The Lyric Theatre is proud to announce that it will play host to an event during the 12th Annual Belfast International Homecoming, taking place from 24–26 September 2025. Organised by Aisling Events, the Belfast International Homecoming positions the city as a safe harbour for business, creativity, and innovation.
Each year, the programme welcomes a wide range of guests including entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and innovators alongside members of Belfast’s global diaspora who maintain strong family and historic ties to the city. Through panels, talks, and awards, the Homecoming celebrates Belfast’s resilience, while exploring opportunities for partnership, investment, and peace-building.
The Belfast International Homecoming boosts a full programme of
events including a business forum hosted by KPMG, Port-to-Port
engagement, a visit to Studio Ulster and Hinch Distillery, and the
flagship International Gala Dinner on Thursday 25th evening at the
Titanic Hotel, which is a landmark celebration that brings together
people passionate about Belfast’s renewal and growth.
The Lyric has long been involved in this fantastic event, particularly as our work has toured to the US in the last number of years. This year we are delighted that our Head of Marketing & Development, Claire Murray, was invited to be one of the Honorary Chairs of the 12th Belfast International Homecoming. The Lyric is also part of the brilliant programme of events, hosting the Lyric Theatre Curtain Call on Thursday 25th morning where delegates and visitors can visit the theatre, meet award-winning playwright Marie Jones and hear all about her new play 'Dear Arabella' opening at the Lyric next week. They will get a tour of the stage, and Claire will share their plans of The Lyric's ‘Fund for the Future’ campaign, which includes a transformative capital build at the theatre called The Nest, a bespoke new space for our award-winning Creative Learning team.
The Lyric’s Creative Learning programme currently engages with over 15,000 young people every year across Northern Ireland, often reaching those in the most disadvantaged communities. The Lyric Drama Studio won a UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Arts Education, and it continues to offer opportunities for young creative talent in Northern Ireland to flourish. Its growth has been so successful that demand now far exceeds the space available. The Nest will ensure the team has the facilities required to expand this vital work, giving more young people the opportunity to discover their creativity, build confidence, and shape their futures.
Claire Murray said:
“The Belfast Homecoming is a really special event, a chance to reconnect with our global diaspora, and showcase the very best of what our city has to offer while looking firmly to the future. For the Lyric, that future lies in ensuring young people have access to the transformative power of theatre. Our Fund for the Future campaign will make that possible, and we’re delighted to share that vision with Homecoming guests from across the globe.”