I’m not fussed about a statue – the best way to honour Van the Man is to witness him perform

Belfast Cowboy at Botanic served as reminder of his power to wow

Van Morrison

Fionola Meredith

Last Sunday, I was completely knocked out by Van Morrison. Not literally, of course. But standing in Botanic Gardens, in the soft spring evening, among a crowd of equally delighted people, I was blown away by his music.

The last time I’d heard Van play live was his 70th birthday gigs on Cyprus Avenue. Now he’s 78, but his unmistakeable voice is as magnificent as ever. I really enjoyed the Cyprus Avenue concerts, but there was something extra this time. Maybe it’s the knowledge that nothing lasts forever. Or, as Dylan Thomas wrote, “that time allows/In all his tuneful turning so few and such morning songs/Before the children green and golden/Follow him out of grace”.