NI Centenary: 1921 – 2021
Exactly 100 years ago today, King George V opened the first NI parliament within the walls of Belfast City Hall. Tonight, the council chamber will live stream a reading of the King’s historical speech.

The online event will be live streamed through Belfast City Council’s Youtube channel from 7pm – 8:15pm on Tuesday 22nd June. The event will feature:
- A reading of King George V speech at the City Hall on 21st June 1921.
- Unveiling of two chairs, used by King George V and Queen Mary at their first visit to the City Hall a century ago.
- A talk by the political historian, broadcaster and commentator, Dr Eamon Phoenix.
- The premiere of a specially commissioned play centring on the speech. Terra Nova productions have worked with young people across Belfast to develop the play.
At 10:30pm, a lighting animation featuring images of King George V will be projected on the facade of the City Hall.
To mark Northern Ireland’s centenary year, Belfast City Council will be delivering a number of projects commemorating the historical events that shaped the whole island of Ireland.