LCCC confirms Centenary plans are underway

January 21, 2021

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has confirmed it is planning to deliver a programme of activities during Northern Ireland’s centenary year.

LCCC Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Trimble said; “Over the last year, we have been living and working in challenging circumstances because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have shown that we can pull together and do what’s right when it matters most and support each other and our communities.

"This year of 2021 is the centennial year of Northern Ireland and I am delighted to announce that Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has agreed a wide programme of events throughout the year to mark the occasion.

"A centenary is an important part of the history of any country and it is important to me that we celebrate ours, however it is also important to me that our celebrations are appropriate and that people from every background or persuasion can feel included. As such, our programme of events has been planned with input from every political party on the council to ensure all views are respected.

"Northern Ireland has had its share of difficulties over the past 100 years, however I hope that our reflections and celebrations will be an opportunity for us all to look forward to the future together."

Councillor Scott Carson, who leads the Council’s Cross Party Working Group, explained; “I am delighted with how our centenary programme has shaped up and am really excited about seeing it come to life over the next few weeks and months. We will be kicking off with a call for names of people in our community who were born on or before 1921 and will be doing something special for some of our centenary babies.

"We have been working hard to put in place a range of educational activities for schools, events, lecture programmes and other historical exhibitions through our museum. We are also planning some community engagement activities and will provide support for groups who would like to be involved in the centenary in their own way.

"We are very aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us and have been mindful of potential restrictions during our planning so many events may be delivered virtually.”

Chair of the Council’s Corporate Services Committee, Alderman Paul Porter said; “I look forward to the many interesting activities planned during the centenary year. In particular, our Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum has some wonderful old photographs and exhibitions to share. Our museum has continued to build their virtual offering making history accessible to everyone. Watch out for our range of centenary lectures, registration will be opening soon.”

LCCC’s first centenary initiative will be launched shortly with a call for names of people born in 1921 or before. Further details will be posted on social media very soon.