Some of Northern Ireland’s most famous musicians have been confirmed for the opening concert of L’Derry’s year as UK City of Culture 2013.

Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle is to return to her hometown for the first time in years to appear on the night, while Gary Lightbody and Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol will perform an acoustic set.

The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon, also from L’Derry, will complete the line up for the 'Sons & Daughters' concert on Sunday 20 January.

They join the city’s most famous songwriter Phil Coulter, local punk legends The Undertones, Paul Brady, Damian McGinty, Gerard McChrystal, Amanda Burton, Dana, The Priests, Eva Birthistle, James Nesbitt and Codetta, among others.

The event will be the city’s first major celebration of 2013 and is being staged at the new purpose-built pavilion The Venue.

Sons & Daughters will be recorded for BBC Northern Ireland television and broadcast live on the night on BBC Radio Ulster.

The BBC has also confirmed viewers will be able to watch the concert live, via the 'red button' service.

Peter Johnston, Director BBC Northern Ireland, said: "In what looks set to be a memorable year, we are very excited to be part of Sons and Daughters as the opening concert to mark the start of Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture. The BBC is planning a number of major events and programmes across the year and it is great to begin with such a prestigious occasion as we host a special evening of music and celebration."

The city’s Mayor Cllr Kevin Campbell added: "The Sons and Daughters concert will allow us to celebrate our excellent musical and cultural talent for which we are so renowned. We are delighted to offer the public the chance to see the city’s most loved musicians and performers come together in their hometown for a free concert. This gala event, which will reflect the city’s cultural achievements in music, word and song, promises to be a great night’s entertainment and one of the highlights of our exciting year of events during 2013."

(IT)