At The Crescent Arts Centre, we have a special relationship with swifts, with the building being is home to one of the largest colonies of Swifts on the island of Ireland - they have been resident in the building for over 150 years! 

These beautiful migratory birds have been returning to our building every summer for at least a century, and we look forward to welcoming them back each year. The best time to see the Swifts at The Crescent is between April and July, and in the morning and at dusk (during the day, the Swifts fly to feed in various places including Lough Neagh). 

The Crescent is the only place this colony of Swifts ever lands. They spend 9 months of the year constantly travelling. Depart Belfast in July for a 3-month wandering migration to Mozambique, where they spend 3-months in warmer climates before making their 3-month journey back to Belfast. For these 9-months they sleep and feed on the wing. 

Swifts are a red-listed species meaning they are endangered. We are proud to be custodians of the colony and will continue to celebrate the magnificent creature that calls The Crescent their home.

As part of our major renovations in 2008-2010, we installed specially designed swift nesting boxes beneath the eaves, earning us the 2010 UNESCO Man and the Built Environment award. The team has a strong working relationship with the Northern Ireland Swift Group, who advise and support our endeavours to ensure the Colony continues to exist at The Crescent.  

You can find artistic tributes to our swift colony throughout the building: from wall poetry to sculpture to sewing and embroidery. Plus, we regularly run workshops and other activities in the centre celebrating these special birds.

Keep an eye on our website for details, and keep an eye on the sky in June as the swifts return to the Crescent Arts Centre once again.