Julian Simmons to make DJ debut at Belfast Pride

Mr Simmons has been playing with decks and learning skills from fellow DJ friends

Northern Ireland broadcasting legend Julian Simmons' career has taken a new turn - into music.

He has been a presenter and continuity announcer on UTV for decades and is well known for the phrase "but now on the UTV".

On Saturday, he'll be "closing his eyes and jumping into" the DJ booth.

He will make his debut DJ gig at Custom House Square for Belfast Pride Festival.

The inspiration for his new DJ set stems from holidays to the sun-soaked island of Ibiza in the 1990s.

The playlist will blend retro 90’s classics with modern hits, overlaid with some of his most recognisable vocals from past TV announcements and segments.

'But now on the UTV...'

Julian Simmons made his last regular in-vision announcement in October 2016

Julian Simmons worked as a presenter and continuity announcer for UTV, combining his work with a role at Air Canada.

While on screen as a continuity announcer, he became a well-known and well-loved figure in people's living rooms, and made his last regular in-vision announcement in October 2016.

He was then retained as an out of vision announcer and a relief weather presenter.

In April 2020, the studio halted local continuity temporarily due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following a decision to switch permanently to ITV network presentation, Mr Simmons announced his departure from UTV in November 2020.

His delivery style for announcing what programme was next on the schedule still amuses people, with clips of segments going viral on social media.

'Quick boogie'

In his spare time, Mr Simmons has been playing with decks and learning skills from fellow DJ friends.

He credits one of those friends as U105's Carolyn Stewart.

"I used to do Carolyn Stewart's show with her on a Friday." Mr Simmons told BBC News NI.

"Then I started to go to some of her gigs.

"She would leave me behind the decks to go down and talk to people or have a quick boogie.

"That's how I started to learn how to mix songs and change tracks."

What can we expect from his set?

Mr Simmons will make his debut DJ gig at Custom House Square on Saturday for the Belfast Pride Festival

'Party in the square'

The set will be part of a wider free entry "party in the square", that will open from 12:00 BST on Saturday as part of the Belfast Pride Festival.

Mr Simmon's set will be from 17:00 to 18:30 at Custom House Square.

His Ibiza themed show will feature dancers and visuals, with audio from his broadcasting days.

We can expect "good, banging Ibiza tunes".

"Rave Generator will probably be the first song," he added.

"It is going to be fun. An hour and a half of good vibes, nice atmosphere and darn good music.

"I suppose it is going to be a bit nerve-wracking, but I am closing my eyes and jumping into it.

"I have a good production team around me."

Mr Simmons will be touring clubs and festivals later this year as he continues this new career path.

When is Belfast Pride 2024?

The Belfast Pride Festival began on 19 July, but Saturday will see the main event, the pride parade, take place in Belfast city centre.

The parade will leave at 13:00 BST from Custom House Square, with the parade build-up starting from 11:00.

You can find out everything you need to know about Belfast Pride 2024 here.