ASH will headline a free variety concert for key workers in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall next week.
Billed as a celebration and showcase of local talent, the October 22 event is being funded by the UK Government via the Northern Ireland Office (NIO).
Foy Vance, Cara Dillon, Ryan McMullan, Beoga and SOAK are among the other musical acts on the 'Live at the Waterfront!' bill, while Paddy Raff, Micky Bartlett, Tim McGarry and May McFettridge will comprise a comedy showcase.
Emerging musical artists including Jordan Adetunji, JC Stewart and Roe are also on the bill along with composer Neil Martin and the NI Opera.
A number of actors, playwrights and dance groups will also feature, including Ian McElhinney.
To be honest as a nurse I don’t want a free concert I want fair pay and safe staffing. Although the thought is very much appreciated.
— Edel Coulter (@CoulterEdel) October 11, 2021
The NIO said it intends to allocate more than 60 per cent of the free tickets to “key workers in health and social care, food retail and charities”, describing it as “a small token of Northern Ireland’s enormous gratitude to key workers who have supported us all throughout the pandemic”.
It’s understood the NIO is working with health trusts, food retailers, charities and councils to distribute the ‘key worker’ tickets.
The remainder will be awarded to the general public via competitions run through media outlets.
The variety event is being produced by Shine and Snow Water Productions and will be filmed for television by Green Inc.
It’s understood that all ticket holders aged over 18 will be required to complete a Covid status check on arrival.
Over the summer, Shine asked ticket holders for its outdoor Belsonic and Custom House Square concerts to provide proof of vaccination, presence of Covid antibodies or a negative test.
The Waterfront Hall has a maximum seating capacity of 2,000, which can expand to 2,699 with standing tickets.
The requirement for social distancing in theatres and indoor seated venues was removed on September 30, while the requirement for audience members to remain seated when watching performances in indoor venues will be removed on October 14.
In a joint statement, Joe Dougan from Shine and Carolyn Mathers of Snow Water said: “It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the fantastic artists and performers we have in Northern Ireland, to support the arts sector, and to bring them together to perform live after so many months of theatres and concert halls being closed.
“We are grateful for the funding support of the UK Government which made this event possible.”
The NIO said the event will also be supported by Arts Council NI, NI Screen and BPI (British Phonographic Industry).
