Prelude to Ecstasy Tour……Hopefully not their last dinner party!

The Belfast Telegraph Building was alive with the vibrant energy of The Last Dinner Party's "Prelude to Ecstasy" tour kickoff.

The evening began with a powerful performance by Lucia and the Best Boys, which set the bar high for the following acts. The 2,600-strong audience eagerly anticipated the lead support act, Kaeto, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The crowd, representing diverse ages, orientations, and styles, was adorned with white frilly socks, peasant dresses, and waistcoats associated with The Last Dinner Party, adding to the unique ambience. Additionally, a pleasant scent of vanilla musk lingered in the air.

Kaeto's appearance on stage was truly remarkable. This Scottish-born, London-based musician has carved her path, even attending Clown School to nurture her creativity. With her bold, flowing ensemble—a white Romeo-style shirt with chainmail details over black trousers—and an aura of fearless individuality, Kaeto captivated the audience from the very beginning. Her setlist, influenced by artists like Portisheadand The Clash, included mesmerizing tracks such as "Carry You" and "Pacifist." Despite being relatively new to the music scene, Kaeto commanded the audience as if she were a seasoned performer. Her upcoming mixtape, "INTRO," set for release on September 20th, promises to capture this essence of adventure and identity even further.

With Kaeto setting the tone, the stage was ready for the night's headliners. Against a backdrop of blue and gold drapes adorned with TLDP's emblem, the stage transformed into a luminous fantasyland. As The Last Dinner Party took their positions amidst spotlights and a whimsical mirror ball centrepiece, the audience erupted with anticipation.

Frontwoman Abigail Morris led the charge with "Burn Alive," prompting a rapturous chorus from the crowd who knew every lyric by heart. The theatricality of the performance, combined with dynamic lighting and synchronized sways of the audience during "Caesar on a TV Screen," created a breathtaking spectacle, with chants of "We love you, Abigail!" echoing throughout.

A poignant interlude saw Abigail deliver a haunting rendition of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game," before seamlessly transitioning back to fan favorites like "Sinner" and "On Your Side." The energy never waned, right through to the climactic "The Feminine Urge."

An encore was inevitable, and the band returned to the stage for "The Killer," dedicating "My Lady of Mercy" to all survivors of the Catholic school system who found solidarity in their lyrics. "Nothing Matters" capped off the night, leaving the audience fulfilled and yearning for more.

The Last Dinner Party—comprising Abigail Morris, Georgia Davies, Lizzie Mayland, Aurora Nishevci, and Emily Roberts—has revitalised the London music scene with a refreshing blend of sincerity and exuberance. Their performance in Belfast last night was not just a concert; it was an invitation to join a joyous celebration of life and music. As the house lights rose, the shared smiles in the crowd confirmed what everyone felt—this was just the beginning of something truly special.