Step Into the Future of Immersive Storytelling at Belfast XR Festival
Date Posted: March 6, 2025
The Belfast XR Festival 2025, supported by Northern Ireland Screen, is set to be an unmissable event for emerging game designers, immersive filmmakers, and digital storytellers in Northern Ireland. Running from 13th to 23rd March 2025, the festival offers a unique platform to explore the latest advancements in extended reality (XR) and interactive media.
See the full programme of workshops & panels here: Belfast XR Festival
On Thursday, 13th March, the festival will host “The Art of Noise,” a series of industry panels at the Oh Yeah Music Centre. Designed to delve into the intersection of music, technology, and immersive content, these sessions offer invaluable insights for early-career professionals and students.
- In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats Panel (10:00 – 11:00 AM): Gain behind-the-scenes knowledge about the creation of In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats and explore the historical context of the Belfast rave scene. Panelists include creator Darren Emerson and local DJ/producer Timmy Stewart, moderated by music consultant Jo Wright.
- The Future of Immersive Content Production (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): This discussion focuses on the evolving landscape of immersive technology and its impact on storytelling and audience engagement. Panelists such as composer and immersive artist Rory Friers, XR researcher Linda Curtin, Dr James Stafford from immersive training company INCISIV and Darkfield’s creative director Victoria Eyton will share their diverse experiences, offering attendees a comprehensive view of current and future trends in immersive content creation.
- Machines Do Not Discriminate: Utilizing Technology for Diverse Content Creators (1:15 – 2:15 PM): Emmy-nominated producer and director Rosa Costanza will engage in a fireside chat with XR filmmaker and lecturer Lucy Baxter. The conversation will explore how emerging technologies can democratize content creation, providing opportunities for diverse voices in the industry. Rosa will also present a case study of her transmedia project, XING 360, offering practical insights into leveraging technology for inclusive storytelling.
- Mastering Immersive Sound: Elevating Virtual Experiences (2:15 – 3:30 PM)
Sound is one of the most powerful tools in immersive media, shaping user experience and deepening emotional engagement. This panel will explore the role of binaural audio, head tracking, ambisonics, and spatial sound in creating truly immersive virtual worlds. Featuring insights from leading experts in sound design, engineering, and research, the discussion will highlight cutting-edge techniques for enhancing interactivity and realism in XR experiences.
Chairing the panel is Jo Wright (Music Consultant and Artist Manager, Citizen Music Ireland), joined by Dr Jia-Rey Chang (Lecturer, Digital Artist/Designer, MediaLab, Queen’s University Belfast), Katie Richardson (Composer, Sound Designer), Luke McNeice (Head of Engineering and Site Lead, Hamilton Robson), and Dr Úna Monaghan (Harper, Composer, Researcher, Sound Artist, Queen’s University Belfast).
Perfect for audio engineers, game developers, sound designers, and XR creators, this session will offer valuable insights into the future of immersive sound.
Networking Opportunities
The festival emphasises the importance of community and collaboration. A networking lunch, sponsored by Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network, will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, featuring a live acoustic set by ‘The Thing Is’.
This gathering offers a relaxed environment for attendees to connect with industry professionals, potential mentors, and peers, fostering relationships that can propel their careers forward.
Why Attend This Industry Event?
For students and early-career professionals in game design, immersive filmmaking, and related fields, the Belfast XR Festival 2025 is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the forefront of XR innovation. Engage with pioneering creators, gain insights from seasoned professionals, and experience firsthand the technologies and narratives shaping the future of immersive media. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, knowledge, or connections, the festival provides a comprehensive platform to support your professional growth.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this dynamic convergence of creativity and technology. Mark your calendars for 13th–23rd March 2025, and prepare to embark on a journey that could redefine your approach to immersive storytelling.
A £5 charge applies for attendance for the full day of panels. Please register your attendance on the event listing page here.
Flagship Experience: In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats
At the heart of this year’s festival is the internationally acclaimed VR experience, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats. Created by Darren Emerson of East City Films, this award-winning interactive adventure transports participants back to 1989, immersing them in the vibrant UK rave scene.
Taking place from the 14th to 23rd March in the stunning Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast, this award-winning experience will allow attendees to navigate the journey from discovering secret warehouse parties to experiencing the euphoria of the dance floor – all delivered through cutting-edge VR and wearable haptic feedback technology, coupled with era-defining music and immersive storytelling.
This multi-sensory experience not only showcases the potential of immersive media but also serves as an inspiring case study for creators interested in blending technology with cultural narratives.
To book tickets for In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats visit: https://www.belfastxrfestival.com/in-pursuit-of-repetitive-beats
