Carlisle Memorial Church

Carlisle Memorial is a distinctive Belfast venue available to organisers for cultural, creative and public events. Set inside a historic Gothic former church, it offers a dramatic, open interior with a central nave, arched side aisles and a high vaulted ceiling. The space has around 722 square metres of floor area, giving event planners room to shape different layouts and experiences.

The building has hosted exhibitions, opera and theatre productions, public lectures, festivals, dance activities, film work and recording projects. Its scale and architectural character make it a memorable setting for performances, launches, showcases, screenings, community gatherings and other events that benefit from an unusual backdrop. Audience capacity is arranged according to the event format, with past configurations accommodating about 300 seated guests or up to 500 people in mixed seated and standing layouts.

The venue includes a self-contained structure with a fitted kitchen and four toilets, along with a three-phase electrical supply and standard domestic power. It is a flexible, largely open space rather than a fully equipped events centre, so organisers should plan for their own seating and production requirements. There is no permanent rigging, and heating is limited to the kitchen and toilet block. Public events have an 11pm curfew, and there is no dedicated car park, although informal parking may be available nearby.

Carlisle Memorial is managed for hire by Belfast Buildings Trust. Organisers can enquire about using the building for a project or event, with practical arrangements and capacity considered in relation to the proposed use.