For what is reportedly one of Northern Ireland’s biggest ever concerts, thousands flocked to Bangor’s Ward Park for Snow Patrol’s homecoming mega show on Saturday.
Kicking off on early Saturday afternoon, two stages were graced by household names and some of the best emerging talent. The audience was treated to awesome performances from Foy Vance, Two Door Cinema Club, Ash and more…
Snow Patrol frontman, Gary Lightbody who was behind the event had promised something super and he didn’t let the fans down. An ill Lightbody started the band’s set by asking for help from the crowd:
“It’s the worst day for it but I’ve come down with a stinking cold, so if you know any words, please sing along.”
As well as Snow Patrol’s crowd-pleasing back catalogue Lightbody also welcomed his special guest Bono on the stage. The U2 frontman joined Lightbody to sing a version of their hit ‘One’ in front of the 35,000 packed crowd.
The song served to underpin a sentiment of unity between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Lightbody said during the intro of the song that although Ward Park 3 was a day filled with the best of Northern Irish music, the group also wanted to “pay homage to the great music that comes from the Republic.”
The singer added that there was “only one song for these heady times” as the chords of the U2 song started. Gig-goers said that the night as one that will go down in Northern Ireland music history agreeing the whole day was something special.
Andrew Muir, the former Mayor of North Down and Ards, hailed it as a “truly memorable night”. Check out the video:
Also in attendance, Friends star Courteney Cox, was there to support her Snow Patrol musician boyfriend Johnny McDaid. According to The Independent, the couple have been dating since 2013.
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The group also paid tribute to murdered journalist Lyra McKee during their performance of Take Back the City, Lightbody is set to attend the final leg of a “walk for peace” from Belfast to Londonderry in memory of Lyra on Sunday.
That moment when you turn around for a crowd shot and turn back and Bono is on stage. 👇🏻 #pinchme #WardPark3 #snowpatrol @snowpatrol @U2 pic.twitter.com/jm7k4n7RiF
— Julie McBride (@JulsFinuls) May 25, 2019
Truly memorable to have @snowpatrol and then unexpectedly Bono @U2 play in Ward Park, Bangor!! A night I’ll never forget! So proud to call this place home! Just say Yes! #wardpark3 #SnowPatrol #BonoInBangor pic.twitter.com/fbaIuqUQ2c
— Andrew Muir (@AndrewMuirNI) May 25, 2019
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