Sir James Galway’s Homecoming & Honorary Doctorate
On 15th November, Belfast-born and globally renowned flutist Sir James Galway returned home to Belfast to be honoured with an honorary doctorate from Ulster University. It was an incredibly welcoming and warm occasion, bringing together colleagues, supporters and members of the university community.
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on Sir James’s long career, his contributions to music, and the pride Belfast continues to take in his achievements.
Sir James Galway’s remarkable return to Belfast on 15th November 2025 marked not only a celebration of his lifetime contribution to music, but also a proud moment for the Impact team, as we had the privilege of sharing and supporting one of the most meaningful honours of his career.
With Ulster University conferring its highest honour on Sir James Galway, Impact worked closely with the Ulster University team to ensure that the ceremony, exhibition launch, and surrounding comms truly reflected the scale of Sir James’ legacy and his enduring connection to Belfast, his hometown.
Activities throughout the week shone a light on Sir James’s Belfast roots and global achievements over six decades as a professional musician. Across interviews and press releases, interviews and exhibitions, we supported Sir James and Lady Jeanne throughout the week and amplified Sir James’s commitment to music and education – a theme echoed in his heartfelt address, where he reminded young musicians that “their creativity has purpose, their voice has power, and their dreams are worth pursuing.”
Highlights for our team on the prestigious ceremony day included performances by the EA Music Belfast Advanced Chamber Ensemble, the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, co-founded by Sir James early in his career, and a specifically commissioned ‘Fanfare for Sir James Galway’ by Professor Frank Lyons.
We were proud to contribute to a homecoming that honoured not only Sir James Galway’s global impact, but also the Belfast community that shaped him. The result was a celebration that resonated across press, partners and audiences – an excellent and fitting tribute to the Man with the Golden Flute.
