East Belfast Arts Festival is a brand new, vibrant festival for 2012 and the first of its kind in the east of the city. Taking place from 5^th- 9^th September, it will include music, visual art, theatre, literature, heritage, film and comedy and will celebrate and showcase emerging and existing local talent.

East Belfast’s very own Van Morrison headlines the Saturday ‘Big Top’ music festival at Aircraft Park on 8^th September, with full supporting line up; Shana Morrison, Brian Houston, Wonder Villains, Gareth Dunlop, Katie and the Carnival, Belfast Community Gospel Choir, Anthony Toner, and the Mama Kaz Band. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

Other highlights include the largest curated public art exhibition ever seen in Belfast. Literature enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with two tours to choose from, one focusing on CS Lewis (east Belfast’s most famous literary son) and the other on Literary Belfast. The Yellow Fever Independent Film Festival is a must for horror film lovers - films, shorts, talks and a zombie walk and fun day in the grounds of Stormont Estate. Another fun day out for the kids is the Mini Magic Club and for the adults there are two comedy nights to provide some hilarious entertainment.

For full programme information please visit www.eastbelfastartsfestival.org.

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The EBAF is a not for profit company, run by a voluntary board comprising local arts managers, community leaders and artists, and fully supported by East Belfast Partnership. The festival is open and accessible to all, with events catering to a wide range of people over a range of east Belfast venues 5^th – 9^th September 2012.

The EBAF is supported by George Best Belfast City Airport, U105, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Connswater Shopping Centre, Park Avenue Hotel, East Belfast Partnership, Translink, McAdam Design, Odyssey Trust, McDonalds Trust, UnLtd and Lloyds TSB Foundation.