Belfast City Council target 2006 culture celebrations

Belfast City Council is to begin consultations into how to turn the year 2006 into a celebration of cultural excellence.

Councillor Ian Crozier, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, said that the Council wanted both to enhance existing events and provide scope for new events and innovative commissions throughout the year.

He said that the Council envisages the celebrations covering four main themes - ‘One Belfast’, ‘Youthful Belfast’, ‘Creative Belfast’ and ‘Moving Belfast’.

Pointing out that 2006 coincides with the centenary of Belfast City Hall, the chairman revealed that the Council also is embarking on a number of joint projects with Cork during 2005, under the banner of ‘From The Lagan to The Lee’, to mark its tenure as Capital of Culture.

“By showcasing and promoting the city’s cultural offering, 2006 can provide an opportunity to attract additional visitors and enhance the city's cultural experience,” Cllr Crozier said. “We also believe it will encourage additional investment in, and help fulfill the real potential of, cultural activity in Belfast.”

The Council now has started consultation on the proposed 2006 programme, and is inviting the views of interested parties, including cultural organizations and community-based groups.

A series of forum events and focus groups are being held throughout the city during November, with the first taking place this coming Monday afternoon (November 8).

Details are being advertised in the local press, and also are available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast2006, or by contacting (028) 9053 1279.

(MB)