Van takes to his old school stage

A Belfast musician who immortalised his old school in a song, has returned to the corridors of his youth this weekend.

Van Morrison is playing three concerts at Orangefield High, the east Belfast school which closed at the end of June.

On Friday, Van returned to the assembly hall to play a concert especially for former pupils and staff.

Members of the public will be able to see him perform at the venue on Saturday night.

He will play a third concert on Sunday evening.

Speaking in June, 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."

Van Morrison down in The Hollow launching the Mystic of the East trail

Van Morrison also launched a self-guided tour around east Belfast on Friday.

The Mystic of the East - Van Morrison Trail, developed as part of the Connswater Community Greenway, connects the places that inspired Van with the lyrics from some of his most celebrated songs.

"The Hollow, Orangefield, Hyndford Street, Cyprus Avenue, North Road, St Donard's Church, the Connswater River, all bring back happy memories of my years in the east," he said at the launch.