20/06/2008

MP Unveils CS Lewis Mural

In the week that an expected blockbuster movie, based on the fantasy novels by Belfast-born writer, CS Lewis, premiered in London, NI First Minister Peter Robinson has unveiled a mural commemorating the author.

The East Belfast MP and MLA unveiled the CS Lewis mural to replace one dedicated to the loyalist paramilitary group, the UVF, which depicted the history of the illegal organisation, carrying its crest and the image of two rifles.

Instead, the replacement Dee Street painting is based on the work of one of the most famous sons of east Belfast.

It was a timely move with the Narnia Chronicles now being transformed into big budget movies.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opened to critical acclaim in London's 02 Arena - with some 10,000 fans viewing the movie on the largest cinema screen to be constructed in Europe, measuring 91ft by 38 ft.

Said to be the biggest film premiere ever, fantasy fans dressed as lions, witches and Telmarine soldiers, while the area surrounding the arena was transformed into a Narnia world with sword clad performers on horseback entertaining the crowds.

Prince Caspian is the sequel to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which earned £381 million at the box office in 2005.

The first film centred around four British children who are evacuated during the Blitz to the countryside where they find a wardrobe that is a portal to the fantasy world of Narnia. Though few would be aware at the premier, both films are from the pen of the east Belfast-born writer.

Dedicated fans will now be able to add the mural to the route of a popular guided bus tour that explores the life of CS Lewis.

The tour tells the story of his early life spent in the city and visits locations with links to the great author, such as Little Lea, Campbell College - which he attended for a time - and St Mark's Church on the Holywood Road.

This informative two hour guided tour operates each Sunday at 2pm during June, July and August 2008.

See: Fantasy Film Enjoys Fantastic Premiere

See: www.gotobelfast.com

(BMcC)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 October 2024
Oscar-Winning Film Honoured With New Mural
A vibrant new mural has been unveiled in Belfast city centre, commemorating the Oscar-winning short film 'An Irish Goodbye'. Located on Winetavern Street in the Smithfield area, the colourful artwork was created by the renowned street arts collective Peaball, the same team behind the iconic Derry Girls mural.
02 August 2023
Men Jailed Over 'Distasteful' Christmas Mural
Two men have been jailed for terrorism offences in connection with a "distasteful" Christmas mural in L'Derry. At Londonderry Magistrates Court, Jordan Devine (22) was sentenced to three months imprisonment for wearing clothing, or having article(s) as a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation.
24 August 2016
Grants Available To Change 'Offensive' Murals In Belfast
A total of £25,000 in grants has been made available for community groups who want to change murals which may been seen as "offensive" in Belfast. Belfast City Council said the money will be for groups seeking to remove, replace or transform an existing mural that is perceived as aggressive in content.
04 July 2014
West Belfast Mural Condemned
A paramilitary mural in west Belfast that shows gunmen firing shots over a coffin draped in an Irish tricolour has been condemned. The image has appeared at Slemish Way off the Andersonstown Road.
07 May 2014
£135m Community Projects Completed In Armagh
Two community projects to the tune of £135,000 have been completed in the Callan Street area of Armagh. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland welcomed the news that the Callan Street Community House refurbishment and the 'Lump' environmental improvements scheme have been completed.