Community Activities
Hundreds of people came together at Belfast City Hall for ‘Light Up the Night: An Occasion to Remember’, a reflective service offering comfort, connection and remembrance to those who have lost loved ones.
Organised by Funeral Partners Northern Ireland and Cruse Bereavement Support Northern Ireland, the event created a calm and supportive space at what can be one of the most challenging times of year for bereaved families. Those in attendance included former Cruse clients, families supported by Funeral Partners’ local funeral homes including James Brown & Sons, Mulhollands Funeral Directors, John Gray & Co., Bairds of Antrim and Shields of Donaghadee, plus members of the wider public.
Guests were invited to write personal messages to their loved ones and place them on illuminated remembrance trees before taking part in a programme of music, readings and quiet reflection. A candle lighting moment at the heart of the service provided a powerful opportunity for collective remembrance in the unique surroundings of the Great Hall.
The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr Tracy Kelly welcomed guests to the event, which was hosted by broadcaster Cate Conway. The evening included musical performances from The Sanctuary Singers and local musicians, alongside readings from representatives from Cruse, and James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors and Shields of Donaghadee Funeral Directors.
Thelma Abernethy, Head of Cruse Bereavement Support in Northern Ireland, said: “It was an amazing event, and feedback has been very positive. People appreciated the opportunity to come together to remember their loved ones as they prepared to go into Christmas. The combination of poetry, music and a time of reflection, in a beautiful setting of lights and trees, created a beautiful atmosphere to remember loved ones in.”
Julian Hodgkinson, Regional Director for Funeral Partners, added: “At Funeral Partners, we see first-hand how important it is for families to have space to remember and reflect. Light Up the Night is about bringing people together, reminding them they are not alone, and showing the strength that exists within our communities when we support one another. We are proud to support Cruse and to play a role in creating moments of comfort and connection for families across Northern Ireland.”
Now in its third year, Light Up the Night has become an important annual moment of remembrance for many local families, and this year’s event marked a special moment for Cruse Bereavement Support Northern Ireland as it celebrates 40 years of supporting people through grief.