Monday night’s invitation-only commemoration will also be attended by representatives of the Irish government. There will also be a candlelit vigil between 10pm and 11pm in the grounds of the City Hall, where the lights will be switched off, a wreath laid and the Last Post sounded. The ‘lights out’ theme recalls the famous quote of then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, who, on the eve of World War One, said: “The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” Another candlelit vigil is taking place at Pitt Park on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast between 10.15pm and 11pm. The vigil follows a 9pm service in Westbourne Presbyterian church, including music, readings and poetry. In Carrickfergus, a short parade will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph from 7.30pm. Knockagh Monument will be lit for one hour from 10pm, and the cenotaph illuminated in red at 11pm. Coleraine is hosting a candlelit vigil in the town centre from 10.30pm following a musical display by the Coleraine Fife and Drums. Other candlelit vigils are taking place at Lisburn Civic Centre (10pm-11pm), at Bangor’s Ward Park following a 10pm service at Hamilton Road Presbyterian church, and in Killyleagh where an open-air commemoration is being held in the Castle Square at 7pm. The Killyleagh event features 100 church bell chimes, the laying of commemorative crosses, and a performance from world champion piper Richard Parkes. Monday night’s events follow a weekend of commemorations around the Province, including Ballymoney Showgrounds on Saturday where there was a WWI-themed day of children’s activities and re-enactments, followed yesterday by a parade and wreath-laying service at the town’s cenotaph. Read more... |
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