Northern Ireland’s Bounce Festival Returns with Bold New Theme

The only disability arts festival in Northern Ireland, the Bounce Festival, will return this autumn with an ambitious program during its 14th year. Scheduled for October 2-5, 2025, the festival will take place in Belfast and Derry, showcasing the talents of disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent artists. This year’s theme, “Not Just…,” reflects a commitment to highlighting the multifaceted lives and identities of disabled people.

As the festival unfolds against the backdrop of proposed benefit cuts affecting disabled individuals in the UK, Bounce 2025 aims to celebrate art as a form of activism and community engagement. The theme speaks to a diverse array of experiences, emphasizing that disabled individuals can also be parents, carers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, migrants, and artists, among other identities.

Edel Murphy, CEO and Artistic Director of University of Atypical, which organizes the festival, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s program. “I am truly excited to reveal this year’s Bounce 2025 programme. We’ve had to add an extra day this year to accommodate our packed programme,” Murphy stated. She further emphasized the festival’s significance, saying, “Bounce is not just a festival—it’s a movement. As individuals, we are not just one thing. This year’s artists bring a wealth of intersectional experiences that challenge stereotypes and celebrate complexity.”

Patricia Lavery, Head of Community Arts and Participation at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commended the festival’s role in supporting D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists. “The Bounce Arts Festival does just that, offering a vital platform to shine a light on the work of these talented artists,” Lavery remarked. She congratulated the University of Atypical for curating another impressive program, encouraging the community to participate.

Ciara Smyth, Chair of University of Atypical, acknowledged the support from various funders, including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and the National Lottery Communities Fund, among others. “These events are just a taste of the packed, exciting programme we’re proud to present this year,” Murphy added.

Bounce 2025 promises to be a diverse, disability-led festival that welcomes everyone. “This festival belongs to you—come make it your own,” Murphy encouraged potential attendees. Ticket information and the full schedule can be found at University of Atypical’s official website.

For the latest updates, interested individuals can visit the Belfast Live homepage and sign up for the daily newsletter.