Saturday 21st September

Day time

Join Aileen Monahan (Assistant Director, Bryson Recycling) & Anne Rafferty (Bryson Play Resource Centre) & Tim Walker (CEO, arc21) will discuss the common misunderstanding of the worth that is in the waste we produce, and how an awareness of this worth may well be the key to helping society change their throwaway lifestyles.
Siofra Caherty has worked in the fashion industry for 18 years, and has run her own brand Jump The Hedges for 8 of them. Sustainable Design Studio.
In her work as Jump the Hedges, Siofra creates products from reclaimed materials, runs sustainable education outreach programmes, corporate sustainability workshops, and a sustainable design consultancy.
Siofra also teaches sustainable design and business at NCAD, Dublin.
This panel will see Siofra present a a short film on her new brand & project from Farm to Garment, and will discuss the challenges & hopes for a sustainable fashion company,.
This panel explores the transformative power of words and storytelling in inspiring action to protect both people and the planet for generations to come. Our featured writers will share their perspectives on using storytelling as a tool for change, focusing on themes of land, our deep connection to nature, and how stories can reshape our relationship with each other and all living beings. From mythology and language to the impact of how we treat animals and the natural world, the discussion will highlight how stories can help foster a more compassionate and sustainable future.
Panellists: Ruby Free and Niamh McNally
Ruby Free is an award-winning Campaigner, Writer and Conservation Biologist based in County Antrim, recognized as one of the UK’s 100 most influential environmental professionals. Passionate about reconnecting people with nature, she has worked in conservation since age 16 and holds an MSc in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology. After living on Rathlin Island for over two years while working for the RSPB, Ruby now focuses on rewilding and community growing at Ballyconnelly Farm. Her debut book, Rathlin, A Wild Life, is a love letter to the island and a powerful call to action for environmental protection.
Buy it now: Waterstones or Blackstaff Press
Niamh McNally is a Belfast-based poet and co-founder of EcoIreland. A graduate of Ulster University, where she co-created The Paperclip literary publication, Niamh has been published in The Tulsa Review, Tír na nÓg, and HOWL: New Irish Writing. Her poetry has appeared in climate crisis films and she was commissioned to write for the One Young World Summit 2023 in Belfast. Niamh has performed at the UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus, the Embassy of Ireland in The Hague, and Dublin Castle. Currently, she serves as Poet-in-Residence for Herstory Ireland and Translink.
Ruby Free is an award-winning Campaigner, Writer and Conservation Biologist based in County Antrim. Passionate about saving nature and reconnecting people to it, she’s worked and volunteered in the environmental conservation sector since she was 16 and has been named one of the 100 most influential Environmetal Professionals in the UK on the ENDS Power List. Since living on Rathlin Island and moving to Ballyconnelly Farm, Ruby has pursued an MSc in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology, which took her to another island off the coast of Canada where she conducted her research thesis. Back home in Ireland, Ruby has been working away @BallyconnellyFarm with her partner Craig, setting up a community growing space and rewilding areas of the farm for nature. Alongside her passion of nature-writing, these days any spare opportunity to unwind is spent adventuring with her dog Isla, surfing, growing food or illustrating.

In 2021 at age 21 years old, Ruby Free moved to Rathlin Island, a biodiverse gem perched on the outer edges of our archipelago, for her dream job with the RSPB. She made Rathlin her home for over 2 and a half years and documented the experience in this book. The book is also a call to action; a reminder of everything we stand to lose if we don’t change. Heartfelt, impassioned and full of joy, Rathlin, A Wild Life is a love letter to the island by Ruby Free. Buy it now: Waterstones or Blackstaff Press

Niamh McNally is a Belfast-based poet. She completed her MA in Ulster University where she co-created and was a poetry editor for The Paperclip; a student-led literary publication. Niamh facilitates workshops in The Seamus Heaney Homeplace and has been published in: The Tulsa Review, Tír na nÓg, and HOWL: New Irish Writing. Her poetry has featured in two climate crisis films, 'It Seems' and 'Defining Hope' and she was commissioned to write for, and perform at, the opening ceremony of the One Young World Summit 2023 in Belfast. Niamh’s poem ‘If Stone Could Speak’ was showcased by Bushmills for 'The Causeway Collection’ and her first solo publication 'New Impressions' was published by The John Hewitt Society & ACNI.

