Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council agree funding for D-Day 80th anniversary commemoration

A recommendation for the use of the city’s Castle Gardens instead of Hillsborough Fort for the commemoration event was agreed to maximise public attendance and lower costs for the June 6 event.

A working group’s report on the World War II commemoration has brought forward suggestions to elected representatives, including a D-Day grant fund of £35,000 to local groups, each gaining a maximum of £500. The money is due to come from council reserves.

Mayor Councillor Andrew Gowan said: “I know that a lot has gone in to the planning of suggestions for this event.

“There are two options of location being Castle Gardens and Hillsborough Fort.

“I think the event should be towards public participation and to have as many of the public attend as possible and to support local businesses.”

Castlereagh South Sinn Fein Councillor Ryan Carlin questioned: “Is the grant being made available for groups, the same as the coronation or the jubilee or has it gone up slightly?”

Previous high public demand, witnessed agreed community budgets increasing in recent times including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee rising from £25,000 to £46,000 and the King’s Coronation from £50,000 to £52,495.

A council officer added: “The total community fund is about £10,000 less than other similar events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation.

“It will be capped at a maximum of £500 per group.

“There will also be significant opportunities for more businesses to benefit from footfall.”