Lavery’s to transform historic Belfast Electric Light Station into pop-up venue for two major events

The popular bar will use the venue for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and Belfast Pride

One of Belfast’s most famous bars has announced it will be utilising a previously unused space for two major events.

Lavery’s has announced the exciting plans to take over a listed Belfast City Centre building for the Fleadh and Belfast Pride.

The bar complex will be taking over the Belfast Electric Light Station on Chapel Lane, which was the city’s very first municipal power station, built to generate electricity for a city taking its first steps into the electric age.

Although it was soon outgrown by larger facilities, it remains the oldest surviving civic power station of its kind in Northern Ireland and a rare piece of Belfast’s industrial heritage.

Organisers have said: “For one incredible week, we’ll bring this historic space back to life. A building that once powered the city will become a home for music, culture and unforgettable nights throughout the Fleadh.”

The first event held in the make-shift venue will be an all-day party over Pride weekend to celebrate Belfast Pride.

A special one-off takeover of Lavery’s Comedy Club will also arrive at the Electric Light Station. For one night only, one of Belfast’s biggest comedy nights swaps its iconic home for an atmospheric new venue, bringing a huge lineup of laughs to a truly unique setting.

On Sunday, July 26, comedians like Ciaran Bartlett, Diona Doherty and Aaron Butler will take to the stage in a one-off night of laughs.

Following this, they will then open up the venue for a series of events across the week of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Over 800,000 visitors are expected to attend events between Sunday, August 2, and Sunday, August 9.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture.

The eight-day festival will bring musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers and visitors from across the world to Belfast for All-Ireland competitions, concerts, céilí bands, civic events, fringe activity and spontaneous street sessions.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here