Ready to Rock!! Stars hit town as Belfast prepares for the biggest showbiz event in its history. It has taken 10 years in the planning but it has finally arrived. On Sunday, Lady Gaga, Jessie J and Justin Bieber are set to stroll down a red carpet in Northern Ireland, on their way in to MTV's European Music Awards.
Stars such as Britney Spears and Rihanna have recently launched the European legs of their tours in Belfast, and purpose-built venues have sprung up to replace the playing fields and leisure centres that used to host gigs.
"The whole new capital infrastructure in Belfast means we're on the list for every art form now," says Carolyn Mathers, a culture and tourism officer for Belfast City Council.
Like a glitzy, musical version of the Olympics, MTV considers bids from a number of cities before settling on a venue for its annual awards show.
"It's crucial that the city embraces the European Music Awards in the right way," says Matt Cook, Director of Talent MTV UK and Ireland.
"Belfast's a great city. It's got a great heritage of music. And they've put on a music week in the run-up to our show, which not only gets everyone ready, but also highlights the breadth and wealth of local talent."
Despite reports that Lady Gaga will be staying at the Culloden Hotel sources claim that the Grammy winning artist has choosen a quiet location not too far from Belfast.
We have a good idea where that is!!!
Lady Gaga looks set to dominate the MTV Europe Music Awards later, with six prize nominations and a show-stopping performance in Belfast's Odyssey Arena.
The US star goes up against the likes of Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber at the annual awards show. Justin Bieber's teenage girl friend , Selena Gomez will be hosting the MTV EMAs.
Previously, it had been felt that Belfast's infrastructure could not cope with the demands of a show that requires to house personnel from production crews to celebrity entourages.
"It's a multi-million dollar event," MTV's Richard Godfrey said. "It's the most ambitious show we've done for a long time."
Belfast City Council believes especially organised Belfast Music Festival in the run-up to the show, so it has been a great build up.
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| Katy Perry, who managed 12 costume changes at the 2008 show, is up for four awards |
Tonight thousands will be watching as images of the star- studded event will be beamed from the heart of Belfast to all around the world. Excitement has reached fever pitch and we just hope belfast puts on the best show possible.
Thank you MTV for putting belfast on the world map for something good.
Belfast is 15 mins from the cottages. Take a trip up and see the lights and have a look round the shops. The Christmas lights were switched on saturday the 19th November. At the very top of the Victoria Centre you can see view out over, Samson and Galiath ( the cranes),Belfast Castle, Stormont Buildings and across to Scrabo Tower.
