Tickets go on sale for Van’s Solstice at Dunluce

Picture Issued on Behalf of Derry City Council. No Fee for Reproduction

International music legend Van Morrison whose two nights, (Wednesday the 2nd and thursday the 3rd of May) in the Millennium Forum raised the curtain on the 11th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival which is continuing at venues across the City over the Bank Holiday weekend until the 7th of May. Details of this weekend's events are available at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 2.5.12 — Picture Issued on Behalf of Derry City Council. No Fee for Reproduction International music legend Van Morrison whose two nights, (Wednesday the 2nd and thursday the 3rd of May) in the Millennium Forum raised the curtain on the 11th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival which is continuing at venues across the City over the Bank Holiday weekend until the 7th of May. Details of this weekend's events are available at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 2.5.12

As The Coleraine Times exclusively revealed last month, the 700-year-old medieval fortress will provide a stunning backdrop for two concerts at the famous landmark this summer.

One of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions, Dunluce Castle has been the scene of countless bloody battles and sieges throughout its colourful history.

But its historic walls - home to some of Ireland’s most important rulers down the centuries - will reverberate with the world-renowned tones of the 67-year-old Brown Eyed Girl singer on June 7 and 8.

The castle has been used as a set for numerous films and television dramas but it will be the first time it has been used as a concert venue, writing another chapter into its illustrious past.

The east-Belfast born singer-songwriter confirmed the shows on his Twitter account.

The event called Solstice at Dunluce will take place on land adjacent to the castle with the building lit up for the occasion.

Morrison will headline both evenings with special guests lined-up to support.

In January, representatives of Exile Productions who are running the event visited the castle to check its suitability for an open-air concert and were delighted by what they saw.

They held lengthy talks with Coleraine Borough Council and the castle’s owners about the staging of the show.

Dunluce Castle still belongs to the McDonnell family, who also own Glenarm Castle in Co Antrim, however Dunluce Castle is currently managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Nigel Campbell, from Glenarm Castle, said he was “delighted” Morrision would be performing at Dunluce.

“What a fantastic backdrop for the two-day musical event and what a great opportunity to showcase the glorious Causeway Coastal Route.

“It’s going to be an historic two days and we would encourage people to book now to avoid disappointment.”

Coleraine mayor, Sam Cole, added:

“This unique event, set against the majesty of Dunluce Castle and the glorious Causeway Coastal Route will not only be a landmark event for the north coast but for Northern Ireland.”

Known to his fans as ‘Van the Man’, Morrison achieved world-wide fame following the release in 1967 of Brown Eyed Girl.

He has produced numerous acclaimed albums including Astral Weeks and Moondance. He has won six Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and awarded an OBE for services to music.

Tickets for Solstice at Dunluce go on sale tomorrow (TUES) from www.ticketmaster.ie.

Ticket prices are £65 or £100 for VIP.