People from across Northern Ireland showed their support for the Armed Forces community on Saturday night at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance.
Hosted by UTV broadcaster Paul Clark, the event reflected on the poignant anniversaries of this year, including the 80th anniversary of D-Day, 25 years since the end of the war in Kosovo and 10 years since the end of UK operations in Afghanistan.
The festival, which took place in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, also paid tribute to the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) late national President Sir Clive Johnstone who passed away earlier this year.
The Royal British Legion’s Northern Ireland Festival of Remembrance at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Saturday. Pic: Amy Mills
There were performances from sopranos Lauren Kells and Michelle Baird, as well as the Chapel Choir of Methodist College Belfast.
Performers from HR Dance, a local dance studio from Co Down, also took to the stage.
The highly acclaimed Band of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment provided the musical programme for the evening.
The High Sheriff of Belfast, Councillor Sammy Douglas, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Nigel Carr MBE attended the event.
They joined representatives from the Army, Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force to remember, honour and celebrate the Armed Forces Community.
Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the RBL, said: “In a year when we’re marking significant 80th Second World War anniversaries, it’s important we also take time to remember the service and sacrifices of more recent conflicts and the younger generation of the Armed Forces community.
The Royal British Legion’s Northern Ireland Festival of Remembrance at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Saturday. Pic: Amy Mills
“Events like the Royal British Legion’s Northern Ireland Festival of Remembrance provide an opportunity to honour the memories of those who have served in our Armed Forces in the past, whilst remembering those still serving today who protect our democratic freedoms and the way of life we all enjoy.”
The RBL is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting the needs of the Armed Forces community, past and present and their families.
The RBL is the champion of Remembrance and safeguards the Armed Forces Covenant.
It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy.
To find out more or to donate to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, go to rbl.org.uk