Banana Block is a vibrant nightlife and cultural venue located in
Belfast,
Northern Ireland. It occupies a unique space in East
Belfast’s iconic Portview Trade Centre, originally built as part of the city’s historic linen mill complex. The name "Banana Block" is a playful nod to the site's legacy—legend has it that one of the first places in the UK to cultivate bananas under glass was within these very walls, reflecting not just its industrial past but also the spirit of innovation that infuses the venue today.
Since its inception, Banana Block has developed a reputation as a forward-thinking hub for music, art, and community activity. The venue was launched as part of a regeneration initiative in 2021, transforming a disused industrial space into a contemporary, multi-functional area. Although it is not a traditional nightclub in the sense of solely providing late-night dance events, it frequently hosts DJ nights, live performances, art installations, and grassroots cultural gatherings that draw diverse crowds from all over Ireland and beyond.
Banana Block is renowned for its commitment to inclusive, community-led programming. It has quickly become a breeding ground for
Belfast’s creative scene, blurring the lines between music venue, innovation hub, urban garden, and social club. Its experimental approach to venue management and curation is widely appreciated, cementing it as one of the city’s most interesting cultural destinations.
The
architectural structure has remained
mostly in its original form; however, clever renovations have introduced sustainable, modular installations and flexible event spaces that allow for a wide variety of uses, from underground club nights to craft fairs and educational workshops.
Over the years, Banana Block has welcomed an impressive roster of artists, adding to its growing cachet. Among the international headliners who have graced its stage are
DJ Boring,
Helena Hauff, and
Sherelle, each bringing their own brand of cutting-edge electronic music to
Belfast.
Local talent is also celebrated, with performances by renowned
Belfast DJs and producers such as
Timmy Stewart,
Marion Hawkes, and
Holly Lester. The venue has also played host to collaborative showcases with collectives like AVA Festival and The Night Institute, providing a platform for up-and-coming Irish artists and helping to link
Belfast’s scene to the broader European circuit.