More than 330 events across Northern Ireland as biggest-ever Good Relations Week begins
Emer Maguire, ambassador for Good Relations Week 2026, pictured with Arteska performers Surya Prakash Dontham and Weihong Tu as she calls on the public to explore this year’s programme and take part.
Sunday 11 October 2026
People across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to step outside their usual circles and connect with others as the biggest-ever Good Relations Week gets under way tomorrow, Monday 12 October, with more than 330 events taking place across all 11 council areas.
From live music and cultural celebrations to film screenings, exhibitions, sport and community conversations, the seven-day programme offers opportunities to discover different traditions, share experiences and meet people from different backgrounds.
Most events are free to attend, with activities running until Sunday 18 October in venues ranging from community centres and libraries to universities, theatres and major cultural attractions.
A week focused on bringing people together
Organised by the Community Relations Council and supported by The Executive Office, Good Relations Week 2026 takes place under the theme ‘Include – Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day.’
The programme aims to strengthen relationships between communities, challenge racism and sectarianism, and encourage greater understanding of the barriers people can face because of their identity or circumstances.
It also celebrates the work carried out throughout the year by schools, charities, community organisations, councils and volunteers to help people feel welcome, respected and included.
Award-winning BBC presenter and musical comedian Emer Maguire is supporting this year's campaign and believes even small acts of kindness and understanding can make a meaningful difference.
She said:
“Everyone deserves to feel welcome and accepted, whatever their race, religion, disability, sexuality or background. We all have a part to play in that through how we treat people and whether we take the time to listen.
“Inclusion matters to me personally. When you’ve felt different or unsure of where you fit, having someone make you feel welcome can mean a great deal. We don’t always know what someone else is experiencing, so asking rather than assuming is a good place to start.”
Emer Maguire encourages people to try something new
Award-winning presenter and musical comedian Emer Maguire, ambassador for Good Relations Week 2026, pictured with Arteska performers Surya Prakash Dontham and Weihong Tu ahead of the week-long celebration.
With hundreds of activities available, the presenter hopes people will use the week as an opportunity to meet someone they might not otherwise encounter.
She said:
“Good Relations Week gives us opportunities to get to know people beyond our usual circles. Whether you join a conversation, take part in sport, visit an exhibition or attend a community celebration, you can hear a different story and see things from another perspective.
“I’d encourage everyone to look at the programme and give something a go. Choose something you enjoy or try something new. You might meet someone you’d never otherwise have crossed paths with, and that’s how a connection can begin.”
Events taking place across Northern Ireland
The programme includes activities in every council area, with a number of events highlighting the role of education, culture, shared heritage and community participation in building stronger relationships.
Among the featured events are:
• Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 October – Beyond the Uniform, a photographic exhibition organised by Londonderry Bands Forum at New Gate Arts and Culture Centre in Derry/Londonderry, exploring the people behind band uniforms and the importance of music and belonging.
• Tuesday 13 October – The Belfast Women’s Assembly hosts a conversation with Linda Ervine at St Comgall’s / Ionad Eileen Howell, Belfast.
• Tuesday 13 October – Unfinished Broadside at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, celebrates Ulster-Scots heritage through drama, music, song and dance.
• Tuesday 13 October – Migrant Centre NI presents Sing for Peace, a multicultural concert at Lurgan Library.
• Thursday 15 October – The Education Authority’s Schools of Sanctuary programme features an event at Belfast City Hall, recognising efforts to create welcoming school environments.
• Thursday 15 October – Belfast Exposed hosts Truth Be Told: Journalism & Poetry, featuring Belfast Telegraph editor Sam McBride and award-winning poet Angela Graham.
• Friday 16 October – Ulster University hosts the Garífuna International Forum 2026 at its Coleraine campus, bringing an international perspective to the week's activities.
• Friday 16 October – The Ulster Museum in Belfast offers a free curator-led tour of its Troubles and Beyond exhibition.
• Saturday 17 October – Ark Housing's GRANDfest takes place at Queen’s Hall, Newtownards.
• Saturday 17 October – Omagh RDA holds an inclusive dressage competition at its Deverney Road centre.
• Saturday 17 October – First Steps Women’s Centre presents Celebrating Cultures and Connecting People at the Hill of The O’Neill, Dungannon, featuring free music, dance and traditional food from different communities.
• Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October – Cinemagic presents its International Shorts Programme at Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast.
These are just some of the activities taking place during the week, with the full programme searchable by council area, date and type of event.
Recognising the people building stronger communities
Pictured ahead of Good Relations Week 2026 are ambassador Emer Maguire; Arteska performers Surya Prakash Dontham and Weihong Tu; Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council; and Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council.
Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said the record programme reflected the commitment of organisations and individuals working to bring communities together.
He said:
“More than 330 events across all 11 council areas make this our largest Good Relations Week programme to date. That reflects the care, energy and commitment of people across the region who are working to bring communities together.
“I want to thank every community group, school, charity, business, council and organisation taking part, and every member of staff and volunteer behind them. Their commitment extends far beyond this week. Throughout the year, they bring people together, challenge prejudice and build trust, often through patient work that receives little recognition.”
Mr McDonald also acknowledged that discrimination and exclusion remain challenges for people from different backgrounds.
He added:
“Discrimination and exclusion continue to affect people because of their race, religion, disability, sexuality or background. Good Relations Week recognises those working to overcome these barriers and invites all of us to contribute. By taking part, listening and being willing to question our assumptions, we can help build communities where everyone feels respected and able to belong.”
Inclusion beyond one week
Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, said this year's theme was intended to encourage people to consider the obstacles others experience in everyday life.
She said:
“Our theme, ‘Include – Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day.’, asks us to consider the barriers people face because of their identity, background or circumstances, and what we can do together to address them. The goal is to help everyone feel respected, their voices heard and all able to participate fully in their community.
“Good Relations Week celebrates the groups, organisations and individuals working throughout the year to make that possible. The programme reflects their commitment, creating opportunities to explore difficult issues, discover different cultures and meet through shared interests. These experiences can help people move beyond assumptions and understand one another better.”
Good Relations Week contributes to the Northern Ireland Executive's Together: Building a United Community Strategy, which seeks to improve relationships and promote a more shared society.
How to find an event near you
Residents in Ballymena, Mid and East Antrim and neighbouring council areas can explore the full programme to find activities taking place locally or elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
The official website, www.goodrelationsweek.com, allows visitors to search by:
• Day and date
• Council area
• Event category
• Intended audience
Individual event listings provide further information, including booking arrangements and access requirements. Most activities are free, although visitors should check the details of their chosen event before attending.
With more than 330 opportunities to participate over seven days, organisers hope the connections made during Good Relations Week will continue long after the celebrations end on Sunday 18 October.
