THE TIES THAT BIND – CREATIVE FORCES COLLIDE - FROM BALLYDEHOB TO BELFAST!
Our West Cork friends Levis’ Corner House return to The Duncairn Arts Centre for their takeover weekend! Come join us for a weekend of music, creativity, food & collaboration from 14th–16th November 2025.
Building on the success of last year’s The Ties That Bind, two of Ireland’s most beloved grassroots venues (if we can say so ourselves!) Levis’ Corner House (Ballydehob, West Cork) and The Duncairn reunite this November to celebrate our ongoing creative partnership.
Since July 2024, artists from both communities have collaborated through residencies, performances, and exchanges — swapping rural West Cork for the city of Belfast and vice versa. These connections have sparked new artistic work, friendships, and creative conversations that continue to grow.
This year’s Levis Takeover of The Duncairn brings a packed three-day programme of music, food, art, and community events, deepening the cross-island creative links forged through The Ties That Bind.
Sing For Your Session : A West Cork Gathering of Food, Song & Dance at The Duncairn
Following on from last year’s roaring success of Sing for your Supper, Levis’ returns to Belfast with another evening of communal tunes, traditional music, good grub, and a wee bit of Ceilí dancing. There will be food — no one leaves the house hungry! — and, as tradition of the session demands, there will be plenty of singing and dancing too.
The evening begins with sharing platters celebrating West Cork’s finest produce — from Gubbeen cheeses and salamis to Durrus cheese and local artisan breads — a real taste of home.
Once the plates are cleared, the singing begins, led by renowned pianist and composer Maurice Seezer, everyone and anyone can get up and do their party piece. A little dessert later followed by the finest traditional musicians from West Cork to keep the tunes (and toes) tapping.
We’ll have a special guest from the Muscraí Gaeltacht on hand to guide you through a few steps for the ceilí mór before the night is out!
TICKETS: AVAILABLE HERE
Secret Song: A unique West Cork live music & spoken word event returning to the Duncairn!
‘Secret Song’ Music Festival has taken place annually in Levis’ for 11 years and is exactly as it is titled – a Secret. On the day, the audience and performers arrive without knowing who else is playing…Over the years there's been secret performances from Lisa Hannigan, Ye Vagabonds, Jen Grant, Mick Fannery, SOAK, Rozi Plai,Lily Lyons and George Houston . It is a celebration of live original music. Audiences take a chance on the mystery lineup and are richly rewarded!
On 15th of November, a program of amazingly talented musicians, curated by Levis Cornerhouse will perform on various stages throughout Duncairn Arts Centre. As always no names are announced, but this promises to be a brilliant evening showcasing West Cork’s vibrant cultural scene.
TICKETS: AVAILABLE HERE
Junior Secret Song x Super Sunday: 11.30AM-1.30PM
A free, family friendly day in the Duncairn! As part of the Levis Corner House Takeover they will host a day for the family! Just like the Duncairn’s Super Sunday, Levis’ knows the importance of providing opportunities for families to enjoy the arts, music, crafts and community spaces. Their Junior Secret Song always take place after the infamous Secret Song festival - Featuring live music from West Cork, Children's Crafts and Art with visiting and local Artists. We might even celebrate the mighty turnip and dance it out ! Native Coffee providing Refreshments on site. All Welcome for this FREE EVENT!
A Shared Creative Legacy
Our good friend Joe O’Leary, sums it up perfectly when he says, “Music is a gentle way to dissolve boundaries and bring people closer,”
“What began as a cultural exchange has grown into a real friendship between our communities. Small can be beautiful — and the legacy of this collaboration will continue to ripple through both places for years to come.”
Bígí Linn!
The Ties That Bind partnership between Levis’ Corner House and The Duncairn is funded by Creative Ireland’s ‘Creative Communities on a Shared Island’ initiative, supported by Cork County Council and Belfast City Council.
PHOTOS CREDIT: Jason Lee, Liadain Kaminska
