The last year has been difficult for live entertainment. The empty halls, silent stage, and unfilled seats have acted as a stark reminder of the memories made in one of Belfast’s most iconic venues, the Ulster Hall.
Coronavirus has changed life as we know it. So it was fabulous to breathe life back into the Ulster Hall by welcoming Westlife to the venue, to perform an exclusive gig for a small audience of fans as part of Radio 2 Live.
New for 2021 and beyond, Radio 2 Live will take the spirit of our very special radio station around the UK. We’re thrilled to be bringing Texas, Steps, Manic Street Preachers and, Westlife to Radio 2 listeners around the country after so long without live music.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2
Excitement had been building before Westlife took to the stage at around 7.00 pm, with BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball warming the audience up for a spectacular evening.
When Westlife made their long-awaited entrance to the stage (in typical boy band fashion) the crowd hung off every note the boys sang!
The energy was palpable as the boys belted out fan favourites You Raise Me Up, and Uptown Girl, and newer hits such as Hello my Love. It was easy to tell the band was both emotional and excited to once again share the stage together after a two-year wait.
“We are thrilled to be taking part in this year’s Radio 2 Live. Our show at Hyde Park in 2019 was such a highlight for us and we can’t wait to do something a little different this time.”
Westlife
It was both an unforgettable and historic evening for the Ulster Hall. With an intimate crowd gathered to celebrate the return of live music to the venue! This legendary event will be available to stream on the BBC iPlayer from 10 September 2021
After all, Ulster Hall is where legends are made.
Watch the performance here!
