Northern Ireland

CS Lewis Square to be officially opened in east Belfast

The CS Lewis Square will be officially opened in east Belfast  
The CS Lewis Square will be officially opened in east Belfast   The CS Lewis Square will be officially opened in east Belfast  

CS Lewis is to be honoured with the opening of a new public space in Belfast to commemorate the author.

CS Lewis Square will be located at the intersection of the Connswater and Comber Greenways in east Belfast.

The opening of the square marks the anniversary of the author's death in 1963.

The square, which has cost £2.5 million, is expected to have capacity for up to 2,000 people.

Douglas Gresham, the author's stepson, will be in attendance at the official opening, which will be compered by actor Dan Gordon.

Mr Gresham said: "This is a wonderful city, and it's a thrill that Jack (as he preferred to be called) is being honoured in this way.

"The sculptures are terrific and I am sure that this square will be a great boost to Belfast, his childhood home which he so dearly loved."

The opening on Tuesday will also see the unveiling of seven permanent sculptures based on characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and created by Irish artist Maurice Harron.

Three hundred trees have been planted around the square, and there are also new railway tracks, arches, paths and art.

There will be dancers and musicians, including members of the Ulster Orchestra and harpist Nollaig Brolly, performing live.

To conclude the event a snow machine will transform the square into a winter wonderland as Aslan, the character from The Chronicles of Narnia, is revealed to the public.