
Welcome to
Oh Yeah
Welcome to the Oh Yeah Music Centre, where local music is celebrated and supported! Since 2007, we have been Belfast’s dedicated music hub and are proud to promote, showcase and develop the incredible talent that Northern Ireland has to offer.
Open Doors To Music…
As a leading Belfast music venue, our mission is to provide a welcoming, inclusive space where emerging and established musicians can thrive. We offer affordable rehearsal and recording facilities, music mentoring, youth and older people’s programmes, live gigs, music tours, and talent development opportunities - all designed to nurture Belfast’s music community.
Our award-winning venue is more than just a performance space. The Oh Yeah Music Centre features a renowned Music Exhibition that celebrates Northern Ireland’s rich musical heritage, with memorabilia from iconic artists like Snow Patrol, Van Morrison, and Stiff Little Fingers. Whether you're a music history buff or a live music enthusiast, our exhibition and events promise a truly immersive experience.
We’re proud curators of Sound of Belfast, the annual festival that shines a spotlight on the city’s music scene, and the Northern Ireland Music Prize, which honours the best of Northern Ireland’s musical talent. These flagship events reflect our commitment to elevating local artists and promoting Belfast as a UNESCO City of Music.
At Oh Yeah Music Centre, we are deeply passionate about supporting the local music scene and are constantly looking for ways to grow and expand our offerings. From hosting workshops and masterclasses to running top-quality gigs that span across all genres, we strive to be the go-to destination for anyone interested in music in Belfast.
L-R: Davy Matchett, Peter Hain (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 2005-2007), Gary Lightbody, Stuart Ballie, Martin Neill.
Our Story
Oh Yeah Music Centre was born from a simple but powerful belief: that music can transform lives and communities. In 2005, four passionate individuals came together with a shared vision to create a space that would support and celebrate Northern Ireland’s musical talent, and open the doors of opportunity to the next generation.
Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, broadcaster and journalist Stuart Bailie, music manager Davy Matchett, and digital entrepreneur Martin Neill were the founding forces behind Oh Yeah. Frustrated by the lack of infrastructure for emerging artists in Belfast and beyond, they imagined a place where young musicians could access rehearsal space, mentoring, gigs, studio time and industry support – regardless of background or budget. Chaired by John D’Arcy, with the addition of Mike Edgar and Lisa McElherron, our newly formed board gave us the tools to take the next steps in the Oh Yeah journey
Backed by Gary and driven by the team’s belief in making music more accessible, Oh Yeah opened its doors in 2007 in a converted whiskey warehouse in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, leased to the organisation by Billy McBurney. The name, taken from the iconic song by Ash, captured the sense of pride, possibility and momentum at the heart of the project.
Since then, Oh Yeah has grown into a vital part of Northern Ireland’s music ecosystem: a venue, a hub, a safe space, and a launchpad. But at its heart, it still holds tight to the values it was founded on; creativity, community, and the idea that music is for everyone.
Meet
The Team
When we opened our doors in the summer of 2007, we had no staff, just fanatical volunteers. In June 2008, Stuart Bailie (founding CEO) and Charlotte Dryden became the centre's first official workers. Since then, we have grown to eleven core staff members who allow this amazing project to roll the way that it does.
In 2016, Oh Yeah entered a new phase. Stuart Bailie announced he would be moving on. In June, Charlotte was appointed as CEO and in October, Damien McAdams took up the new position of Operations Director.
OUR BOARD
Oh Yeah continues to thrive thanks to the dedication, expertise, and guidance of our board. Made up of individuals with diverse skills and experience, they play a vital role in shaping our vision, ensuring good governance, and championing our mission to support music and creativity across Northern Ireland. Their commitment helps us grow, adapt, and keep music at the heart of everything we do.
Paul Evans (Chair)
Jeremy Fitch
Gerard Murray
Paul McClean
Harry Martin
Gemma Bradley
Colin Reid
Tara Craig
Sara Mooney
Vincenta Leyden
Stephen Hardy
Awards & Achievements
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Inspiring Tutor of the Year
Caoimhe O’Connor: Highly Commended
2024
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Grassroots Venue: Spirit Of The Scene
Winner
2024
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Provider Of The Year Award
Highly Commended
2023
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Provider Of The Year Award
Highly Commended
2022
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Provider Of The Year Award
Highly Commended
2021
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Mentor Of The Year
Sian O’Neill & Charlene Hegarty: Winners
2019
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New Sponsor Award
Finalist
2018
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Sound Of Belfast Festival
Highly Commended, with Molson Coors
2018
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CEO Of The Year
Charlotte Dryden: Shortlisted for Best Newcomer
2018
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Grassroots Venue: Spirit Of The Scene
Finalist
2017
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National Geographic Magazine
Top 10 Things To Do In Northern Ireland
2017
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Mentor Of The Year
Sian O’Neill and Charlene Hegarty: Winners
2017
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Board Member Of The Year
Ellie McGimpsey: Highly Commended
2016
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Dementia Friendly Awards
Paul Kane & The Maritime Blues Note Project: Outstanding Contribution
2016
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DANI Awards: Online Strategy
Not-For-Profit Section: Shortlisted
2015
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Thomas Devlin Arts & Creativity Award
Winner
2014
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Inspiring Youth Enterprise Award
Winner
2014
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World Host Recognised Business
Northern Ireland
2013
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Family Event Of The Year
Shortlisted
2013
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Cultural Branding Award
Shortlisted
2013
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Arts Award
Shortlisted
2013
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Make The Difference Awards
Best Project: Winner
2012
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Best Festival Award
Belfast Music Week: Winner
2012
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The Irish Times
Top 100 Creative Catalysts In Ireland List
2012
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Woman Of The Year
CEO Charlotte Dryden: Shortlisted
2012
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Best New Product
Recognition for Belfast Music Initiative with lead partner Belfast City Council, Culture NI & Filmtrip
2011
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Best Creative Business
Shortlisted
2011
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Top 10 UK Music Attractions
Belfast Music Bus Tour
2011
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Best Small Venues Award
Shortlisted
2011
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Top 40 Under 40 Awards
Creative Development Manager Charlotte Dryden Recognised
2010
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Aisling Awards
Shortlisted: Cultural & Arts Section
2009
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Top 50 Business In Belfast
Sponsored by BT and InvestNI
2007
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