Waterfront Hall welcomed invited media and partners on Saturday for an exclusive preview of Celtic Heart, a brand-new immersive storytelling experience set to captivate visitors to Belfast from Spring through to September.

Hosted in the intimate surroundings of the Waterfront Hall Studio, the taster session offered a first glimpse into a production that blends spoken word, traditional Irish music, powerful vocals and striking dance to tell a story rooted in the heart of the city.

Led by acclaimed storyteller Colin Urwin, Celtic Heart transports audiences to early 1900's working-class Belfast, weaving together folklore, humour and lived experience into a moving narrative of love, loss and resilience. This richly layered experience celebrates the city’s heritage, bringing to life the voices, spirit and stories of Belfast’s past in a way that feels both authentic and deeply personal.

Feedback from attendees:

"Celtic Heart is a beautiful story about Irish mythical legends, reality of Belfast in the 1900's & complex relationships crossing the religious divide​"

Guests were welcomed with drinks, canapés and McConnell’s Irish Whisky sampling, before experiencing a specially curated performance showcasing the tone, scale and emotional depth of the production. The afternoon concluded with a feedback session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the creative team.

Event Curator Lucia said:

Celtic Heart is about capturing the true spirit of Belfast, its people, its stories and its resilience. Seeing it come to life in such an intimate setting, with such a strong response from guests, has been incredibly special.

Designed as an intimate, high-quality cultural experience, Celtic Heart is set to become a must-see for both local audiences and visitors seeking a deeper connection to Belfast’s history and identity. With its powerful storytelling, atmospheric live music and visually striking performance, the production offers something truly unique within the city’s cultural landscape.

With strong engagement and enthusiasm following the preview, Celtic Heart is now preparing to welcome audiences to a series of performances, offering an unforgettable journey into Belfast’s past, told from the heart.

Discover more and book tickets:
https://www.waterfront.co.uk/celtic-heart