News

26 February, 2009. In celebration of the Millennial Anniversary of Lithuania and Vilnius – European Capital of Culture 2009 friends of Lithuania in Northern Ireland are invited to the Lithuanian Day in Belfast. The event brings to the spotlight one of the brightest Lithuanian young talents – pianist Evelina Puzaitė, a performer of natural sensitivity and strong charisma, who will perform a piano recital at Barnett Room of the Harbour Commissioners' Office. A reception wil be held for guests of the evening following the piano recital (by invitation only) in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tom Hartley.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tom Hartley said: “The year 2009 represents an outstanding opportunity for Lithuania’s tourism and cultural development. There are lots of events taking place across Europe to mark its capital city Vilnius becoming ‘European Capital of Culture 2009’.

“Belfast too can share in these celebrations. We can share with the Lithuanian community in our city and further afield in marking this significant occasion as well as celebrating the equally important milestone of Lithuania’s millennium.”

Chargé d’Affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to Northern Ireland Mrs. Janė Hanel said: “There are important celebrations this year in Lithuania, which we would like to share with our community and friends of Lithuania in Northern Ireland, to bring closer both cultures and see how many things we have in common.

“We thank for this wonderful opportunity Lord Mayor Mr Tom Hartley as well as our indefatigable Honorary Consul in Northern Ireland Mr William Harper Sinnerton. “

Belfast City Council has enjoyed a strong relationship with Lithuania for many years. It recently had the opportunity to work with Vilnius in the Connect Project funded by Peace II.

The aim of this project was to support links with other European regions to facilitate the exchange of best practice in relation to economic, social, urban development and local governance. 
   
The event has been organized in close collaboration between the Honorary Consul in the UK (Northern Ireland), the Lord Mayor's Office of Belfast, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian Tourism Office in London.

Thursday, 26th February 2009, 7.30pm. The Harbour Office of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Corporation Square, Belfast BT1 3AL.