SESH

Mandela Hall, situated at 79 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NF, has long been recognized as one of Belfast's most iconic nightlife and live music venues. Located within Queen's University Belfast Students' Union, Mandela Hall originally took its name from Nelson Mandela in the late 1980s, reflecting the era's spirit of anti-apartheid activism and student solidarity. Since its opening in 1986, the hall quickly became a cultural touchstone of Northern Ireland’s live music scene, attracting students and locals with its dynamic atmosphere and commitment to hosting a wide spectrum of events—from club nights and comedy shows to groundbreaking gigs by emerging and established bands.

Over the decades, Mandela Hall cultivated a reputation as an inclusive, energetic venue that fostered both grassroots talent and major acts, and stood as a symbol of Belfast’s evolving nightlife in the post-Troubles era. Structurally, Mandela Hall underwent significant changes throughout its history. In the summer of 2018, the original building was closed and subsequently demolished as part of a major redevelopment of the Queen's University Students' Union complex.

While the closure was met with disappointment from regular attendees and local musicians, there was also a strong sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the venue’s contribution to Belfast’s cultural fabric. In 2022, Mandela Hall was reborn in a new, state-of-the-art facility on the same site, continuing its legacy with upgraded features, enhanced acoustics, and an ongoing dedication to supporting the city’s vibrant music scene. Its reopening was widely celebrated and reaffirmed Mandela Hall’s place at the heart of Belfast’s nightlife.

Mandela Hall has hosted a remarkable array of artists over the years, cementing its status as an essential stop on the Irish and UK touring circuits. International and local acts who have performed there include David Bowie, Snow Patrol, Two Door Cinema Club, The Chemical Brothers, Biffy Clyro, The Undertones, Franz Ferdinand, Kodaline, The Streets, The Academic, Villagers, and Ash. The venue also played a role in supporting Belfast’s indie and alternative scenes, giving a platform to homegrown talent and being a stepping stone for many Northern Irish bands poised for wider success.