Westlife announce gigs to celebrate 25 years of touring

Westlife will be kicking off a tour celebrating 25 years of touring, with concerts set to be staged in Belfast and Dublin.

The group, formed in 1998, have sold over 44 million records worldwide and have become one of the most successful pop groups globally.

Speaking to Cool FM on Friday, the band said they aren't counting the Covid pandemic, and it said "it's actually been 25 years since we started our first ever tour".

The band is best known for hits including Flying Without Wings, Fool Again and Unbreakable, with their latest album Wild Dreams, being released in 2021.

First up will be five nights at Dublin's 3Arena, between 22 October and 26 October, 2026.

They will follow this up with three concerts at Belfast's SSE Arena on October 27, 28, and 29, maintaining their record for the most performances at the venue, surpassing any other artist.

Band members Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, and Kian Egan said: "Belfast has always held a special place in our hearts.

"The crowds here are unbelievable, the atmosphere is like nowhere else in the world. We can't wait to see everyone again next October."

Initially a five-member group, Brian McFadden left the band in 2004 to pursue a solo career and dedicate more time to his family.

In 2022, Mark Feehily paused his performances to prioritise his recovery after experiencing health challenges.

The band have played more than 200 shows since their reunion in 2019 and performed across 30 countries.