Brian Kennedy To Perform At Sailortown Festival On Sunday Night

Belfast-born singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy is set to perform at St Joseph’s Church this Sunday.

The concert is scheduled to take place as part of The Gathering, an exciting four-day festival celebrating and showcasing the history and culture of the Sailortown area.

Brian Kennedy’s performance forms part of an impressive lineup of events running until Sunday June 12. 

Throughout the four-day festival there will be a variety of both free and ticketed events, ranging from musical performances to theatre, exhibitions and the Sailortown Fair, with something for everyone to enjoy. 

Brian Kennedy’s performance at St. Joseph’s sees the regeneration project realised, with the large church – which was once the very heart of the Sailortown community – serving as the ideal venue.

“Churches, over the centuries, are one of the most special places to sing. The sound quality and the height of the ceilings.. Lend themselves. It’s like you’re singing to the saints and angels. All of those statues and figures are in the walls, the stained glass. Before you even look at the audience that might be here, already you have an angelic audience waiting for you”, said Brian.

“I think it’s really fitting that St. Joseph’s is getting a brand new breath of life, and part of the breath of life is playing music and singing back into the walls.

“I never really plan shows too much. After 32 years of doing this, I can dip into that well and see what is appropriate. I feel the building, what would be appropriate to sing. I let the audience sometimes guide the show.”

The festival serves as a celebration of 150 years of history and heritage at St. Joseph’s Parish. Organised by Sailortown Regeneration, the festival is also a recognition of the progress made in the regeneration of the maritown village.

Terry McKeown, Project Manager of Sailortown Regeneration, has been involved with the project for the previous eight years, holding the belief that the restoration of the church will create a safe space for the local community to rejoin together once again.

She said: “The church lay almost derelict for a number of years and we’ve now got to the stage that we can open it as a community space for local people, but also as a happening place with activities in it. The Gathering is an opportunity for everybody from Sailortown, particularly the ex residents, to come down and help us celebrate bringing Sailortown back to life with a whole range of events.”

Other headline events include a dance off at the Dockers Club, hosted by Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan on Friday night, and a DJ set from U105 presenter Johnny Hero.

One of the events, Sunday On The Maritime Mile, is set to see performances from singer/songwriter Anthony Toner and other guests, as they share the stage with their Sailortown inspired songs and poetry.

“I’m thrilled to get the chance to play again in Sailortown”, said Anthony. 

“The historic part of the city and its story inspired the song that first launched me into the world as a songwriter, and it’s a delight to be part of this festival and to see the ongoing regeneration work that is centred on St. Joseph’s. Other parts of the city might have the glamour - but Sailortown has soul.”

The regeneration of St. Joseph’s has been ongoing since 2005, under the remit of Pat Benson, Chair of Sailortown Regeneration and Trustee of St. Joseph’s, who was a resident in the area before the construction of the M2 Motorway.

He explained: “St. Joseph’s has always been the heart of the community since day one.”

“Having events like The Gathering here is incredibly important for bringing the older residents, their children and their grandchildren back down here and showing their roots, their untold stories.”

St Joseph’s will function as a venue for a multitude of events held throughout the duration of the festival, whilst other events are set to take place in locations within the Sailortown area. 

The Gathering will be a celebration of the community’s past, whilst also promising an exciting future for the urban village. 

Tickets are £17.50 and available from www.maritime-mile.com. To learn more about Sailortown Regeneration, visit www.sailortown regeneration.com.