The Major theme of the Festival this year is "Sounding the City", focusing on our rich musical heritage. Music, theatre, sound and sound installation, sounding off through discussion and debate, radio in its many aspects form part of the programme. To connect with the Commonwealth Spirit of Friendship we have invited artists from Commonwealth countries; particularly South Africa, Canada, India and Australia. Our main focus however is revealing the huge artistic wealth in our midst, from the Opening Concert at the Waterfront Hall with new works by Northern Irish composers to the Belfast Carmen in the Grand Opera house, from Prime Cut at Stranmillis with Australian novelist Peter Carey to Bernard McLaverty's Grace Notes set to music by Deirdre Gribbin we showcase fine talent.
