Summer Rose Fair returns for first time since pandemic

A row of orange roses, with rows of pink, white, red, and yellow roses in the background. The weather is sunny and in the distance there is a small group of people observing the roses

The festival, which had been cancelled because of the pandemic, is back this weekend

Catherine Doyle and Adam Mandeville
BBC News NI

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 has long dark hair, looks at rose which she holds in her hands. The roses are a combination of pink, yellow, orange, and white.

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.

A close-up of pink roses attached to a wooden post with trees in the background

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".

Multiple rows of roses in bloom on a sunny day, including pink roses, red roses, white roses, and yellow roses

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

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