Recently, Niamh has read her poetry in The UN Buffer Zone, Cyprus as part of Herstory's Peace Heroines Project, The NI Executive Office (Brussels), The Embassy of Ireland (The Hague), and in Dublin Castle for the 3rd Shared Island Forum (2024). As part of a Shared Island Project, Niamh was invited to attend a residential in Longford to collaborate with artists from across the island. From this time spent together, the 'Shared Island Symphony' film was created. Niamh is a current Poet-in-Residence for Herstory, Ireland and the Poet-in-Residence for Translink. She is also a co-founder of EcoIreland.
5 minute presentations from a range of on-the-ground campaign groups from across Northern Ireland.
- 11:55 Save Our Sperrins / CAIM
- 12 Stop Whitehead Oil Terminal
- 12:05 No Gas Caverns
- 12:10 Friends of the Earth: Rights of Nature
Talk reflecting upon the Global Week of Action for Climate Finance & Fossil Free Future (13-20 September)
As we head towards COP 29, the issues of climate finance and a fossil fuel phaseout towards a just energy transition are ever more critical for climate action. The upcoming UN General Assembly, the UN Summit of the Future and the Global Renewables Summit all taking place one after the other in September provide an important opportunity to reiterate our demands and escalate public pressure to compel governments, international institutions and corporations to listen and take action. The Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels and the #PayUp Climate Finance Campaign are joining forces between 13 and 20 September to hold the Global Week of Action for Climate Finance and a Fossil-Free Future! We will discuss developments during this week of action, discuss the issues and plan towards engaging further ahead of COP 29.
Panellists: Tony Weekes, Dearbhla Richardson and Rebekah Corbett
- Tony Weekes is a former academic economist and will speak about ecological economics. Tony encourages the sharing of ordinary wisdom about how best to design economic systems to manage the world’s resources for everyone, without causing damage.
- Dearbhla Richardson is the Irish Coordinator for The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, which is a global effort to foster international cooperation to accelerate a transition to renewable energy for everyone, end the expansion of coal, oil and gas, and equitably phase out existing production in keeping with what science shows is needed to address the climate crisis.
- Rebekah Corbett is the Just Transition policy officer for Unison, the UK's largest trade union.
Talk on the Global Week Of Action For Peace And Climate Justice (21–28 September 2024)

The Week of Action for Peace and Climate Justice will run yearly, involving a wide range of events and actions organised by groups around the world, from webinars to advocacy events to demonstrations. This year is the first Week of Action, which we will highlight during the Festival with a view to inspiring action in Belfast and beyond. During this talk we will:
- Raise public awareness of the links between war, militarism and climate injustice;
- Build connections between peace, climate and justice movements locally, nationally and internationally; and
- Build momentum for collective action and policy making against militarism and for climate justice.
Panellists: Dr Peter Doran and Niamh Small
Dr Peter Doran has a deep interest in political ecology and economy, the law of the commons, and the transition to a wellbeing economy. He works closely with two all-island entities, The Wellbeing Economy Alliance Ireland Hub and the Environmental Justice Network Ireland (EJNI). He is also a senior writer/editor and team leader with the International Institute for Sustainable Development's reporting services' The Earth Negotiations Bulletin at UN multilateral negotiations on environment and development, and has worked in parliaments in Belfast and Dublin.

