Belfast XR Festival Returns for 2026

BELFAST XR FESTIVAL

BELFAST XR FESTIVAL

Belfast XR Festival is back this November, bringing unmissable immersive experiences to Belfast audiences.

Across two days at The Black Box, presented as part of Belfast Film Festival, we have two of the most talked about works in international immersive, alongside a programme of industry events for Northern Ireland's growing XR community.

Full details of both shows, and how to book, are below.

Escape the Internet

A massive multiplayer game, where you and over a hundred strangers are trapped on a mysterious island and must work together with your phones to escape the A.I. apocalypse. Created by legendary director Lucas Rizzotto and built with Pete Cybriwsky

Escape The Internet is a new gaming genre that shatters the 4th wall and takes audience interaction to the next level. Experience wild interactive set pieces, uncover the secrets of the people sitting next to you and evade monsters in a deep mystery full of colourful characters. But move fast, because time is of the essence: every audience member is infected with terminal brainrot and can be possessed by an algorithmic demon at any moment. Your future, and the future of the entire internet, is at stake.

You can’t stream it. You can’t play it at home. You have to be here. Bring your fully charged phone. Bring your friends. Escape the Internet.

Escape The Internet is presented by BXRF in partnership with IDFA DocLab.

Lucas Rizzotto

A master storyteller & technologist, Lucas Rizzotto is an award-winning inventor & viral artist creating new ways to tell stories. Whether he’s crafting an immersive VR story, a movie made on social media 1 minute at a time or a narrative game designed to be played by a crowd of hundreds of people, his work consistently pushes boundaries while being consistently innovative, introspective & viral. Online, Lucas’s creations have been seen by hundreds of millions of people and covered by press worldwide, while also winning awards & premiering at the world’s biggest film festivals. It’s the rare case of art that is both boundary pushing and accessible to everyday people

Venue: The Black Box

Dates & Times: Monday 2 November 2026 at 19:00; Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 14:00 and 19:00

Ticket Price: £15

(10% discount for group bookings of 4 or more)

Run time: 2 hours

Director: Lucas Rizzotto

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FAQ

The Baby Factory Is Closed

What if the menopause wasn’t an ending, but the beginning of a rebellion?

The Baby Factory Is Closed is an award-winning, 20-minute interactive virtual reality story that puts you inside the body of Zoraan, a woman navigating the menopause in a near-future world of A.I. surveillance, climate collapse and systems determined to control her.

This is not a quiet story about ageing. It is funny, furious, surreal and unapologetically rebellious. The Baby Factory Is Closed turns the body itself into the battleground. Original music composition by Katie Richardson.

Following sold-out international shows in the USA, Canada and France, the work comes home to the Belfast XR Festival.

You don’t need to understand VR. You don’t need to have experienced menopause. You just need to be willing to enter Zoraan’s world.

Tickets are limited. Come and find out why The Baby Factory Is Closed.

Festivals and Awards: SXSW Official Selection 2026, Annecy International Animation Film Festival Official Selection 2026, Galway Film Fleadh Official Selection 2026, New Images Official Selection 2026, FIVARS Official Selection 2026, Manchester Animation Film Festival Official Selection 2026, ART VR* Official Selection 2026, Belfast Film Festival Official Selection 2026, V&A London Digital Design Weekend 2026.

Venue: Green Room, The Black Box

Date: Monday 2 November 2026

Times: 10:00 to 16:00

Ticket Price: £7

Run time: 20 minutes

Director: Deepa Mann-Kler

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Belfast XR Festival : Future Audiences

A day exploring how immersive technology, new ideas and collaboration can shape the audiences of tomorrow.

BXRF 2026: Future Audiences brings together artists, producers, cultural organisations, funders and creative technology practitioners to explore how immersive and emerging technologies are reshaping the ways audiences will experience, participate in and connect with culture.

Taking place at Digital Catapult Northern Ireland, the programme considers what it means to design for the audiences of tomorrow, from new forms of immersive storytelling and participation to the technologies, creative practices and partnerships that can broaden access and engagement.

The afternoon begins with a welcome lunch and immersive showcases from Glasseye and Imvizar, giving attendees the chance to experience cutting-edge projects first-hand, exchange ideas and connect with fellow creators from across the island

Following an introduction from BXRF Festival Director Deepa Mann–Kler, ITN will share insights into its work and the evolving relationship between audiences, storytelling and emerging technology. An Immersive Arts UK panel in partnership with Nerve Centre will then bring together Artist voices to discuss the opportunities and challenges involved in developing meaningful immersive experiences for new and diverse audiences.

