Europe Music Awards set for Belfast

BELFAST, Northern Ireland, March 2 (UPI) -- MTV's Europe Music Awards are to take place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the first time at the Odyssey Arena in November, organizers said Wednesday.

Last year's event was held in Madrid. U.S. pop star Lady Gaga was the big winner, taking home three awards.

"It is fitting that the EMAs are coming to Belfast, one of Europe's most exciting and vibrant cities and with around 35 percent of our population below the age of 25," the BBC quoted the lord mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, as saying.

"Belfast has a rich musical history and has produced artists such as Snow Patrol and the legendary Van Morrison and we now have an unprecedented opportunity to shine a spotlight on our musical heritage while also providing a major boost to our economy. I am delighted that MTV has chosen Belfast. The decision to host such a world class event in our city is an endorsement of what we have been saying for some time now. Belfast is a happening place."