Niamh Small has recently completed her PhD research which focused on alternative political movements and environmental activism in Northern Ireland. With dynamic shifts in political identification in contemporary Northern Ireland, environmentalism is an example of politically active identities operating outside of the traditional political sphere. Support for environmentalism and climate action is increasingly emerging yet environmental activist groups cannot simply by-pass existing deep societal divisions that exist in the region. Therefore, her research examines the negotiation of polarised public space by environmental activist groups who work to gain recognition for a range of ecological issues in a socio-political arena that tends to favour political ambitions of ethnic groups.
Emma McKeever
Emma McKeever is PhD Researcher at Queen's University Belfast, focusing on anti-colonial methodology inside education. She is an organiser with Sli Eile, an anti-authoritarian climate action group building an anti-capitalist climate movement on the island of Ireland.
The Science of Lough Neagh with Prof. Mark Emmerson (QUB & Climate+ CoCentre) (30 mins)
Prof. Mark Emmerson will examine the environmental and ecological challenges facing Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland and the source of 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. Mark will break down the scientific reasons behind the lough's current degradation, from the rise of harmful algal blooms to biodiversity loss and water pollution. By examining both natural and human-made factors, we can understand how these issues have developed over time.

You will also hear about solutions, such as ecosystem restoration, sustainable water management, and scientific innovations that could help restore the lough’s health. This talk will be followed by a Q&A session, providing an opportunity to engage with the latest research and ideas for safeguarding the future of Lough Neagh.
Lough Neagh: Storytelling for change with Bernadette McAliskey, Prof. John Barry, Mary O'Hagan, co-founder of the Save Lough Neagh coalition and head of campaign group S.O.S, and James Orr (90 mins)
This discussion brings together storytellers, activists, and environmental advocates to explore the power of narrative in shaping our relationship with Lough Neagh. How can we use storytelling to ignite action and find justice for the Lough and those who depend on it? This panel will focus on themes of environmental justice, the language of change, and the rights of nature.
We’ll also touch on the broader political and legal frameworks surrounding environmental stewardship, from the concept of ownership to the emerging rights of nature movement. How do these ideas intersect with traditional views on land ownership, governance, and environmental justice? And what role do stories—both past and present—play in shaping our collective future?
Anne Harper and Colum Sands will perform between the panels to bring the feeling to the facts & tell stories through their music.
Update your style and help the planet at our Clothing Swap event! Bring along your clean, gently-used clothing and swap them for pieces you’ll love, all while reducing textile waste. We encourage you to donate good-quality items that deserve a second life in someone else’s wardrobe. This event is a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh your look and promote sustainable fashion. Let’s make a difference—one outfit at a time! Item description

The Canopy

FREE Breakfast at the campaign space provided by Trufflepagus Vegan Yums.
The Campaign Space is your opportunity to learn about and get involved in some of the most critical environmental campaigns in the North. Throughout the day, you'll hear from various groups working to protect our natural landscapes and tackle pressing issues like No Gas Caverns, Stop White Head Oil Terminal and Save Our Sperrins.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Colleen from Friends of the Earth will lead interactive activities such as badge-making and postcard writing to support the creation of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You’ll also have the chance to sign petitions for both Lough Neagh and the EPA, amplifying your voice in these important campaigns.
This is a space to connect, learn, and take action. Whether you're already passionate about the environment or just want to find out more, the Campaign Space offers a fun and engaging way to get involved and make a difference.
Drop in at any time, and be part of the growing movement for environmental justice
Environmental Campaign Talks
Join us for a series of short, powerful talks from leading environmental groups fighting for the future of our nature and community health. Each group will present their campaign, share the challenges we face, and explain how you can support their efforts to protect the environment. This is your chance to hear directly from the people on the frontlines about how these critical issues affect our land, water, and communities.
- No Gas Caverns: Learn about the campaign opposing the proposed underground gas storage caverns beneath Larne Lough, and the potential environmental risks to our coastal ecosystems.
- Stop Whitehead Oil Terminal: Discover the urgent efforts to stop the development of a major oil import and distribution hub near Whitehead, and how it threatens Belfast Lough and the health of local communities and undermines action on climate change.
- Save Our Sperrins / Communities Against the Injustice of Mining (CAIM): Hear from the activists working to protect the Sperrin Mountains from toxic mining projects, preserving this area of outstanding natural beauty for future generations.
- Friends of the Earth: Explore the Rights of Nature campaign which advocates for a legal framework recognizing ecosystems as living entities with rights. Learn how this groundbreaking approach challenges traditional notions of land ownership and governance, and how it aligns with climate justice efforts across the globe.
These talks are an opportunity to deepen your understanding of these critical campaigns and discover how collective action can lead to meaningful change.
@VintageKicks we are determined to make a substantial impact by up-cycling pre-loved trainers, thus preventing them from contributing to the growing problem of landfill waste.
The shocking statistic that over 300 million pairs of shoes end up in-landfills from the UK & IRE each year gave us the idea to create Vintage Kicks.
This workshops will give insight into how best to take care and prolong the life of your trainers.
RESCUED Workshop:
Join Marie for an exciting hands-on experience at our Titanic Denim RESCUED workshop. You will transform preloved jeans into a stylish and functional barista-style apron. This versatile apron features two denim panels stitched together to create a front pocket with three compartments, complete with a cotton webbing tie belt. Perfect for cooking, barbecues, hairdressing, the garden, sewing, or crafting, this apron is as practical as it is eco-friendly. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re a barber, chef, makeup artist, hairdresser, or gardener looking to create your own work apron.

