The rock concert, which took place on Wednesday evening, was the first to be staged at Stormont Castle where the Good Friday agreement was finalised.

Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam welcomed the concert, saying she wanted to open the Stormont Castle facilities to the public.

Although the concert was not explicitly linked to the referendum on the Good Friday agreement, some commentators say it acted as an unofficial celebration for the massive Yes vote last weekend.

Ash: Rocked the vote

Irish bands U2 and Ash played a concert in Belfast on May 19 in support of the referendum Yes campaign.

Sir Elton did not make any political statements during his show, which about 14,000 people attended.

Both he and the show's promoter are donating their services free. Profits from the �25-a-head tickets will go towards building education facilities in the castle's parkland.

It is nearly a decade since Sir Elton last performed in Belfast. But he has said that his Northern Ireland fans are more responsive to his music than anyone else.