Belfast City Council held its fourth Day of Reflection in the City Hall on 21 June 2025. Four years ago, councillors agreed that the event would be held annually, providing an opportunity for people and communities across the city to acknowledge the deep hurt and pain caused by the conflict in and about Northern Ireland. On announcing this year’s events, Party Group Leaders on Belfast City Council said: “As a council, we will once again participate in this year’s Day of Reflection and offer a space in City Hall for this to take place. We acknowledge that many people throughout the city suffered deeply as a result of the conflict. As civic leaders, we hope that by hosting this annual event and providing a quiet, safe space, it will give people an opportunity to reflect and remember in a way which is personal to them.”

The day’s events included poetry readings and film screenings, including Laura Morgan’s “What can you do with your reflections?” commissioned by HTR. Throughout the afternoon, visitors could drop in and engage in quiet reflection and/or take part in creative crafts delivered by Wheelworks. They were also invited to share their hopes for the future by adding a leaf with a personal message on a thought tree. Support organisations Inspire Wellbeing and Victims and Survivors Service were present to provide assistance and signpost to relevant services.

Opening and closing remarks were delivered by Godfrey McCartney, Good Relations Manager at Belfast City Council.

Later that night, the City Hall was illuminated in yellow during the hours of darkness, as a reminder of the hours of light and of hope.

Full press release here.