Summer Rose Fair returns for first time since pandemic
The festival, which had been cancelled because of the pandemic, is back this weekend
- Published
The Summer Rose Fair is returning to Belfast this year for the first time in five years.
The fair, which takes place in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Saturday and Sunday, has not been held since before the pandemic.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Micky Murray, says he is excited to see the event return.
"It’s not just about roses," he told BBC News NI. "There’s a lot of musical theatre, bands, food demos and a wellness oasis."
Formerly known as Rose Week, Belfast City Council "rebranded" the event for its relaunch.
Sujo, who is on holiday, said there are more roses now compared to when she was here last
Sujo, who is on holiday from South Africa, returned to the rose garden in the park for the first time in more than twenty years.
She says the "beautiful" space boasts more blooms than during her last visit.
Belfast City Council has dubbed it one of the area's "top season events" consisting of a "vibrant array of activities for all ages to celebrate the summer".
With admission free of charge, the event aims to bring both local residents and tourists to the Malone area.
Gerard, a local taxi driver, told BBC News NI that he believes the park is the "jewel in the crown" of Belfast.
"A lot of older people like to see it, and a lot of people coming off cruise ships want to see it," he said.
The Summer Rose Fair runs from Saturday to Sunday
Joanne, lives close to the garden and says the garden is worth further investment, adding that it creates a sense of community.
One worker told BBC News NI that they expect the park to be "really busy" throughout the event, but added that some plants have "suffered" since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pauline, who visits the rose garden regularly, also told BBC News NI of the noticeable increase in dead plants, blaming "budget cuts".
"It is so beautiful to know you're so close to the urbanisation of Belfast, but here you have this tranquillity, she added.
The Lord Mayor says weather plays a "big factor" in the number of roses that grow.
He says "everyone has budgetary frustrations at the moment", but added the council has been working hard at "greening our city centres".
Local woman Joanne says the garden creates a sense of community
Events planned for the festival include:
A variety of musical theatre performances including Beauty and the Beast
Performances from Trim the Velvet, combining ballet and traditional Irish dance
Live music from local bands and artists
Cookery demonstrations, food vendors and market stalls
A "wellness oasis" offering yoga, reflexology and Indian head massage
A kids' zone with carnival rides, arts and crafts, lawn games and more
The City of Belfast International Rose Garden where thousands of blooms are on display