Belfast is marking five years as a UNESCO City of Music, highlighting a period of investment in musicians, venues, and music education. The designation, awarded in November 2021, recognized the city's musical heritage and talent.

The council's Music Matters programme has delivered annual micro-bursaries in partnership with Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, supporting almost 60 artists and bands with funding for recording, mentoring, promotion, and creative development. A separate Gradam Ceoil bursary scheme has provided support, mentoring, and performance opportunities for three emerging traditional musicians each year since 2021.

Music education has also been a focus. The Crescendo post-primary pathway, delivered with the Ulster Orchestra, provides access to instruments, specialist tuition, and performance opportunities for young people in north and west Belfast. Participating schools have reported improvements in attendance, confidence, aspiration, and engagement.

Grassroots venues have received support through a strategic partnership with the Music Venue Trust. Venues can access the Raise the Standard initiative, which provides grants for equipment such as PA systems, microphones, and lighting. A sustainability toolkit and industry sessions are also being developed.

International collaborations have been fostered through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, with over 30 local artists and organisations working with counterparts in Finland, Germany, Canada, and Korea. A further 20 musicians from abroad have come to Belfast for gigs, recordings, and events.

The Sound of Belfast Festival and NI Music Prize, supported by the council under an enhanced three-year partnership, began on 5 November and runs until 15 November, with over 80 events. Last year's event created paid opportunities for 166 local artists and attracted audiences of almost 8,700 people. The Output music conference also brought together over 100 industry speakers and 750 delegates, with evening showcases drawing up to 5,000 people.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said the city's music community is one of its greatest assets and that the UNESCO designation has delivered real benefits, from staging major events to supporting emerging artists and helping venues thrive. She said the council is committed to building on this success.

Wellbeing and inclusion initiatives include funding through a partnership with the University of Atypical for accessible music events for d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse music creators. Future plans include dedicated wellbeing initiatives for music creators.

Looking ahead, investment is earmarked for under-represented genres, further funding for the Teenage Kicks scheme, which delivers gigs for under 18s, more international exchanges, and continued use of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.