9 December 1999
NEW MINISTER UNVEILS BEACON MILLENNIUM
A project to fire the imagination and mark the millennium was unveiled in Belfast today by the new Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, MLA.
For the first time, a scale model of the city’s Beacon Millennium was on show, giving a preview of the dramatic and futuristic structure which will soon be a commanding presence at Donegall Quay in the heart of Laganside.
Speaking at the first showing of the scale model of the seven metres high Beacon, the Minister said: "It is very fitting that the beacon will be sited in an area that has seen such dramatic change over the last few years. Donegall Quay and, indeed, all of the Laganside redevelopment is an excellent symbol of how Belfast and all of Northern Ireland can face the new Millennium with confidence and a spirit of progressiveness."
Commenting on the arrangements for the lighting ceremony Mr Dodds said: "The Beacon will be lit by two young people on the eve of the new Millennium symbolising that it is the youth of today that will have ownership of the future and be the drivers of progress in the next century."
The three metres high flame will be ceremonially lit by two school children from Omagh; Leanne Martin and Brendan Grimes.
The Belfast Beacon is one of the United Kingdoms four ‘Capital City Beacons’. It will be among an estimated 250 lit across Northern Ireland. Already a number of District Councils and Youth Organisations have registered their beacons.
The Belfast Capital City Beacon is supported with a £30,000 Lottery Grant from the Millennium Commission. This will be matched by local sponsorships including support from Laganside Corporation, Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Phoenix Natural Gas.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The four United Kingdom ‘Capital City Beacons’ are Belfast, London, Edinburgh and Cardiff.
The Beacon which is made of stainless steel and specially toughened glass will be erected over the next few weeks and has been designed to last at least 100 years.
Celebrations can be anything from major events in towns and villages to more modest bonfires and celebratory flames outside ordinary homes and the beacons types range from beacons brazier )which may be gas or wood fired), bonfire beacons or even firework displays. Once registered with the organisers, each will be recorded in a specially commissioned publication as having been part of the country’s Official Millennium Celebrations and every person or group who has registered will receive a copy of the book.
Beacon Millennium Northern Ireland is a cohesive national project which aims to light 2500 beacons across the United Kingdom and is receiving a grant of £365,000 from the Millennium Commission for administration and marketing.
For further information on the Beacon Millennium Northern Ireland contact: Garth Corbett 01232 471460 or fax 01232 658439.
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