The Ulster Hall's 150th Birthday Plans!
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Belfast's Ulster Hall will be the focus of a month long schedule of events to celebrate it's 150th year next month. The iconicÌýlistedÌývenue was originally opened back in 1862 and has hosted some of the worlds most famous acts over the years, from Charles Dickens toÌýLed Zeppelin.
Over the month fo May, there will be live music, films, talks and lectures, exhibitions and much more. Visit for more info. Some of the music highlights include:
Protest Music Night - May 2nd
Protest Music Night In association with Love Music Hate RacismÌýwill revisitÌýThe Ulster Hall’s rich tradition of punk and protest music withÌýa panel of Belfast musicians, past and present,Ìýdebating where all the protest singers haveÌýgone?
Music Swap Shop - May 12th
Free way to get new music!ÌýSwap your records, CDs, posters, books and music memorabilia for tokens to spend on other people’s musical treasures.
Paul Robeson: Un-American - May 12th
'Paul Robeson: Un-American' see's The Sons of Robert Mitchum interpret classic songs by the legendary actor, singer and civil rights campaigner, Paul Robeson, who first performed at The Ulster Hall in 1936.ÌýÌýÌý
Ruby Murray Remembered - May 15th
'Ruby Murray Remembered' isÌýa showÌýperformed by Roisin Whyte which pays tributes to some of Murray's best known songs.
The Great Northern Songbook - May 22nd
As previously reported,Ìý'The Great Northern Songbook' will see the likes of Cara DIllon, And So I Watch You From Afar, General Fiasco and many more perform the public's pick of Northern Irelands best penned songs over the last 150 years.
Soul Ambition Sofa Sessions - May 24th
Katie and the Carnival, Little Bear, Ursula Burns, Luke Scott andÌýNathaniel Joseph McAuley will all perform as part of this 'Sofa Session' hosted by Soul Ambition's Tracey Dempsey.
Good Vibrations (film) - May 31st
The World Première of the TerriÌýHooley bio-pic,Ìý'Good Vibrations' will be screened at the Ulster Hall on May 31st. The film charts Hooley's career from the opening of his music shop to becoming the leader of Ulster’s Punk scene.ÌýÌý
Mulholland Grand Organ - June 9th
The venue's famous Mulholland Grand Organ will get a special dedicated night with with Belfast City Organist Colm Carey playing the famous organ accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra on the 9th of June.
Comment number 1.
At 18th Apr 2012, Margaret wrote:Why are these 150th celebrations not posted on Ulster Hall May Programme/site? I wouldn't have know about Paul Robeson or Ruby Murray shows only I had been told about them. Hence I went to check Ulster Hall site and saw nothing on12th May or 15th even when I asked for these dates nothing came up. How or when are they going to be in the public domain? Are they a secret celebration ? Everything in a venue should be posted up well in advance. I shouldn't have to search behind tabs. What about folk who don't know about 150th celebrations? Are they to be inspired to look? Get all info about performances on sites of the venues if you want us to come!!!! Disappointed outsider!!!
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Comment number 2.
At 20th Apr 2012, Tracy Dempsey wrote:Can't wait for the Sofa Sessions - am so pleased to have been invited to move them into the group space for the 150th celebrations. I've got a great line-up of musicians from Belfast, Derry and Dublin, a local poet and a talented artist to live paint performers and audience alike - full info at and hope to see some of you there!
PS To Margaret above, I couldn't find the Sofa Sessions in listings either a few days ago but think this link's been updated - hope it helps! Loads of great stuff on:
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