A unique walking tour through one of Belfast’s most historic areas is set to uncover the city’s fascinating stories of migration, transformation, and community.
As a long-standing staple of the 4 Corners Festival the annual Wonderful Wander will take place on Saturday February 8 from 1.30pm.
Starting at Writers’ Square, opposite St Anne’s Cathedral, the event invites participants on a thought-provoking journey through a historically significant part of Belfast.
The walk, organised in collaboration with the North Belfast Heritage Cluster, will highlight the massive social and cultural transformations of the area. From waves of migration to the recent influx of students and redevelopment projects, the event delves into the evolving fabric of the city.
Led and hosted by festival volunteers David Campton and Mylie Brennan, the Wonderful Wander promises an engaging mix of storytelling and even poetry. Participants are encouraged to bring their own stories to share. The route also examines the profound impact of these changes on various places of worship in the area.
Speaking of the event, David said: “Over the years Jim Deeds and I have just loved to wander around different bits of this wonderful city of ours with a ‘few’ friends – introducing them to new places or, through stories and poems, getting them to look at familiar places through fresh eyes. This year, sadly, Jim can’t be with us, but Mylie brings her own energy and insights, and I am excited to be working with her.”
The walk concludes at the Girdwood Hub, where refreshments will be provided, offering an opportunity for further connection and reflection.
Mylie said: “The Wander is a fantastic way to learn more about our beautiful city, whether you’re new to Belfast or if you’ve been here your whole life.
“As a professional tour guide, I’m excited to wander around with my pal, David, talking about our history and the people who shaped it. We both love Belfast, telling stories, and having a laugh, so our guests can expect to learn something new and have a bit of fun along the way.”
The Wonderful Wander is part of the broader 4 Corners Festival, which runs from 31 January to 9 February.
Now in its 13th year, the festival features an inspiring lineup of free events including art, music, discussions, and workshops across the city.
This year’s theme, HOME?, explores the concept of belonging and community, with events aimed at fostering deeper connections within Belfast’s diverse neighbourhoods.
The wider 4 Corners Festival will encompass a wide variety of talks, discussions, practical workshops and more, spreading the word of local and global contextual issues across its ten day run.
Aimed at broadening perspectives and helping people to think about bigger issues, such as homelessness, the care of our common home, the earth, transport and accessibility within our home city, these heavy integral topics are interwoven together with lighthearted festivities like music, poetry, drama and the visual arts.
The event’s schedule of activities will also challenge attendees to step beyond the physical and psychological ‘corners’ of Belfast, discovering new parts of their city, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections.
4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.
For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com