Belfast City Council to bestow Freedom of the City on Van Morrison

VAN Morrision is to get the freedom of Belfast.

According to The Irish News, city fathers plan to ratify the decision at its full monthly council meeting next month.

Van – real name Ivan George Morrison – grew up on the streets of east Belfast in 1946 before hitting the music big time through a solo career with hits like Brown Eyed Girl and Day Like This.

A City Hall insider said: “Van may not be the most personable of people but nobody can take away his success in the music industry.

“His songs are known the world over. It is a fitting way to honour a famous son from Belfast.”

On days like this, Van lives a quiet life along Ulster’s millionaire’s row in Cultra, Co Down.