Live Report: Snow Patrol bring joy and nostalgia to St Anne's Park

The setting for Snow Patrol’s gig on Sunday in Clontarf is somewhat working against them. After a week of ever-climbing temperatures and what feels like endless sunshine, the bank holiday weekend brings grey clouds, humidity and the occasional rain shower.

Still, the atmosphere is already buzzing when the doors open at St Anne’s Park ahead of the band’s headline show. First opener and Belfast native Morgana brings momentum to the stage with her '80s-tinged tunes, quirky dance moves and a distinctly Kate Bush-esque vibe.

Photo: Cat Gundry-Beck

While the audience slowly fills the venue, Orla Gartland takes over as the second opener. Her alt-pop sound provides a strong kick-off to what follows, with infectious hooks and confident stage presence. The highlight, however, is her cover of ‘Linger’, which fully lifts the atmosphere and has the crowd singing along.

Then, after a slight delay, Snow Patrol step onto the stage in front of a crowd of 20,000 people. ‘Take Back the City’ arrives with heavy guitars and exactly the energy needed to kick off the set. Its anthem-like chorus feels even more powerful live and immediately has the audience engaged. The opening run of songs maintains that momentum, with ‘Called Out in the Dark’ introducing an infectious electronic-rock edge.

Photo: Cat Gundry-Beck

All of this unfolds against a backdrop of striking visuals that reflect the rhythm and mood of each song. Snow Patrol are one of those bands that, if you arrive without knowing much about them, would probably surprise you with just how many recognisable songs they have and how influential they have been in shaping 21st-century rock.

Almost more engaging than the music itself is the visible joy, particularly from lead singer Gary Lightbody. Before the first notes ring through the park, Lightbody stands at the edge of the stage for several seconds, taking in the view. Throughout the performance, he wears a constant smile and often seems happier letting the audience sing the songs than singing them himself.

Photo: Cat Gundry-Beck

In fairness, the crowd responds to every cue he gives. The result is an atmosphere filled with joy and a bittersweet connection between band and audience.

In their 30 years together, Snow Patrol have also not lost their sense of humour. “We’re gonna play a really old song because we are really old people,” Lightbody jokes between songs.

‘All’ is another highlight of the set, a dramatic love anthem about the difficulty of expressing deep emotions. Then, as the rain slowly begins to intensify, the band launches into their biggest hit, ‘Chasing Cars’. Instantly, the entire crowd seems to sing along. It feels as though everyone has their own personal connection to the song’s lyrics.

Photo: Cat Gundry-Beck

So much so that by the end of the track, Lightbody is on his knees, taking in the moment. “It’s just the beginning,” he tells the crowd, hinting at a new album on the horizon.

Then, after the encore finishes, now under lashing rain. Snow Patrol leave the stage with the same energy they arrive with, leaving behind a crowd longing for more.