A legendary Armagh DJ is to be celebrated with a special tribute paid during a local music festival in his adopted city later this summer.
It is hard to believe that is now five years since Phil Cheung – or DJ Chill as affectionately known – passed away.
It was a loss that sent shockwaves among his many friends and right across the dance music community.
For Phil – only 46 years of age – had only been diagnosed with cancer just weeks before.
Now, as the second of two music weekends are staged in Armagh next month, DJ Phil, truly one-of-a-kind and a remarkable human being, will be very close to mind.
Phil, who had called Armagh home for the best part of 20 years, was a hugely respected and well-loved figure who played an important role in Northern Ireland’s dance music community for many years.
His influence and friendships extended across the UK and Ibiza dance music scenes.
He also used his passion for DJing to support charitable causes, giving his time and talents freely to help others throughout the community.
His loss was felt not only by friends and fellow DJs, but by many people whose lives he positively impacted through both music and charity.
As part of this year’s ERA Music Festival, taking place at the Shambles Yard on Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and 30, the fifth anniversary of Phil’s passing will be marked with a special tribute.
For during the headline performance by Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago on the Saturday, a song will be dedicated to Phil’s memory in recognition of his passion for music and the lasting impact he had on so many people.
Ciaran Osborne, of ERA Events Group, which is organising the weekend, said: “The moment will be especially meaningful as Lovely Laura & Ben were also friends of Phil through the dance music scene.
“It also feels particularly fitting that the festival is taking place at the Shambles Yard, on the very same street Phil once called home, allowing us to honour his memory just a short distance from where he lived and where he became such a familiar and respected face within the local community.
“The tribute has come about following requests from many of Phil’s close friends within the local DJ and dance music community, who felt it would be a fitting way to remember him as the fifth anniversary of his passing approaches in November.
“ERA is delighted to welcome them – along with anyone whose life Phil touched – to join us in celebrating his life and legacy through the music he loved.”
The festival itself takes place across the Bank Holiday weekend, with Saturday, August 29 featuring Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago alongside 90s DJs K-Klass, Owen Treanor and residents Midknight Thieves.
On the Sunday, Whistlin’ Donkeys will headline another fantastic day which also features Allie Sherlock and Farmers’ Bash regular Colin Graham.
The weekend will be hosted by local broadcasters Neal McClelland and Armagh’s own Gary Myles, bringing together a fantastic mix of dance music and live entertainment for what promises to be Armagh’s biggest weekends of the summer.
