BELSONIC, located in Custom House Square in Belfast, and running from 11th – 15th August, will comprise a series of 3, large scale out-door events, delivering all the atmosphere of a music festival in the most urban and convenient of settings, and presenting an unprecedented opportunity for a Northern Irish audience to get this close to some of the worlds’ largest artists, while basking in this warmth of this bespoke location.
Each day’s lineup will contribute to a varied programme encompassing a wealth of huge international names, side by side with the hottest in emerging talent. The organisers are promising thoughtful and high quality onsite services to match the musical ambition. This ambitious production will appeal to a wide rage of age-groups, catering for both the young and old, and represents a significant addition to Belfast's summer schedule.
Set in the vibrant, and bespoke Cathedral Quarter area, the BELSONIC site is overlooked by a number of city landmarks including the historic Albert Clock and Custom House Building, set side by side with the newly emerging skyline of the regenerating Belfast.
BELSONIC's opening night will feature a headline performance from multi Platinum selling, and Grammy Award winning, U.S. alternative rock band THE FLAMING LIPS, considered by many to be the highlight of 2006's Electric Picnic Festival, and cited by Q Magazine as 'Of Of The 50 Bands To See Before You Die'.
THE ENEMY head up day 2, while August 15th's lineup will be headlined by THE ZUTONS. Self styled as “Liverpool's first great band of the 21st century”, The Zutons' boisterous, hook-laden music has scored them a string of hit singles, and should provide a perfect summer evening party soundtrack.
A few years ago they took over organising the Liggers Ball, an annual night of music and celebration which was started in the 40's, when the workers of Portrush would finally get a night off...
Last year all local bands got axed from the bill and were replaced by cover acts or dusty bands coming out of retirement (who have since gone back to retirement)
The local bands then decided to boycott Kellys and their monopoly on entertainment. One week later Team Fresh had secured McLaughlins', a tiny fishermans pub halfway between Portrush and Portstewart... over 200 people showed up, punks, rockers, hip hoppers and that one wee 'scene' kid who lives near Coleraine crowd surfed, trashed the place and went home smiling.
THIS YEAR
Team Fresh, Panama Kings, Ed Zealous, Lafaro, Axis Of, Strait Laces
and everyone we can fit into that magical wee room promise to give you a night of locals taking back the Good Night Out from the money making feckers down the road... As Hotpress photographer Nay McArdle said after last years "Bring on Wiggers' 2020!"
WIIggers' Brawl Sat 27th DEC McLaughlins' Ballyreagh Rd Portrush
£3 for the best bands in Northern Ireland, in the smallest venue in the country MAYHEM (... riot gear optional ...)"
Thanks to everyone involved in Belsonic. Far too many people forget the effort involved in staging an event like this and the significance of having events which publicise Belfast internationally in a good light.
So cheers! and hope to see youse again next year. Joe
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