Latest news with #WaterfrontHall
Extra.ie
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
SNL star Pete Davidson announces comedy shows in Dublin and Belfast
US comedian Pete Davidson has announced two Irish dates for his stand-up comedy tour in Dublin and Belfast for early October 2025. His shows at Dublin's National Stadium on October 9 and the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on October 10 will follow two European gigs in Amsterdam (October 6) and London (October 8). The news comes days after Davidson's girlfriend Elsie Hewitt announced the couple were expecting their first child together. Only last year, the actor and comedian decided to move away from the spotlight and take a break from live stand-up performances. In the meantime, the 31-year-old has been working on other projects, including the upcoming horror movie The Home, out this week, as well as Amazon's film The Pick Up, where Davidson co-stars alongside Eddie Murphy (out in August). Currently, he is shooting for David Leitch's film How to Rob a Bank, set to be released in September 2026. Davidson is best known for being a long-term cast member of NBC's Saturday Night Live, which featured his singular Weekend Update and original music videos from 2014 to 2022. After his time with SNL, the Staten Island jokester went on to create his own comedy show, Bupkis—a fictional account of his own life. The 2023 series stars Edie Falco as Davidson's mother and Joe Pesci as his grandfather. Tickets for his Irish shows in October go on sale this Friday, July 25, via
Belfast Telegraph
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Former SNL comedian Pete Davidson announces first ever NI gig
The comedian, who rose to prominence on sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL), will host a gig in the Waterfront Hall on Friday October 10.
Belfast Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Ulster University graduate who faced conversion therapy in China as child awarded Tech Student of the Year: ‘Things can and do get better'
'Things can and do get better' was his message after overcoming personal challenges to pursue a new direction after graduating with a BSc (Hons) Computing Science, having completed his first degree at Ulster University in 2019. But life in Belfast is a long way from his experiences at home before he took a leap of faith to move thousands of miles to Northern Ireland. 'I've always seen education as a pathway to opportunity and growth. Ulster University offered a welcoming environment and a reputation for supporting students from all backgrounds, which really appealed to me,' he said after graduating at the Waterfront Hall. Yuan Zhang's introduction to Ulster University was through a joint programme with South China Agricultural University, where he completed three years of Business Management before coming to Belfast for a final year of studying Business Economics in 2018. And that welcoming environment is something Yuan needed, having been subjected to two conversion therapies in his youth. Making the decision to step away from his family at the age of 16 was incredibly difficult, but a kind community and the unwavering support of his husband, have allowed him to flourish both academically and personally in the decade since. It was his husband, Gary, who also studied Computing Science at Ulster University, who encouraged him to apply. He had always been curious about technology and the role it plays in shaping the world, but Yuan didn't have a clear path into the field. However, he says it turned out to be one of the best decisions he's ever made. Since beginning his second round of studies at Ulster University in 2021, Yuan has accomplished a huge amount. He has been named Tech Student of the Year 2024 by EMEEN and Invest NI, Young Person in STEM/Tech 2024 by Minorities Recognition Awards NI and Danske Bank, won Best Math for Computing Scientist Student at Ulster University by Data Intellect and achieved the Contribution to the Student Body Award 2024 by Ulster University Faculty of CEBE. Excelling in both his studies and extra-curricular endeavours, Yuan is particularly proud of bringing DevFest Ireland 2025 to Ulster University, the first time this tech conference has been hosted in Northern Ireland. 'With the incredible support of the Faculty of CEBE and the wider local tech community, we welcomed hundreds of students and professionals to share ideas, learn, and celebrate technology together,' he added. Alongside that, Yuan helped grow the UU Computing Society into the largest society on campus, which inspired him to take on many more community roles. "Taking part in hackathons, and volunteering with tech communities have all made my time here incredibly meaningful', he said. "These experiences helped me find purpose, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging.' After celebrating graduation with Gary, his family and his friends, Yuan is planning a cycling trip around Ireland to explore different towns and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. 'It's going to be my way of recharging before my next chapter in industry ' he continued. 'I'll be returning to Liberty IT as an Associate Software Engineer, where I previously completed my summer internship and placement year. 'I'm excited to continue growing in a supportive environment that values learning and innovation.' He said he would love to see more young people taking up the opportunities offered. 'Just go for it,' he said. 'I know that sounds cliché, but it's truly life-changing. 'When I moved to Northern Ireland in 2021, I had no job and no direction. Now, I have a career and a future I'm excited about. If you're even thinking about it, trust your instincts. Bangor woman celebrates 100th birthday in style 'This course through Ulster University changed my life. 'Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, please know that resilience is powerful, and things can and do get better. Lean on those who uplift you. Your story matters, and you are not alone.'
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Ryan Adams' Belfast concert described as ‘most uncomfortable ever'
Ryan Adams reportedly stormed off stage during what fans described as a 'chaotic' show in Belfast on Saturday. The American singer-songwriter, 50, was playing at the Waterfront Hall to mark the 25th anniversary of his debut solo album, Heartbreaker. However, the gig is said to have ended abruptly after the controversial musician 'threw a tantrum', audience members claimed, while a local reporter described it as 'the most uncomfortable, shambolic live music experience I've ever had'. 'Went to the worst 'concert' I've ever been to tonight in the Waterfront Hall,' one fan posted on X/Twitter. 'Ryan Adams forgot the bit about giving the audience a good performance in return for their hard-earned cash! By performance I don't mean throwing a tantrum dressed up as Oscar Wilde!' When another fan attempted to defend Adams by accusing them of 'ignoring' his pleas for no flash photography, the original poster responded: 'The flash was off! He was annoyed about everything. 'He didn't like how people had to leave their seats to go to the loo. He was annoyed by latecomers, drunks calling for requests and the torchlights used by the ushers. Proper diva stuff.' 'Struggling to describe the chaos of Ryan Adams [in] Belfast,' another audience member said. However, some fans defended Adams' behaviour and said he was upset by fans using the flash function on their phones, as he is epileptic. The Independent has contacted Adams' representative for comment. The Belfast Telegraph reported that Adams abandoned the set halfway through, telling the audience: 'Stop f***ing flashing. I warned you. You could kill me. I have epilepsy and Meniere's disease. F*** you, I'm not coming back until you stop flashing.' Signs had been placed around the venue warning fans against the use of flash photography due to Adams' condition. The musician later returned to the stage after around half an hour, the publication reported, and said he had suffered an epileptic seizure backstage. Another fan alleged that, towards the end of the show, a group near them had 'actively tried to use flash photography to cause another seizure'. Other fans said further incidents added to the 'uncomfortable' tone of the evening, such as Adams apparently hand-delivering a copy of his forthcoming novel, The Greatest Movie Ever Made, to one fan. 'If you haven't been to see Ryan Adams yet… don't,' one disgruntled audience member said. 'Won tickets to see him and still feel like I'm due a refund. Left after three songs. Avoid.' Adams has been attempting to revive his career since 2019, when he was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, including singer Phoebe Bridgers and his ex-wife, Mandy Moore. A year later, he shared a lengthy apology for his past behaviour, writing: 'There are no words to express how bad I feel about the ways I've mistreated people through my life and career. All I can say is that I'm sorry.'
