News & Insights: Licensing

O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors act in Inaugural Licensed Sailortown Festival

17 June 2025

 

The Licensing Team at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors were delighted to act on behalf of Sailortown Regeneration in obtaining an occasional licence for the inaugural licensed Sailortown Festival.

Following the success of the previous Sailortown Festivals, Sailortown Regeneration were enthusiastic to grow the event by obtaining an occasional licence to allow for the retail sale of alcohol at the market. Local publican, Kelvin Collins (owner of Ben Madigans) was pleased to offer assistance and has allowed his Article 5(1)(A) licence to be used for the event.

Conor Cleverley of the Licensing Team appeared in Laganside Magistrates Court to submit the application. The application was granted, allowing the retail sale of alcohol at certain times during the course of the three-day event.

The Sailortown Festival is a cultural celebration designed to promote local food, arts, music and heritage with a particular emphasis on the maritime identity and community spirit of the historic Sailortown area of Belfast. The three-day event will run as set out below:

  1. Friday 20th June – a vibrant evening market, designed as a social after-work experience aimed at young professionals and local residents.
  2. Saturday 21st June – a food-focused daytime market featuring artisan food producers, street food vendors and culinary demonstrations.
  3. Sunday 22nd June – a relaxed and inclusive family-oriented program, including market stalls, musical performances, workshops and children’s entertainment.

The Sailortown Festival is sure to be a roaring success and the Licensing Team at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors wish best of luck to all those involved.

If you are organising a social or cultural event and wish to apply for an occasional licence, please do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Team on 028 90 321 000.

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