SINGER Van Morrison is set to perform the first live music gigs at Belfast's Ulster Hall since it closed its doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
The blues legend has announced two shows at the Belfast city centre venue on July 23 and 24, with fans promised a concert experience "fully compliant with any public health requirements".
Limited tickets for both shows will go on sale this Friday.
Sir Van has been one of the most outspoken critics within the entertainment industry of Covid-19 restrictions for music venues.
Last year, ahead of fresh coronavirus restrictions that are only now easing across the UK, the 75-year-old released three songs with lyrics protesting lockdowns.
One of the songs claimed "crooked facts" were being used to "enslave" people, while another lyric proclaimed "no more government overreach" and spoke of "fascist bullies".
In August, the 'Astral Weeks' star launched a campaign to "save live music", in which he claimed concerts with social distancing for fans was "not economically viable".
Tickets for the upcoming Ulster Hall gigs, in which organisers say visitor and staff safety will be "our number one priority", begin at £79 and reach £137.50.
Morrison had planned to perform a series of socially-distanced live shows at Belfast's Europa Hotel last October, before they were postponed.
Saying they were "delighted" to have Van Morrison back performing at the Bedford Street venue, Julia Corkey, chief executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall, said: "The team is finalising plans to welcome live audiences back and we are confidently planning for what promises to be a great schedule of concerts.
"We will continue to work with the relevant authorities to ensure that live music fans have a safe and enjoyable experience that is fully compliant with any public health requirements."
