Van Morrison turns 80 with an unusual gift

The veteran soulman has plans for Belfast musicians

Legendary soulman Van Morrison is celebrating his 80th birthday this year and is including a lot of people in the event. First, he is already on a tour which will see him play in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and finishing with a special event in Belfast on August 31, 2025.

Morrison has been on the road for seven decades. His releases include the early masterpiece “Astral Weeks” and collaborations with artists that have included The Chieftains, leading to millions of record sales. His latest release “Remembering Now” was released in June.

In the context of Irish music, Morrison is clearly one of the most successful artists Belfast has ever produced. Yet his music has always spoken to the world, with his early influences being in soul music, country and jazz.

Van Morrison: Artist in Residence

Morrison has been recognised by Belfast City Council who awarded him the Freedom of the City in 2013 and was also appointed Queen’s University Belfast’s inaugural ‘Artist in Residence’ earlier this year.

This unprecedented partnership will see Morrison provide two students with fully funded scholarships to assist in their ambitions to become professional musicians.

The birthday event will take place on Sunday August 31 in the iconic Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Morrison’s talented, singer-songwriter, daughter Shana, will also perform.