Celebrate Sir Richard Wallace with the Council & Friends
April 26, 2018
2018 marks the 200th Anniversary of the birth of the famous humanitarian, landlord and art collector, Sir Richard Wallace, whose generous efforts and support helped shape Lisburn, with many well-known amenities still bearing his name today.
In recognition of his significant contributions to the development of Lisburn, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and its partners have organised a series of events throughout the year to commemorate this important milestone.
Joining the Council will be various partners including include Wallace High School, Peter Corry, Anúna and the Nerve Centre.
The Mayor’s Carnival Parade on Saturday 12th May will start the event calendar off with a splash of colour, creativity and music to illustrate Wallace’s passion for the arts.
On Saturday 23rd June to mark the birthdate of Sir Richard, the Council will be hosting a fantastic free Family Fun Day in Wallace Park that will be fun, inclusive and educational so please bring the family along and enjoy the day as local schools, dance troupes and artists provide entertainment.
To bring music and crowds to Wallace Park (formerly known as the People’s Park which was gifted to the people of Lisburn by Sir Richard) the Council has partnered with Peter Corry, Anúna, Wallace High School and other acts to entertain all ages from 7.00pm – 9.00pm on Saturday 23rd June in Wallace Park. Tickets can be bought for the ‘People’s Concert’ through www.ISLANDArtsCentre.com
The Mayor, Councillor Tim Morrow, speaking about the events said: “I have enjoyed being part of the working group with Wallace High School to establish a programme of events to be enjoyed by the whole community celebrating the Richard Wallace Bicentenary. The variety of events on offer will have something for everyone and the Council hopes that its residents will support them. I look forward to seeing the usual crowds on the streets of the City Centre and Wallace Park for the Mayor’s Carnival Parade and Family Fun Day.”
Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee added: “The Richard Wallace Bicentenary is the ideal opportunity for people across the Lisburn Castlereagh area to come together and celebrate the famed philanthropist, international art collector, landlord and MP for Lisburn. The people of Lisburn have acknowledged Sir Richard over the years and in 1892 they erected a statue in Castle Gardens as a ‘grateful recognition of his generous interest in the prosperity of the town’.
“To show our recognition of all that he did for the people of Lisburn we are holding events that will celebrate his life including the Children’s Art Festival, Victorian workshops in the Lisburn Museum, biodiversity sessions for schools, a Family Fun Day and a People’s Concert in Wallace Park. We hope our residents will help us celebrate 200 years since the birth of Sir Richard Wallace.”
Through the Council’s partnership with Wallace High School the Council is encouraging residents to donate to ‘The Wallace Delhi Hope Project’, which builds on the international work of the Wallace High School with the Asha Charity in India. The Wallace Delhi Hope Project will improve access to clean water in the Mayapuri Slum, New Delhi. To donate, please visit mydonate.bt.com/events/whsdelhihope
“It is very fitting that this charity has been chosen to raise money in the Bicentenary of Sir Richard Wallace who donated 55 water fountains to provide clean drinking water to the people of Paris and Lisburn. It is only right that we all play our part in helping to ensure clean water is available to the poor in Dehli so please give generously to this charity,” concluded Alderman Tinsley.
To find out more log on to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/wallace or collect a brochure for one of the Council’s facilities. The Council will update its social media channels with information on these events.