Bounce Festival kicks off this week in Derry

The Bounce Arts Festival arrives in Derry this weekend (October 2–4 2025), showcasing the vibrant creativity of disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent artists. This year’s theme, “Not Just…”, challenges stereotypes and celebrates the multifaceted identities of disabled individuals across theatre, visual arts, dance, film, and spoken word.

Organized by the University of Atypical, Bounce is Northern Ireland’s only disability-led arts festival. The festival continues to provide a platform for disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent artists to showcase their work and engage with audiences. The 2025 festival features 26 events across Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, with over 60 artists participating.

The festival kicks off with the Not Just BS (Breakfast Symposium) on Thursday, October 2 from 10:30am – 12:3 pm at The Playhouse.

Edel Murphy, CEO and Artistic Director of University of Atypical explained: “Audiences will hear unique, progressive and forward-thinking perspectives and hopefully feel empowered, informed and enlightened by who and what disability is.”

This dynamic networking and panel event features performances and discussions on disability representation and intersectionality. This will include music by Colm Herron, who released his debut album Bottles in the Rain in 2023, a talk by neurodivergent artist Alan Burns and spoken word by Abby Oliveira, supported by the D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund.

There will be a panel discussion hosted by Mel Bradley with artists and curators, including Alan Burns, Soso Ní Cheallaigh, Dave Duggan, Justine Scoltock, Edel Murphy and Catherine Hemelryk.

“While all the artists identify as d/Deaf disabled or deaf, they are all very diverse in their backgrounds and experiences.  This is an opportunity to create a discussion, learn and influence each other on our own diversity within the sector. This is a place to come and feel part of a community of people who are all linked by a passion for the arts, skill, talent and professionalism - and that they all identify as disabled or neurodivergent,” Edel added.

Other Festival Events in Derry:-

Re-collections by Justine Scoltock - 2–4 October | The Playhouse - An exhibition exploring how overlapping identities shape experiences, through a series of mixed media pieces.

(W)right Now - Thursday, 2 October | 2:00–3:00 pm | The Playhouse - A writing workshop led by acclaimed Derry-based writer Dave Duggan.

Still Not Your Pity Party! - Thursday, 2 October | 8:00–10:00 pm | The Playhouse - A high-energy cabaret featuring queer, d/Deaf, and disabled performers challenging pity narratives with pride and humour.

Mind the Time - Friday, 3 October | 12:00–1:00 pm | The Nerve Centre - A film screening showcasing the unique talent of award-winning Stage Beyond Theatre Company.

Dreaming Disability Futures - Saturday, 4 October | Noon – 4pm | The Void Arts Centre - A workshop led by writer Alex Cregan, exploring the politics of disability and justice.

We Shall Not March to the Beat of the Same Drum - Saturday, 4 October | 7:00–9:00 pm | Centre for Contemporary Art - A live performance by visual and performance artist Rebecca Strain, drawing on cultural negotiation themes.

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This festival has been funded by: the Arts Council of Northern Ireland along with Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, National Lottery Communities Fund, Department for Communities, Arts Council of Northern Ireland Commissioning Programme supported by the National Lottery, Cultural Bridge, Belfast Harbour Community Awards, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland through The Ultach Fund, Esmé Mitchell Trust and Blueprint through Arts and Business NI.

Tickets and the full programme are available at www.universityofatypical.org/bounce.