UK government to spend £ 3 million to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary

THE UK GOVERNMENT will spend £ 3 million (€ 3.3 million) on a series of events to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland next year.

The British government’s Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, will announce more details of the plans later today.

“2021 marks 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland, which paved the way for the formation of the United Kingdom as we know it today,” said Lewis.

We will take this opportunity to hear untold stories, to promote Northern Ireland on the world stage and to celebrate its people, culture, traditions and businesses; and his vital contribution to the UK.

Lewis will introduce the century-old brand, Our Story In The Making: NI Beyond 100, at an event in Belfast today.

“Looking ahead to 2021, the government is planning an exciting program to promote Northern Ireland’s potential across the UK and internationally as well,” he added.

Next year is the time to shed light on what makes Northern Ireland so special and to look to a bright future.

The advisory body of the Centennial Forum was created in September to discuss plans for the anniversary.

The body includes representatives of political parties, business, tourism and community sectors. However, both Sinn Féin and SDLP declined to participate in the forum.

Forum members recently said TheJournal.ie that there could be a cross-border element to the commemorations.

At some of the meetings, senior officials from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs have been granted ‘observer status’ due to concerns about the delicacy of the anniversary.

During a visit to Belfast in August, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the centenary should be celebrated with “sensitivity”.

The funding announcement comes after the UK government launched the Shared History Fund last month, making £ 1 million available to support centennial events hosted by non-profit organizations, including community, heritage and volunteers.