The Cabin

Join the Young At Art Team to print eco bags
This ancient knowledge of dye gardens is to be preserved and cultivated, and the extraction of natural colours from dye plants is the starting point. Here, everyone can play an active part - without a great deal of prior knowledge or difficult prerequisites to fulfil.
The aim of 'Colour Stories: Joint Journeys of a Colour Garden’ is to use the arts and cultural events as catalysts for social change by educating communities to use art to make a difference to climate change.
The knowledge about dye gardens and their positive influence on a community and also their way of acting is an old knowledge that has been forgotten and Brink! aim is to bring this knowledge back to life to bring about change.
Take part in natural dyeing workshops helping to create colourful flags to be displayed in Brink’s sustainable city garden.
Cultural Bridge is a programme that celebrates bilateral artistic partnerships between the UK and Germany.
‘Colour Stories: Joint Journeys of a Colour Garden’, a joint project presented by Brink! and Artpark Hoher Berg supported with funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Cultural Bridge programme.

The Gazebos

Join volunteers from Climate Craic to make your own banners for activism - Artivism - be creative in getting your voice heard.
Artivism, a powerful blend of art and activism, uses creative expression to inspire change and raise awareness about social and environmental issues. In this hands-on session, you'll have the chance to design and create banners that reflect your passion for climate justice. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a first-time activist, this workshop will help you turn your ideas into bold visual statements. Bring your creativity and be part of a movement shaping the future of our city!

The Solar Space

Embossing onto foil.
Janet recycles foil pie dishes and uses a variety of tools and pens to emboss and colour to create decorations, garden décor etc.
These can be made by all ages from simple designs to detailed creations, an absorbing and relaxing experience.

The Tree Ring

La Tia Juana's authentic Latin American street food.
Since we started trading in 2017, La Tia Juana's has been selling our nutritious and delicious food at festivals, markets and events all over the island of Ireland.
We have a simple mission - to bring a little bit of Latin American joy and passion to the hearts, minds and taste buds of our customers. Check out our social media to find out where we'll be popping up next.
Truffleupagus Vegan Yums was established in 2013 to provide 100 PC fantastic quality vegan catering.
Producing cakes and desserts from around the world.
Coffee & tea on the site will be provided by our friends at Extern's Barista Academy.
The Barista Acemday project is made up of individuals resettling in Northern Ireland. The group takes part in a range of workshops, formal training, upskilling and social meetings, including offsite, visits as guests of other businesses & organisations. Participants work on branding, logo making, customer service, barista skills, improving communication & developing English language skills, cookery, event management and employability, learners engage with organisations such as BITC & Open University, encouraging, networking and opportunity seeking.
Barista academy also nurtures the group to advance their independent living skills and improve confidence while supporting to integrate into the Northern Ireland community.
Our friends & neighbours from the Sunflower Pub will be running our on-site bar for the weekend.
A bit of history of the Sunflower: A public house has stood on the corner of Kent Street and Union Street since the late 1800's, an era when most city centre street corners would have had a pub on them. Sadly most have long since disappeared. Prior to the Sunflower Public House opening in 2012 the pub was called the Tavern, a name which previously belonged to a bar in Unity flats until its demolition in the 1980’2. Sunflower itself took its name from another demolished pub which once stood on Corporation Street. For many years before The Tavern the pub was called The Avenue, a name which their older customers still use to this day.

