Orangefest and US 250th anniversary bash get green light for summer at Belfast City Hall
Orangefest and a US 250th anniversary bash have both been given a green light to be held in the grounds of Belfast city hall this summer.
The annual celebration of all things Orange is shifting to a different date this year, however – July 13, as this year July 12 falls on a Sunday. As a result, traditional Twelfth parades and connected events will take place a day later than usual.
Meanwhile an event marking 250 years since the signing of America’s declaration of independence will be staged on July 4, marking the connections between Ulster and the States.
Full details on what the events will involve aren’t yet available, though documents produced by Belfast Council state the July 4 event is being staged by the Ulster-Scots Agency. It will involve a concert celebrating the 250th anniversary in city hall’s grounds, featuring “a range of artists with connections to both Northern Ireland and the United States, showcasing musical talents as well as the musical links” they share.
Orangefest sees a return of the annual family fun day, featuring activities in city hall’s grounds as part of the wider Twelfth demonstrations.
Activities will run from 11am until 3pm, state council documents, and will include jugglers, stilt-walkers, a bouncy castle and food stalls.
The council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee approved the use of city hall for both during a meeting today, green-lighting them without debate.
Politicians also approved the use of city hall’s cenotaph on the morning of July 13, for an annual act of solemn commemoration as part of the Twelfth demonstrations.