01/10/2013

Free Van Morrison Gig Changes Venue

A planned live show by Van Morrison on 15 November to mark his Freedom of the City award by Belfast City Council has been moved from the Ulster Hall to Belfast Waterfront as a result of high demand.

Lord Mayor Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said interest in the gig had caused the original plan to hold it in the Ulster Hall to be changed.

He said: "We always knew there would be huge interest in this Van Morrison concert because of his popularity in his home city and also because it's the first time a musician has received the Freedom of the City and it is happening during our highly successful Belfast Music Week.

"We fully expected demand for tickets would exceed supply but felt that the Ulster Hall with all its history of legendary artists and memorable performances would be the most prestigious and appropriate venue.

"But interest has already exceeded even our wildest expectations and that is before ticketing arrangements have been finalised so we had further discussions with everyone involved and decided that we should try to accommodate as many fans as possible – not least of all because this award is the gift of the people of Belfast, not just the council.

"The time of year does not lend itself to an outdoor event so we have taken the decision to move it to the Waterfront and this allows 2,550 people to attend, 1,000 more than the Ulster Hall."

The concert will still be free of cost, with ticketing arrangements to be announced in the near future.

(IT/MH)

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