Belfast NYE concert cancelled due to weather

Bad weather has forced the cancellation of a massive outdoor New Year's Eve concert in central Belfast.

Up to 10,000 people were expected to line the streets outside City Hall for tonight's celebration.

Stars including Tony Christie, soul singer Beverley Knight and rock band The Thrills were all set to perform at the Rock The Hall event.

But as the threat of gales increased, officials decided they could not put the public at risk.

Explaining the last-minute call-off, a spokesman for Belfast City Council and organisers BBC Radio Two said the high winds made it unsafe to stage the concert.

He added: "It is unfortunate that we have had to cancel the show, but the health and safety of the audience, performers and crew has to be our primary consideration at all times."