42 things you might have forgotten happened in Northern Ireland in 2022
As we welcome in another New Year it’s time to remember some of the things that happened in the past 12 months.
By Maisie Laughton, Lyndsey Hodgkinson and Jonathan Traynor
Published 29th Dec 2022, 17:02 GMT
Updated 29th Dec 2022, 17:37 GMT
From worldwide stories to local tales of equal importance, plenty has happened this year that has been newsworthy.
There are a number of things you are likely to have forgotten, so here is a list of some of the headline-hitting news pieces from 2022.
9. September
32 - Following a momentous year, Queen Elizabeth II sadly passed away on September 8, sending the whole country into a period of national mourning. Northern Ireland’s respectful act followed the other proceedings across the UK, with many businesses closing on the day of her funeral.
33 - The first king to visit NI for nearly 80 years, Charles and wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, attended a service of reflection in honour of the late Queen at St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.The pair travelled to Hillsborough Castle before meeting political leaders from across the country and remembering Queen Elizabeth II.
34 - The new Ulster University Belfast campus in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter was revealed in September, just in time for the new academic year. With views across the city and beyond, the site quickly became a favourite amongst students. Photo: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
10. October
35 - Having been split into two stores for four years following the fire at its flagship store, Primark made its triumphant return to the Bank Building. Including four floors of clothes, a Disney cafe and a beauty salon, the store is back and better than ever.
36 - A new active travel hub was opened next to the Ulster University Belfast campus in the Cathedral Gardens. It followed the launch of the new secure cycle storage within Castle Court as part of ‘A Bolder Vision’ for Belfast.
37 - Members of the Cavehill Mountain Bike Club had been advocating for a maintained trail to be opened to the public for years, with its opening being a huge success. The downhill trail finally opened in October after work began on the project back in December 2021.
38 - The Kennedy Centre has served the West Belfast community for over 30 years, home to 50 independent stores and businesses. Celebrating three decades as a shopping centre, plans were announced to expand the centre and welcome in even more businesses to the complex.
39 - Music talent united at the Music Against Homelessness event, with many different artists and performers helping to raise money for a great cause. Singers included Brian Kennedy, Dea Matrona, Andrew Strong, Odhran Murphy, Gareth Dunlop and many more, with all profits raised going to the Simon Community. Photo: Pacemaker
11. November
40 - Following the devastating fire at Cathedral Buildings on Donegall Street, Esther O’Kelly donated a piece of her work to help raise money for the tenants of the building.
Esther, whose husband Paul had his entire studio go up in flames, donated a painting to be auctioned off in an attempt to help rebuild the lives of those whose businesses have suffered.
41 - Held at CS Lewis Square, the extravaganza of the Halloween Cultural Festival and Big Lunch was a raging success in November.
From great smells and tastes to amazing sights and the sound of African drums, all senses were content in the celebration of diversity in the city. Photo: contributed
12. December
42 - Opened at the Odyssey Arena in the Titanic Quarter in December 2021, Cineworld Belfast has been a city centre staple for a year. To mark the anniversary of its opening, special screenings and activities were available in the foyer as well as some iconic Northern Irish classics being brought to the big screen in celebration. Photo: contributed