in Sailortown.
Tickets can be found by messaging the Newington ABC - Patsy Quinn Gym Boxing Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Newington-ABC-Patsy-Quinn-Gym-Boxing-Club-323089224534888/
3. Sailortown Fair
Saturday 11th June
Free admission
Saturday 11th June sees a family-friendly day of stalls, music, drama, drumming, samba and much more at the Sailortown Fair. The stalls will feature local crafts and produce throughout the day, while the market will also be showcasing Sailortown’s Heritage Archives.
4. Sunday on the Maritime Mile
Sunday 12th June 2022 | St Joseph's Church
2:00pm- 3:30pm | Free Admission
Join songwriter, musician and guitarist Anthony Toner, John McCullogh and Clive Cuthbertson at St Joseph’s Church for an afternoon of Sailortown inspired songs and poems by local poet John Campbell.
5. Pet Pageant
Sunday 12th June - Barrow Square Sailortown
3.00pm - 5.00pm | Donations in aid of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary
Sailortown welcomes back its tradition of the St Joseph’s Franciscan Friars’ ‘The Annual Blessing of the Animals', fondly remembered by the St Joseph’s Community after the service provided by the Franciscans from 1984 to 1996.
This is a fantastic event for families and is an adorable opportunity to show off pets of any variety. This fundraiser is in aid of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary who have been rescuing and looking after animals for over 25 years, with all donations going to the Sanctuary.
For more information, go to: https://maritime-mile.com/events/pet-pageant-as-part-of-st-josephs-church-150th-anniversary-celebrations-12-jun-2022-03-00/
6. Sailortown Exhibitions
Exhibitions will also run throughout the festival free of charge in a number of venues in the area, including:
Discover the Sporting Characters of Belfast - American Bar
Explore the Social Life of Sailortown - Dockers Club
Learn About Life at Sea Past and Present - Flying Angel
Past to Future: A New Life for Sailortown - St Joseph’s Church
These exhibitions focus on the historical legacy of Sailortown and its people in addition to the cultural and social aspects of Sailortown today, providing a wide variety of perspectives of life in Belfast and Sailortown from past, present, and future.
Catch these events all over Sailortown this coming weekend in aid of Sailortown Regeneration, in what is sure to be an exciting few days with something for everyone.
Four-Day Festival Announced In Belfast’s Sailortown Later This Month
A four-day festival is set to take place in Belfast’s Sailortown later this month. Organised by Sailortown Regeneration, The Gathering is an exciting festival taking place from Thursday June 9 to Sunday June 12th.
A four-day festival is set to take place in Belfast’s Sailortown later this month. Organised by Sailortown Regeneration, The Gathering is an exciting festival taking place from Thursday June 9 to Sunday June 12th.
The event, headlined by artists such as Brian Kennedy, Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan and Johnny Hero from U105 will see a whole range of performances and events from concerts and theatre to dances, boxing, a market and even a pet pageant.
Organiser Terry McKeown, Project Manager of Sailortown Regeneration said: “Sailortown are delighted to invite all to our weekend of festivities as we continue our long term vision of bringing this historic Urban Village back to life.
“Thanks to all those who have supported us to reopen St Joseph's Church as a focal point for the local and wider Community.
“We particularly extend a warm welcome to Sailortown's ex residents who kept their home fires burning all these years.”
Following years of restoration the ‘sailor’s church’ has been transformed to a community hub in recent years.
“The Gathering which is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the National Lottery and is supported by Belfast City Council, allows us to bring people back to showcase the creative talent that’s in Belfast and celebrate the transformation of the Chapel on the quays to a community hub” added Terry.
There is an impressive variety of both free and ticketed events across the weekend, ranging from musical performances to theatre and exhibitions, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Throughout the four day festival, visitors can explore free exhibitions that detail the past, present and future of Sailortown at the American Bar, Dockers Club, the Flying Angel and St Joseph’s Church.
The Gathering kicks off on Thursday, June 9 in the evening with a performance of I’ll Tell My Ma, Patricia Gormley’s one woman play about the misadventures of four generations of a Belfast family, performed by Christina Nelson at St Joseph’s Church.
Friday evening sees an array of events, including the Dockers Club Dance off, hosted by Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan, Boxing Blasts From The Past, a 12-round exhibition of boxing history or a trad session at Pat’s Bar for those with a flair for poetry and or music.
The weekend will bring lots of craic and fun for the whole family with the return of the Sailortown Fair on Saturday, featuring local crafts and produce throughout the day and music performances throughout the evening.
On Sunday, there will be a performance from Cavehill Community Choir and a Pet Pageant at Barrow Square.
Belfast star Brian Kennedy will close the festival with a performance at St Joseph’s Church on Sunday evening, with support from Anton Glackin.
The Gathering is an opportunity to support Sailortown Regeneration, who are leading a regeneration of the maritime village and have reopened St Joseph’s Church with the aim of it becoming a space to celebrate the culture and history of the area.
Terry added: “The festival is an opportunity for old friends and new to gather together, relive old memories and make new ones as we recreate renowned Sailortown events such as the Blessing of the Pets, St Joseph's Boxing Club and the lively social scene in Belfast Docks. We're building on the past to create a future in this iconic waterfront location.”
With something for everyone at the event, The Gathering promises to be an exciting weekend packed with events that showcase the cultural heritage of Sailortown.
To view the full schedule of events, go to www.maritime-mile.com. To find out more about Sailortown Regeneration, and how you can support the regeneration of Sailortown, visit www.sailortownregeneration.com.