Shared Roots: Victorian Belfast at 101 Donegall Street

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October 2026
101 Donegall Street, Belfast

The story of 101 Donegall Street stretches back more than 220 years. A church was first established on this site in 1804, and in 1845 it welcomed the formerly enslaved abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who delivered his first Belfast lecture here, speaking out against slavery and for freedom and equality.

Through fire, the Belfast Blitz and a changing city, the site has endured and evolved. Today, as the home of Redeemer Central, it continues its long tradition as a place of gathering, community and social engagement.

As part of Shared Roots, we invite you to experience this remarkable setting while discovering Victorian Belfast in creative and unexpected ways. Try your hand at traditional textile making, create your own illustrated Victorian tale, or settle in as October darkness falls for an atmospheric evening of folklore and storytelling.

Seasonal Felting Workshop

Saturday 24 October | 2pm–4pm

Get creative with a relaxed afternoon of traditional felting inspired by autumn and Belfast’s textile heritage.

Learn simple felting techniques and create your own seasonal piece using the colours, plants and symbols of autumn. Along the way, discover more about the role of textiles and traditional making in Belfast’s heritage.

No previous experience is needed and all materials are provided.

Book here 

Penny Publications: Victorian Illustration & Storytelling Workshop

Sunday 25 October | 2pm–4pm

Step inside our Victorian Story House and discover the characters, objects and secrets hiding within.

Inspired by Victorian illustrated publications and sensational storytelling, choose a room, character or curious object from our miniature doll’s house and use it to create your own tale through writing, drawing and collage.

Mysterious, funny, spooky or inspired by everyday Victorian Belfast—the story is yours to tell. Your finished creation will become part of our collective Victorian Story House, bringing new tales of Belfast’s past to life.

No writing or illustration experience is needed and all materials are provided.

Book here 

The Secrets of 101: Victorian Tales from Belfast

Sunday 25 October | 4.30pm–6.30pm

As the October evening draws in, step inside historic 101 Donegall Street for an atmospheric evening of stories, folklore and strange tales from Victorian Belfast.

Two live storytellers will transport you to the streets of a rapidly changing city, uncovering stories of its people, places, traditions and superstitions.

At the heart of the evening is our Victorian Story House—a miniature world filled with characters, curious objects and clues, each opening the door to another tale.

Expect everyday stories, old beliefs, curious happenings and a few darker tales perfect for the Halloween season.

Come along, settle in and discover the secrets hiding behind the doors of Victorian Belfast.

Book here

Shared Roots is part of the From Multiculturalism to Interculturalism led by ArtsEkta, Kabosh and Cairde na Cille under the Belfast Local Community Action Plan, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.