The Devil’s in the Dance Hall comes to Belfast

The Devil’s in the Dance Hall makes its Northern Ireland debut at the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on Thursday 22 October 2026.

Presented by Belfast TradFest and Belfast International Arts Festival, this immersive celebration of Irish music, dance and history brings together some of Ireland’s finest musicians, actors and dancers.

Created, directed and produced by acclaimed Leitrim dancer Edwina Guckian, the production is inspired by the suppression of Ireland’s rural dance halls in the early twentieth century, when gathering to dance, play music and exchange ideas was considered an act of defiance.

The show recreates the atmosphere of Ireland’s historic parish dance halls through traditional music, theatre, spoken word and dance. It features The Gralton Big Band, led by Stephen Doherty, alongside acclaimed musicians, actors, swing dancers and more than 20 dancers from Áirc Damhsa.

As the performance unfolds, audiences will be invited onto the Ulster Hall dance floor to join the performers, with everything from traditional Irish dancing to swing and foxtrots. No dance experience is required.

Event details:

• Date: Thursday 22 October 2026

• Venue: Ulster Hall, Belfast

• Doors: 7.30pm | Show: 8pm

• Tickets: £30

• Age restriction: Strictly 18+

• Format: Standing only

Tickets are on sale now from the Ulster Hall.

Tickets: https://www.ulsterhall.co.uk/what-s-on/the-devils-in-the-dance-hall/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgQ9oA0TNYY

Presented by Belfast TradFest and Belfast International Arts Festival.

Funded in partnership with the Arts Council of Ireland and Arts Council of Northern Ireland through the Government.