The programme continues with the launch of SHINE, Eirmersive's Shared Island initiative connecting immersive creators, storytellers and creative practitioners across the island of Ireland. Connect with the Eirmersive community, discover new opportunities, forge new collaborations and have your voice heard as we shape the future of SHINE together.

The day will close with an informal networking session, providing space for attendees to continue conversations, exchange ideas and develop new connections.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EIRMERSIVE, DIGITAL CATAPULT, INNOVATE UK TECH NETWORK, IMMERSIVE ARTS UK and ARTS COUNCIL OF NORTHERN IRELAND.

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Escape the Internet FAQ

  • Escape the Internet is an interactive cinematic video game that uses your own smartphone to transform the world around you.

    Rather than sitting and watching a traditional film or performance, you'll use your phone to interact with the experience and uncover what happens next.

  • No. Escape the Internet does not use a VR headset.

    The experience uses your own smartphone, so there is no headset or specialist equipment required.

  • Yes. You will need to bring a smartphone with you to take part.

    Please make sure your phone is fully charged before arriving.

  • You may be asked to join the experience on your phone before the event begins. Full instructions will be provided by the team when you arrive.

    Please ensure that any VPNs are turned off before joining the experience.

  • You will join the experience via host Wi-Fi at the venue. 

  • Please allow approximately 2 hours for the full experience.

    Your ticket is for a specific session, so please arrive in plenty of time.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your booked session.

    This allows time to check in, receive instructions and prepare your phone before the experience begins. No late arrivals will be admitted.

  • No.

    Escape the Internet is designed to be accessible to people whether or not they have experienced immersive or interactive work before.

    The team will explain everything you need to know before you begin.

  • Audience Guidance: 18+ only

    Escape The Internet is an irreverent, interactive live experience created for adult audiences. The show includes stand-up comedy, audience participation, strong language and adult humour, and may include material that some audience members find provocative, challenging or offensive. Audience participation is an integral part of the experience, and attendees may be invited to interact directly with the performers. Please consider the nature of the show and this guidance before purchasing a ticket. This experience is strictly for audiences aged 18 and over. 

  • Yes. You can attend on your own or with friends.

    The experience is designed to be experienced by individual audience members while sharing the same event environment.

  • Absolutely.

    We encourage audiences to experience Escape the Internet together, although your interaction with the work will take place through your own phone.

  • We offer a discounted rate for groups of four or more and the group of four tickets can be purchased directly in the box office with the discount applied. For larger groups please contact Belfast XR Festival. We would ask that where possible your group arrives at the event together at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled time. 

  • No.

  • We recommend arriving with your phone fully charged. Limited numbers of powerbanks will be available.

  • A smartphone is required to participate in the experience.

    If you have a specific access requirement that means you cannot use a smartphone, please contact the festival team before booking to discuss whether an alternative arrangement is possible.

  • Yes. Escape the Internet is designed to work on iOS and Android smartphones.

    If you are unsure whether your device is compatible, please contact the festival team before booking.

  • The experience takes place within the venue and is seated. 

    If you have mobility requirements, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the experience with you.

  • The Black Box provides accessible facilities, including step-free access and accessible toilets.

    However, as Escape the Internet is an interactive experience, there may be additional requirements relating to movement, use of a smartphone and interaction with the work.

    If you have specific access requirements, please contact the festival team before booking.

  • Yes. If you require a Personal Assistant or carer to attend with you, please contact the box office/festival team so that an appropriate ticket can be arranged.

  • You can stop participating at any time.

    If you need assistance during the experience, a member of the festival or production team will be available to help.

  • If you have questions about the content of the experience before booking, please contact the festival team.

  • You are NOT permitted to take photographs or record the experience. Failure to do so will result in removal from the experience and or venue. 

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled session.

    Because the experience begins at a set time and requires an introduction/setup, late arrivals will not be able to participate once the experience has started.

  • No. You can show your ticket on your phone.

    And you'll be using your phone for the experience itself!

  • Ticket refund and exchange policies are determined by the ticketing platform and festival.

    Please check the ticket terms at the time of booking.

  • The Black Box
    18–22 Hill Street
    Belfast
    BT1 2LA

    The Black Box is located in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter.

  • For questions about Escape the Internet, accessibility or whether your phone/device is suitable, please contact the Belfast XR Festival / Belfast Film Festival team before booking.

    We'd be happy to help you understand what to expect before you attend.