The Institution is pleased to announce that our ongoing Northern Ireland Centenary Events will reach their climax for an ICONIC Big Weekend from 1 – 4th October. The celebrations which have been called ICONIC – standing for ILOI Commemorations of Northern Ireland’s Centenary will not only mark this milestone in the history of our wee country but a welcome return to events and other cultural offerings which have been curtailed by COVID.

The centrepiece of the weekend will be a lambeg drum display followed by a parade of Ballymoney at 2pm. As we not only celebrate we will also commemorate with a Thanksgiving service on Sunday. The event will be a drive in event to continue the fight against COVID and we will welcome our own Wor. Bro. Wallace Thompson of the Evangelical Protestant Society to deliver the message.

The events will be supported by a number of exhibitions and talks over the weekend, which will explore the military tradition and service of our wee country and its sons and daughters. Entitled ‘Fighting Fit’ it will look at the threats we have faced as a country both foreign and domestic – and how our services and sacrifice has ensure we are still a beacon of freedom and democracy today. The centrepiece of the exhibitions will be the collection of William Gordon, local historian and military collector whose exhibition of artefacts will cover the two World Wars as well as the recent Troubles and threats to our country from Irish Republican terrorism. We will be taking time to remember those who served and sacrificed and those who paid the supreme sacrifice for our country. While the weekend will be a time of celebration we will remember at our service the victims of terrorism.

The exhibitions will showcase the history and legacy of Northern Ireland, and what’s ICONIC or special about it. From our famous sons and daughters whose achievements have shaped the world to the breathtaking scenery and local heritage which draws tourists to our shores, we will look at all that is great about our wee country.

So join us as we explore, learn, commemorate and most of all celebrate the birthday of the place we all call home!

All events are free to the public and will be run according the best public health practice to ensure safety and enjoyment for all. So come and join us as we celebrate the Centenary and look forward to the next 100 Years.