Food & Drink

Night time

After a day of great chat & trying new things you can let your hair down with some great music. All evening gigs are free, but can only hold 250 people in the space, so its first come first served.

5-7pm: Trad Sessions

Kicking off our Saturday evening will be some cracking traditional music to get the evening in the swing.

7-9pm: Bea and the Belfast Groove Collective

Bea and the Belfast Groove Collective bring together the best local musicians in the nu-soul and R&B genres, drawing inspiration from the greats such as Nina Simone, Etta James, and Amy Winehouse.

9-11pm: Night Division Official

Night Division Official are two DJs who run pop-up electronic music nights across Belfast city, playing anything from 80s to house music.

Some of the change makers sharing their passion during this day

Jump The Hedges is technical bag making company based in Belfast in the north of Ireland. Jump The Hedges was founded by designer Síofra Caherty after spending many years working in the fashion industry.
Síofra was unable to find a sustainable and e — Jump The Hedges is technical bag making company based in Belfast in the north of Ireland. Jump The Hedges was founded by designer Síofra Caherty after spending many years working in the fashion industry. Síofra was unable to find a sustainable and ethically made bag for carrying a yoga mat and so Jump The Hedges was born. Learn more about Siofra's new project from farm to garment.

A coalition of environmental activists fighting to defend our Lough from pollution and extractive exploitation.

Professors Yvonne Buckley, Mark Emmerson & Ed Hawkins, who are the three leads of the Climate+ Co-Centre, a multi-university research group with the intent of delivering solutions to the most pressing challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity decline and water degradation across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. You can catch Prof Mark Emmerson at the Science of Lough Neagh panel at 2.30pm

John Barry is a father, a political activist, recovering politician and Professor of Green Political Economy and Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action at Queen's University Belfast/Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste. What keeps him awake at night is the life opportunities and future wellbeing of his and other children in this age of the planetary emergency and intersecting social and economic injustices within and between countries. What also keeps him awake at night is the following question: why it is easier for most people to believe in the end of the world than the end of capitalism and economic growth? His forthcoming book is provisionally entitled, Practicing What You Teach: Anti-Capitalist and Post-Growth Tales of Failing (Forward) from the Molehills of Power and Disciplinary Margins (2025, Agenda Publishers).

Ryan Noade is Owner and CEO of Vintage Kicks, which he started to breathe life into old and worn out trainers. You can find him online & at his Belfast store on the Cregagh Road.

@VintageKicks we are determined to make a substantial impact by upcycl — Ryan Noade is Owner and CEO of Vintage Kicks, which he started to breathe life into old and worn out trainers. You can find him online & at his Belfast store on the Cregagh Road. @VintageKicks we are determined to make a substantial impact by upcycling pre-loved trainers, thus preventing them from contributing to the growing problem of landfill waste. The shocking statistic that over 300 million pairs of shoes end up in-landfills from the UK & IRE each year give us the idea to create Vintage Kicks.

Titanic Denim is a Multi Award Winning Luxury Sustainable Denim Brand based in Belfast. Marie Nancarrow, owner & founder brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the company with her extensive background in fashion and textiles. Marie sources discarded jeans and other reclaimed denim garments and transform them into luxury sustainable products.