Sounds Of Summer Launched In Belfast

A programme of live music performances in the heart of Belfast are set to bring the city centre alive with the sounds of summer.

With opera, rock, ceilidhs and choirs, there will be something for everyone to enjoy over the next two months.

Many of the performances will take place in the new marquee at Bank Square, just off Royal Avenue, an area where businesses were greatly impacted by the fire at Primark's Bank Buildings last August.

The Belfast Music Summer Season was officially launched by the city's Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Peter McReynolds this week at the new pop-up performance space.

"We had our first Belfast Music Summer Season last year and were blown away by its success," said Councillor McReynolds.

"With our ambitions to secure UNESCO City of Music status in mind, it's important that we showcase our rich musical talent and heritage at every opportunity, and this is a great way of animating the city centre and proving that we are a city which celebrates and nurtures creativity."

Kwa Daniels, Belfast Music project manager, said: "Last year's foundation of great events has allowed us to push the artistic and creative boundaries further again.

"As well as the Bank Square performances, we've got opera and musical theatre in the Victoria Square dome, drone painting workshops inspired by DJ sets, pop-up choirs, and even some pop-up cinema events to celebrate Belfast's musical history from the 1960s through to present day.

"All of the artists and performers are really excited about taking part, and it's shaping up to be a great summer for music in Belfast."

To round off the programme in September, the Summer Season will come to an end with an impressive Mix The City Live event at City Hall on 20 September, as part of Belfast's annual Culture Night.

It builds on the success of Mix The City Belfast which was launched earlier this year, in March, when Hannah Peel curated an original score by collaborating with 95 artists, musicians and creators. Some of the artists involved in the project including Katie Richardson, No Oil Paintings, Kaidi Tatham and Steve Davis will be there on the night.