The Candlelight series continues to amaze audiences in Belfast with its signature sea of candles and talented musicians. What’s more, the Candlelight venues in the city feature anything from striking architecture to temporary exhibitions. With the addition of The Belfast Empire Music Hall to the list of Candlelight venues, this season promises to be anything but ordinary.
Fans of the ivories won’t want to miss out on special tributes to Ludovico Einaudi, Swifties will feel at home while listening to renditions of Tay’s chart-topping hits, and cinemagoers can look forward to celebrating 100 years of Warner Bros. With a variety of concerts to choose from, there is something for everyone.
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The Belfast Empire Music Hall: Church turned music bar
Originally a Victorian era church, classic fittings adorn The Belfast Empire Music Hall making it an irresistibly vintage venue for hosting events. Since opening its doors in 1987, the Music Hall has become one of the country’s premier live music bars. Deep shades of red, velvet seating, ornate wallpaper, and wooden tabletops are some of the cosy details enhancing its charm. Discover three floors of bars providing the backdrop for countless concerts, from blues and rock to jazz and traditional Irish tunes.
This season, the iconic venue is opening its doors to the Candlelight series for a selection of mesmerising performaces bathed in the glow of hundreds of flickering candles. Enjoy a pre or post-show meal thanks to the Music Hall’s extensive menu featuring gourmet burgers, sharing starters, and pizzas. Sip on a glass of wine while absorbing soothing melodies guided by the musical works of geniuses like Ludovico Einaudi, Elton John, Frank Ocean and Ella Fitzgerald.
St Anne’s Cathedral: A timeless place
Belfast Cathedral serves two separate dioceses and as a result has two bishop’s seats. The building is a treasure trove of decorative elements and historic pieces. Tourists flock to this architectural gem to visit the Tomb of Lord Carson, the Titanic Pall, and the Spire of Hope. Listening to classical music while sitting surrounded by the cathedral’s Romanesque features is a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Ulster Museum: Past meets present
Where better to reintroduce yourself to some of the greatest music of all time than at a venue showcasing the past, present, and the future. Designed in Classical Revial style by James Cumming Wynnes, the museum houses art and history collections. The impressive building is located within the surroundings of Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. Sit back and relax in the candlelit setting and prepare to amazed as the talented musicians serenade you with awe-inspiring songs.
Titanic: A place of history and remembrance
Titanic is a museum that is all about the history of a particular ship—you guessed it, Titanic! Situated on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard beside the Titanic Slipways, it is the very place where the infamous ship was designed, built and launched. The eight-storey building was designed by Eric Kuhne and it’s exterior is made to resemble the shape of ships, with its 3,000 individual silver anodised aluminium shards and angular forms. Whereas, the interior of the building is made up of a number of wide spaces that house a series of interpretive galleries exploring aspects of the construction, design, sinking and legacy of Titanic.
The Candlelight series has been lighting up Belfast for a while now. From the plush interior of The Belfast Empire Music Hall to Belfast Cathedral’s stunning arches, you’ll find yourself enraptured by more than the magical music. Make your way to a historic venue in the city for an unforgettable evening out with family, friends, a special someone or enjoy your own company.
The concerts have been met by countless 5-star reviews, and guests have called it “a creative, enchanting, and new concert experience.”
Note: For the safety of our audience, all of the candlelight will be provided through flameless candles.