If we could hear Lough Neagh speak, what would she say?

The widely publicised pollution of the lough has been described as a slow death. The build-up of agricultural poison has formed toxic algal blooms that choke the wild inhabitants of the lough and drive the local community from its shores. But Lough Neagh has been part of our world for 400 million years, and borders five of the six counties. People have been benefitting from its resources since the dawn of civilisation, and stories of the lough are woven into the mythological fabric of Ulster and beyond.

This live event juxtaposes Northern Ireland’s rich television archive of BBC Northern Ireland and Ulster Television with traditional Irish singing and local journalism to explore the heritage, history and cultural significance of Lough Neagh.

With traditional singer Méabh Meir as the voice of Lough Neagh, and spoken word from Tommy Greene, reading from his book, Troubled Waters: How Lough Neagh Is Being Destroyed by Corporate Greed and Political Neglect. Curated by Belfast Film Festival programmer, Rose Baker, and edited by Docs Ireland programmer, Stuart Sloan.

Footage courtesy of BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive (courtesy of the UTV Partnership project). 

Book tickets and explore the Belfast Film Festival Programme:

https://belfastfilmfestival2026.eventive.org/schedule/6ab27605eddf9279f8bd51cb

Where is the event?

Black Box 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA

When: November 1, 2026, 8:00 - 10:00 PM GMT

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