Broadcaster Julian Simmons is known to spin a yarn or two - but he’s now turning his skills to spinning the decks when he makes his DJ-ing debut at Belfast’s Pride celebrations.
The flamboyant former UTV continuity announcer, famous for his cheeky introductions to Coronation Street episodes, is to headline Belfast Pride’s Party in the Square event on July 27.
The event is taking place at Custom House Square, following the main Pride parade through the city centre.
Julian will take to the stage for his Ibiza Vibes DJ set after performances from ABBA tribute drag act Bjorn Identity and Gaelic electrofolk act HUSK.
Speaking to the Irish News, Julian, who departed UTV in 2020 after more than three decades, said his set will feature “banging music” from the Ibiza heyday of the 1990s.
“In the past I’ve only tried my hand at DJing at sets by U105′s Caroline Stewart - sometimes she would have left the stage to go for a bit of a boogie, so I’d be left to push a button or two, but this time I will be all by myself,” he said.
“I’ve been working on the playlist, and it’s going to be 90 minutes of a build-up before a huge climax. The weather might not be like Ibiza, but the tunes certainly will.”
Julian said he first visited the Balearic destination back in the early 1990s, when the club scene on the ‘White Isle’ was exploding in popularity.
“That whole era really was when dance music was at its best,” he said.
“I’ve been back a few times since, and I just love the whole culture, so I hope to being that spirit to Pride for what will be a fantastic night.”
Belfast Pride co-chair Kirsty Mulholland said: “We are very excited to have Julian headline what is such a key event for Belfast Pride. For over 30 years Belfast Pride has been platforming the biggest and best that Belfast and Northern Ireland have to offer, and they don’t get much bigger than our Julian.”
