The grounds of the City Hall are set to be opened on 12 July in a bid to attract more visitors to Belfast. It is part of the Orangefest initiative of the Orange Order - aimed at making the Twelfth more family oriented. The decision is backed by the Chamber of Trade. It has been passed by a council committee and will go before the full council on Friday. SDLP councillor Tim Attwood said it showed a more mature political leadership at City Hall. "We hope in the next number of years there's reciprocation from unionists to support other events that are important to nationalists to make City Hall more inclusive to all," he said. "Steps to try and remodel the Twelfth of July to make it more friendly are welcome "It's a step in the right direction, but let's be honest not many nationalists are going to go into the city centre that day." Tom Haire, Orange Order county grandmaster of Belfast, said he hoped the Twelfth would attract people from all backgrounds. "I think it's changed times and we have to keep moving forward," he said. "I think we are making reciprocal gestures, we're doing our best. "I would like to see us back to the situation where everybody feels comfortable to come and watch the 12th of July in Belfast." Orangefest, along with Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Taste of Ulster and Belfast Centre Managements, are planning an event with an emphasis on food, craft, dance, face painting and balloon modelling. The Festival of Fools would also be present in the streets with performances to reflect growing diversity in post-conflict Belfast. The aim is to bring at least 1,000 extra visitors to city centre, over and above the estimated 12,000 who normally attend to watch the parade. A large number of stores will be open. The council's strategic policy and resources committee has approved the use of City Hall grounds. The Twelfth of July marches commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. This was when Prince William of Orange claimed victory over Catholic King James II. ---------------- A fantastic idea. I cordially invite you all over to Beautiful Belfast for the 12th of July. Unfortunatly I have friends over staying with me that week so I won't be able to offer any of you a room, but if you bring a tent I can find you a lovely patch of green.
That sounds a good idea. It should be family orientated. Perhaps the fenians could do something similar and then it would just be one big happy family. This is progress, at last.
Not during Orangefest. All sides of the community are welcome to come along. But if you wear your Celtic or Garlic top, the facepainters can paint whatever they want on your gub. Thems the rules.
Why are the fenians not as accomadating. If they would reciprocate then all the troubles would be over. There are always some determined to prevent progress.
Some people are just bitter. This guy (no, his eyes haven't been photoshoped to look in different directions) became Lord mayor of Belfast and start removing pictures of Queenie. please log in to view this image Then he refused to hand a teenage girl a Duke of Edinburgh award because of the name.
A little bit far ER. I blame his upbringing for his bitterness. Parents both jailbirds. Most likely got bullied because of his "1 eye lookin at ya, 1 eye lookin for ya" look.
Yes. It's a public holiday over here, but more and more places are starting to open their shops on days like the 12th and St.Patricks day.
You love it too? Superb, hope you're gonna come along and not book your holiday to Donegal that week.
An Ulsterman I used to work with actually did persuade two colleagues to travel with him to Belfast for an Orange march. He sold the whole thing to them as a big tourist outing, and the daft mugs swallowed it. They flew off to Belfast thinking they were going to experience an historic cultural event. Began to change their minds when they saw legions of armed cops taking up position all over the place, armoured cars, all that crap, all for a big tourist-oriented family day out.
Used to be like that. There is still a big police presence but more so around the areas were there is likely to be protestors from other sides of the community. The city centre is fine though. They throw a great street party round in Sandy Row.
A good news story, just hope everything turns out okay and the open hand of friendship offered is taken. When Ian Paisley and Martin McGuiness finally got to know each other personally, they got on together so well their joint nickname was 'the chuckle brothers'. Let all other folk follow their lead. Personal beliefs need not be a bar to friendship.
