Belfast Autumn Fair: Free Weekend Festival Returns to Botanic Gardens

Belfast’s Botanic Gardens will transform into a seasonal hub this September as the annual Autumn Fair returns for a two-day celebration. Hosted by Belfast City Council, the event invites families and local residents to enjoy a curated programme of horticultural displays, live music, and interactive workshops on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

Seasonal Highlights and Horticultural Displays

The event serves as a focal point for the city’s gardening community, anchored by the annual Autumn Flower Show. Visitors can expect to see prize-winning autumnal blooms, giant seasonal vegetables, and intricate floral art installations. A significant highlight for this year’s fair is the 40th Anniversary Exhibition of the Northern Ireland Bonsai Society. Attendees can engage directly with society members through dedicated demonstrations, expert advice, and displays of the ancient art of bonsai.

Live Entertainment and Creative Workshops

Beyond the floral exhibits, the fair offers a diverse schedule of live performances. Confirmed musical acts include The Professionals and The Drifters, with additional performances by local harpist Ursula Burns. For those seeking hands-on activities, the fair includes water colour workshops hosted within the historic glasshouses of the Tropical Ravine and the Palm House. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage with the gardens’ architecture while developing artistic skills.

Heritage and Sustainable Living

This year’s fair coincides with the European Heritage Open Days weekend, allowing visitors to explore the history of the Botanic Gardens through guided tours. The event also introduces a Sustainable Living Emporium, which serves as a practical space for eco-conscious attendees. The programme here includes willow workshops, planting activities, and cookery demonstrations. Local stalls will be positioned throughout the grounds, offering a variety of regional crafts and food produce for visitors to explore.

Practical Information for Attendees

The Autumn Fair is free to attend and runs from 12:30pm to 5:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday. While general entry to the fair does not require a ticket, some specific activities—notably the historical tours and the water colour workshops—are ticketed and require advance booking to secure a place. Residents are encouraged to visit the official Belfast City Council event page at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/autumnfair to review the full programme, check for any updates, and register for specific sessions before arriving at the venue.

Source: Belfast City Council