Young at Art's guide to summer fun with the family

As we move into the summer months and school holidays, we know many of you are keen to get out exploring our arts and cultural venues again (where possible).

We’d like to spotlight some of our favourites for family-friendly activities, for the summer and beyond.  

Many of them have had a tough time over the past year and supporting them means supporting the Arts Sector in Belfast and ensuring our fantastic venues stay open. And of course, we’re biased…many of them have been fabulous festival partners over the years!  

Who is it? 

The QFT (Queen’s Film Theatre)

What do they do best?

The QFT is not only our most recent Festival Partner (with QFT Player taking centre stage for BCF21) it’s also Belfast’s leading independent cinema. Not only are they the best place to find foreign and art-house films in the city but they do this in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

They run regular family screenings, showing nostalgic classics (check out their seasonal screenings from Gremlins to It’s A Wonderful Life). Family screenings haven’t returned just yet but stay tuned. For teens and Grown Ups check out The Reason I Jump  a beautiful film based on the bestselling book by Naoki Higashida. it visually explores the world of non-speaking autistic people, with insights into author Naoki’s exploration of his own autism, written age 13. 

QFT Player is their online streaming platform and a great resource, especially if you’ve had enough of Disney +. You’ll find a mix of excellent free content and rentals covering a breadth of local and international themes and great Literary Links with the Seamus Heaney Centre at QUB.  They also spotlight local festivals (like Belfast Children’s Festival!) on the platform.

They offer Audio Described & Captioned screenings where available and the building is all Ground Floor and fully accessible via ramp and electronic door.

Where to find it?  

20 University Square, Belfast (tucked down the side of QUB). 

When is it reopening?

It’s open! 

With a few changes of course… take a look at their website to find out more and book a seat.  

Why it’s our fave? 

They offer great bargains with Child tickets from £4 and Family Deals from £16. Their Stage On Screen series is also perfect to scratch the theatre itch. And Grown Ups… It’s licenced too!