Prime Minister Andy Burnham heard that Belfast “has changed” as he was warmly welcomed to the Northern Ireland capital during his first official visit.
The premier surprised a number of those enjoying an afternoon pint at the Duke of York pub on Thursday afternoon as he strolled down Commercial Court under the street art canopy of umbrellas.
Walking side by side with Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant, the two were met by publican Willie Jack who welcomed them to the city’s trendy Cathedral Quarter which recently welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin last month, as well as the King and Queen last year.
Mr Jack told the Prime Minister: “I really want to say Belfast has changed, it’s not about burning things, it’s a progressive city and we love music and art.”
The Prime Minister continued through the cobblestone streets to the Oh Yeah Music Centre, set up by Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, along with Stuart Bailie, Martin Neill and Davy Matchett, in 2005, to give young people the opportunity to get their start in music.
At the centre, he viewed a display of music history, showing a particular interest in information about Undertones star Feargal Sharkey.
He went on to meet a number of young people who use the facilities at the centre, which include a recording studio and performing space, but ruefully declined an offer to have a go on a guitar.
He said he did not feel it had gone as well as he had hoped on a recent visit to Ukraine when he was filmed playing a Smiths song, adding: “Of all the songs I could have chosen to play… I’ve learned my lesson.”
Mr Burnham visited the recording studio upstairs while Co Down band The Florentinas were performing on the other side of the glass.
Praising Lightbody’s efforts in helping to set up the centre, he said: “This is the best place you could have taken me to, I don’t think I have ever seen anything quite like this, it’s fairly unique that young acts can come and find recording support, it’s quite something.”
Moving to the other side of the glass to meet The Florentinas, he congratulated the four piece on recently signing a record deal.
Accepting a band T-shirt, he joked when they make it big, he will “dredge up” the picture they took together for an “undeserved boost in the press whenever I need it”.
“From what I have heard, you’re going to go very far for sure. I’ve got a pretty good ear, I’ve backed a lot of winners over the years,” he added.
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