Is there a good music shop in/around Belfast? Since none of the phone directories and such seem able to distinguish between HMV and a sheet music shop I've been having some trouble tracking things down. I would be looking to buy sheet music and/or instrument accessories like spare strings, musical gifts, that sort of thing. Thanks.

If you put the front of Belfast City Hall on your left and walk a short way along that road just past the first junction, there is a music shop on the left where I bought a copy of Poulenc's Flute Sonata. I was just visiting a couple of years ago, but no doubt a local could tell you if it still exists and what its name is.

Not a local, but I was in that music shop back in August It's called Matchett's, and it's a pretty good shop.

That's the one gedall40 meant. They're good if they have what you want (obviously, I suppose...) but not so quick about ordering for you, unless it's the manager who does the ordering. He's also the best at finding something for you in the shop that you can't find yourself, so ask for him if other assistants seem in doubt. Their postage rates are good - beats having to find a parking space and pay for it. If you ask for the manager on the phone and he has what you want you'll have it very quickly.