Van takes magic back to Orangefield with Belfast concert

Van Morrison is due to take to the stage at Orangefield High, east Belfast on 22 and 23 August

A Belfast musician who immortalised his old school in a song, is to take a final stroll down the corridors of his youth.

Van Morrison will play two concerts at Orangefield High. The bells will sound to end classes forever at the east Belfast school this June.

In January, the Department of Education announced the school was to close.

But on 22 August, Van will return to the hall to play a concert especially for former pupils and staff.

Maurice Kinkead of the East Belfast Partnership said: "He seemed keen to be doing this and we are keen to have him there. We are keeping one concert especially for ex-teachers and ex-pupils and the other concert will be open to the general public. That is something he wanted to do."

Brian Ervine, who taught at Orangefield for 14 years, said it was "a great idea."

"It is a deep tragedy that the school is closing," he said.

"I taught there for 14 years. It was a tough, inner city secondary school. I taught mainly English and RE."

Mr Ervine said he felt that the school was allowed to drift and to become "almost a sink school".

"It is wonderful to hear Van Morrison anywhere and it is great he is performing in east Belfast, his own home stomping ground. But it is still a deep tragedy that the school is closing," he said.

The concert for former staff and pupils will be held in the school's assembly hall. Tickets are priced at £25.

The following day, members of the public can pay £85 to see Van Morrison perform at his personal school of rock.