Katy Perry made her triumphant return to the stage in Ireland on October 4th with the first of two sold-out nights at The SSE Arena in Belfast, kicking off the next leg of her Lifetimes Tour in truly spectacular fashion. With a crowd of over 10,000 fans, many of them excited teenage girls accompanied by equally enthusiastic parents, the energy in the arena was electric even before the pop superstar emerged on stage.
Opening the evening was Canadian singer Goldie Boutilier, who brought a sultry, retro charm to the stage. Her warm vocals and effortless stage presence won over the crowd quickly, setting the mood for the high-octane pop spectacle that was to follow.
As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of the first act titled Artificial began to play, the arena erupted. Katy Perry made a dramatic entrance, rising from the center of a futuristic figure-eight-shaped stage, a nod to the tour’s time-bending theme. The production value was immediately clear, dazzling lights, immersive visuals, and high-energy choreography that carried through the night.
The show was smartly divided into six acts, each with its own unique theme and visual identity, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The first act featured four songs that leaned heavily into the synthetic, digital future aesthetic. This transitioned smoothly into Act 2: Woman’s World, where Perry performed six songs, including crowd favorite “I Kissed a Girl.” The cheers for this iconic hit were deafening, with the audience singing every word in unison.
Act 3: Nirvana offered a slightly more introspective vibe with four songs that slowed things down briefly, showcasing Perry’s vocals without sacrificing her signature theatrical flair. Then came Act 4: Choose Your Adventure, where the pace picked up again with three more upbeat tracks, each accompanied by vibrant visuals and tightly choreographed routines.
By Act 5: Mainframe, the show had fully transformed into a futuristic dreamscape. With three more songs, including pulsating lighting effects and a massive screen backdrop showing surreal digital landscapes, it felt like being transported into a sci-fi fantasy. Finally, Act 6: End Game brought the evening to a euphoric close, ending with none other than “Firework” a perfect, explosive finale that lit up the arena and left fans on an emotional high.
The attention to detail in every aspect of this show was impressive. From the flawless sound mix to the ever-changing stage visuals and stunning costumes, Katy Perry and her creative team clearly poured everything into making this a truly unforgettable experience. The dancers moved in perfect sync, and every song, from deep cuts to global hits, was elevated by its own unique staging.
What truly stood out was Katy’s ability to connect with her audience despite the grand scale of the production. She addressed the crowd with warmth and humor, expressing genuine excitement about being back on tour and kicking off the Belfast shows. Whether she was performing a ballad or dancing her way through a pop anthem, she gave 100% at every moment.
If you’re a fan of pop music, there’s no doubt that The Lifetimes Tour is a must-see. Katy Perry proves once again that she’s more than just a hit-maker, she’s a true performer, capable of turning an arena show into a full-blown theatrical experience. With flawless production, anthemic songs, and nonstop energy, this show is not just a concert, it’s a celebration.
Only drawn back for me as a photographer, it was a disopponitment to be put so far back from the stage, acttually over a full size hockey pitch back if not more, as thats what the arena is and we were put up in the balconey seats right at the very back hence the long distance photos.
Goldie Boutilier photos:
Katy Perry photos & set-list:
Set-list:
ARTIFICIAL ACT 1
Artificial
Chained to the Rhythm
Teary Eyes
Dark Horse
WOMAN’S WORLD ACT 2
Womans World
California Gurls
Teenage Dream
Hot n Cold
Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
I Kissed a Girl
NIRVANA ACT 3
Nirvana
Crush
I’m His, He’s Mine
Wide Awake
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE ACT 3.5
Ghost
Unconditionally
All The Love
MAINFRAME ACT 4
E.T.
Part of Me
Rise
END GAME ACT 5
Roar
Daisies
Lifetimes
Firework
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic