Lord Mayor's Belfast show promises fun

This years Lord Mayor's Show is set to be one of the most colourful ever with a revamped show that has placed its emphasis firmly on fun.

The show, which takes place between 1pm and 3pm this Saturday, aims to give current Lord Mayor, Alex Maskey a farewell to remember.

The show will include its usual carnival parade and street entertainers as well as dancers, salsa and marching bands, circus performers, community and business groups, giant windmills and a Jack-in-the-Box.

Commenting on the show, outgoing Mayor Alex Maskey said he hopes the show will attract not only Belfast citizens but people from across Northern Ireland. He said: “Many people from outside the City come into Belfast on Saturday to shop or visit the attractions here; the Lord Mayor’s Show is one more attraction.

“It is a people festival with lots of colour to entertain, amuse and astound and I hope everyone, visitors and residents will come and watch the spectacle. The City Council and the Junior Chamber of Commerce have put a lot of work into making the show a success.”

More than 750 participants are expected to take part, and thousands more will line the route, which will wind its way round the main shopping areas from its base at Writer’s Square, Donegall Street, passing the Castlecourt Shopping Centre, and City Hall, Howard Street, College Square and Wellington Place before making its way back along Donegall Place and Royal Avenue.

Entertainers and bands will keep the crowds amused while they wait for the main event and with its theme of recycling there are sure to be some weird and wacky costumes on display as participants, including 20 community groups, have been asked to let their imagination run riot.

The show is organised jointly by the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Belfast City Council which has invested £50,000 to make the show bigger, brighter and more accessible this year.

(MB)