Snow Patrol's 'Extra Special' Bangor Concert

Saturday 25 May was a night to remember for over 35,000 people who swarmed to Ward Park in Bangor to see Northern Irish rock band Snow Patrol.

Ward Park 3 was nine years in the making and saw a line-up of local talent take to the stage including Two Door Cinema Club, Foy Vance and Ash, amongst others.

The main surprise however was an appearance from U2 frontman Bono who performed the Dublin-based band's hit 'One' with Gary Lightbody, causing a social media frenzy of concert-goers in disbelief.

The Bangor band also paid tribute to murdered journalist Lyra McKee, projecting her picture on screen during a video montage.

Posting afterwards on social media, Gary Lightbody said it was a gig they would never forget: "I don't really know what to say about that other than thank you all for giving us yet another extra special night in Ward Park, Bangor.

"To everyone that came thank you. Massive thanks to every band/artist that played today. It was an honour to play on the same bill as you all. An extra special thank you to the two great artists that joined us on stage: Ryan McMullan who has been touring with us all year and played you're all I have with us so beautifully.

"And to our secret special guest Bono, my goodness. To sing One with Bono was like a billion birthdays all rolled into, well, one. I'll never forget it. And we'll never forget today. All of it. Loads of love. Thank you Bangor."

Following the event, Ards and North Down Borough Council credited the local businesses that accommodated concert goers, emergency services that kept fans safe and the promotions company that prepared the stage and set.

A spokesperson added: "Every artist who performed gave it their all and brought something special to the day...and did we ever expect to see Bono in Bangor?

"But of course our ultimate thanks go to Gary and Snow Patrol…we are so proud of all of you. Thank you for making us all so proud of Bangor."



(JG/CM)