Northern Ireland

Snow Patrol fans go wild at special acoustic gig in Belfast

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody performing at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody performing at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody performing at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill
By Marie Louise McConville

SNOW Patrol fans went wild yesterday as the band performed a free gig in Belfast city centre.

Frontman Gary Lightbody and band member Nathan Connolly played an acoustic set at HMV in Donegall Arcade.

The band are promoting new album Wildness, which looks on course to be their first UK number one album in 12 years.

Snow Patrol at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill Snow Patrol at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill

Earlier, Lightbody apologised to fans after they were delayed on a flight from Manchester on their way to the Belfast gig.

He wrote on Twitter: "We are still sat on the plane stuck at the gate in Manchester.

"Believe us as soon as we get to Belfast we will be hot-footing it to HMV Donegal Arcade. The worst day for delayed flight problems. We will be there as soon as humanly possible."

Shortly afterwards he updated fans, writing: "And we're taking off! Finally. See you all at the Belfast HMV in-store as soon as possible. So sorry about this."

Snow Patrol play an acoustic gig in HMV in Belfast to mark the release of their new album Wildness. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol play an acoustic gig in HMV in Belfast to mark the release of their new album Wildness. Picture by Matt Bohill Snow Patrol play an acoustic gig in HMV in Belfast to mark the release of their new album Wildness. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol play an acoustic gig in HMV in Belfast for the release of their new album, Wildness. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol play an acoustic gig in HMV in Belfast for the release of their new album, Wildness. Picture by Matt Bohill Snow Patrol play an acoustic gig in HMV in Belfast for the release of their new album, Wildness. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol fans watch the band play an acoustic gig at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol fans watch the band play an acoustic gig at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill Snow Patrol fans watch the band play an acoustic gig at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol fans at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill
Snow Patrol fans at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill Snow Patrol fans at HMV in Belfast. Picture by Matt Bohill

Fans who had been lucky enough to obtain a wristband – by purchasing a copy of Wildness – got to meet the band members, who played acoustic performances of new and classic tracks ahead of a UK tour later this year.

The band will be back in the city on December 7 for a show at the SSE Arena before travelling to Dublin for a gig at the 3Arena on December 11.

Snow Patrol have donated a signed guitar to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. The band are pictured with NI Children’s Hospice staff nurse Jenny Thompson. Picture by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye
Snow Patrol have donated a signed guitar to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. The band are pictured with NI Children’s Hospice staff nurse Jenny Thompson. Picture by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye Snow Patrol have donated a signed guitar to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. The band are pictured with NI Children’s Hospice staff nurse Jenny Thompson. Picture by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye

Meanwhile, Snow Patrol are among a host of big names who have made donations to an auction in aid of the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

While the band have donated a signed guitar for the event, singer, Olly Murs has donated a meet-and-greet, plus four tickets to his show in Belfast in August.

Other items up for grabs include golf shoes signed by Rory McIlroy and a tour of ITV's Emmerdale studios with cast member, Chris Chittell.

The items, which will go to auction today, will help the hospice raise funds to open a sixth bed this year, supporting young patients with life-limited and life-threatening conditions and their families.

Further information about the auction can be found at www.wilsonsauctions.com.