Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody has been confirmed as one of the key speakers at a local music conference taking place in Belfast next week.
The singer and songwriter has been announced as making the closing keynote address at Output Belfast – the biggest annual one-day music conference and showcase on the island.
Lightbody will use his closing speech to talk about creativity and music in conversation with broadcaster and producer Siobhán McAndrew.
“I am delighted to be asked to speak at this year’s Output Belfast. I am a huge fan of what Output does in throwing a light on all aspects of the NI music scene and giving a platform to the wealth of extraordinary artists that NI has to offer,” the musician said.
This year’s Output Belfast is taking place on Tuesday 12 November and is set to showcase a range of global artists.
The conference will include panel discussions, music sessions, workshops and speed-networking events, as well as keynote speeches from award-winning musicians and managers of globally recognized talent. This year it will take place during the Sound Of Belfast and Belfast International Arts Festival arts programmes.
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Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray said he is excited for this year’s conference.
“Belfast City Council is proud to support Output Belfast Festival 2024. This annual event is all about developing and supporting our fantastic music industry and is helping to deliver on our UNESCO ambition of nurturing the sector,” he said.
“Once again, delegates can expect a diverse and inspiring programme of music industry education and networking that will educate and engage – from industry sessions, workshops and masterclasses, to panels and keynotes.
“And it’s so fitting that the event takes place on 12 November – just a few days after the three-year anniversary of Belfast becoming the first city on the island of Ireland to be designated a UNESCO City of Music.”
Based at The MAC and Oh Yeah Music Centre, it’s expected that the conference will attract more than 750 local artists, businesses and students, and deliver a programme addressing the challenges and opportunities in Northern Ireland’s music industry.
On the evening of November 12 there will also be an array of free “showcase events” across a number of venues in the city’s Cathedral Quarter, featuring what have been billed as “highly anticipated live performances” from the best new acts in the local music scene.