Christine Lampard to host BBC NI's centenary concert

Lampard, sitting in the 'Give my Head Peace' set, started her career at BBC NI, and will host the Gala

Broadcaster Christine Lampard is set to host a free gala concert at the Waterfront Hall to mark the 100 years of the BBC in Northern Ireland.

A Century Of Stories will be recorded for BBC television and radio on Tuesday 24 September.

Acts will include Clannad, D:Ream, Tony Hadley and Katharine Timoney.

The concert will celebrate the range of the BBC’s work and role in local community life.

Centre stage will be the Ulster Orchestra, showcasing themselves as the BBC’s orchestra in Northern Ireland.

Tony Hadley, Spandau Ballet vocalist, will perform

It will include specially commissioned audio-visual works from Eoin O’Callaghan, Siobhan Brown, The Darkling Air and guitarist Rory Friers from And So I Watch You From Afar - all of which have been inspired by the BBC local programme archives.

D:Ream is one of the bands taking part

'This is where it all began for me'

BBC Northern Ireland's director said the concert will "celebrate the legacy and the stories" of its audiences.

''It’s a celebration in words, music and pictures and a birthday party unlike any other. A Century Of Stories is also a reminder of the BBC’s role in showcasing talent and creating events that bring all of us together," Adam Smyth said.

Christine Lampard added: “I am really delighted to be coming back to Belfast to present this fantastic show.

"This is where it all began for me and my career working for BBC Northern Ireland, and it will be a real pleasure to be part of the BBC’s 100th birthday celebrations.”

The event is supported by Belfast City Council as part of its Belfast 2024 programme.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, councillor Micky Murray, said the event reflects the programme's central themes of people, place and planet.

Irish folk band Clannad are performing

“As a City of Music, Belfast is rich with musical talent and potential, and this will be a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase that offering, with new versions of familiar songs that have a special significance for the BBC NI audience," he said.

The event will be broadcast on BBC television and BBC Radio Ulster later this year.

Tickets are now available online.