Special BBC concert to mark the end of 2013

BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle is celebrating Londonderry’s cultural year with a special one-off live concert.

BBC Radio Ulster’s Marie-Louise Muir and BBC Radio Foyle’s Mark Patterson will host the A Year In A Night concert live from the nostalgic surroundings of St Columb’s Hall at 8pm on Thursday, December 12, as they relive highlights of UK City of Culture 2013 and celebrate some of the extraordinary talent which has emerged across the year.

Under the award-winning musical direction of Frank Gallagher, the line-up will include: Soak, Little Bear, The Clameens, pianist Ruth McGinley, tenor John Porter, The Music Promise Choir, City of Culture’s Musician in Residence Neil Cowley and a special meeting of traditions as Tattoo and Fleadh musicians combine. Other special guests include Gino Lupari, actress Nuala Hayes, and Anita Robinson. The concert will also feature a special moment of reflection on the passing of Seamus Heaney.

Marie-Louise Muir says: “It’s been an amazing experience to see so much talent both emerge from and visit my hometown throughout this year. I can’t believe the year is nearly over, but what a wonderful closing concert from St Columb’s Hall to bring the year to an end. Like City of Culture year itself, our line-up for the night is varied, with something for everyone. It was a pleasure opening the year on BBC Radio Ulster presenting Sons and Daughters with some of Derry’s biggest names and I’m equally excited to be part of this closing concert showcasing some of the city’s best new talent.”

A Year In A Night can be heard live on BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle on Thursday, December 12 at 8pm. 92–95FM and DAB digital radio, digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/radioulster