Astral Weekend: Celebrating Van Morrison's 80th Birthday with BBC Northern Ireland
As Sir Van Morrison approaches his 80th birthday, BBC Northern Ireland is celebrating with a special 'Astral Weekend' dedicated to the iconic Belfast singer. From Friday 29 August to Sunday 31 August, the BBC will feature a lineup of programs and content honoring Van Morrison's musical legacy. The weekend will be filled with his classic songs, fun features, and bespoke programming on BBC Radio Ulster.
The festivities kick off on Friday with a Van Morrison-themed Thought For The Day by the Rev Chris Bennett. Throughout Saturday, listeners can enjoy a variety of Van Morrison-inspired shows, including visits to local beauty spots mentioned in his songs, a look back at significant landmarks in his life, and a showcase of the best cover versions of his songs. The day will culminate with a special feature on folk recordings of Van Morrison and a selection of his best-loved tracks on The Late Show.
On Sunday, the celebration continues with listener favorites from Van's back catalogue, reflections on the spiritual aspects of his songwriting, and a playlist of Van Morrison classics. The day will also feature a special edition of Long Player focusing on Van's Avalon Sunset album, followed by Vanatics, where fans from around the world share their love for the artist. The weekend will conclude with a broadcast of Van's famous concert, Up On Cyprus Avenue, recorded on his 70th birthday.
Leading up to the Astral Weekend, Ralph McLean has been counting down the Top 80 Van Morrison Songs as chosen by listeners on his radio show. Fans can also explore rare archive material, interviews, and playlists on the BBC Music NI website, specially curated for the occasion. Whether you're a devoted Van Morrison fan or new to his music, the 'Astral Weekend' is a must-listen event for all music enthusiasts.