When Belfast was designated as a UNESCO City of Music, the well-known musician Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol said, “Belfast heart beats verbally with music, it is in our DNA.”

Tourism Ireland brought a group of performers from Northern Ireland to Boston on Tues., Feb. 21, for an evening of music at Boston’s Langham Hotel, where Executive Vice President Allison Metcalf welcomed an audience of local travel trade representatives.

“We are delighted to have this special delegation from Northern Ireland here,” she said. They “have a message to share about the unique nature of what visitors can expect when they visit Belfast. As well as the warmest of welcomes, they will find a city brimming with culture and ready to entertain you.

“From Titanic Belfast to Cave Hill and City Hall, and from the Cathedral Quarter to Queens University, Belfast is a proud and vibrant city with lots of great attractions to offer. It’s through music that Belfast offers the greatest insight into what makes it tick. The UNESCO City of Music accolade is richly deserved, and has brought a fiery and creative spirit on show tonight through the artists who are here this week for a unique music showcase.

Among artists performing that night, who were introduced by Tara Lynn O’Neill, the actress who plays the mom in TV’s “The Derry Girls,” were Emmy nominee Hannah Peele, the New Pagans, Andrea McGee, and Joshua Burnside, the BBC artist of the year Winnie Ama. Belfast -based DJ & BBC broadcaster Kwame Daniels, and TI partners Adams & Butler, Historic Royal Palaces, Taste & Tour NI and Titanic Belfast were on hand for the event.