Members of the public were treated to a surprise choir performance at Belfast City Hall to highlight a forthcoming day of reflection in memory of those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On-lookers stopped to watch the poignant performance by the Rock Choir, who sang a series of songs associated with loss and grief, urging people to take a moment to pause and reflect.
It is part of Marie Curie’s fourth annual Day of Reflection, which takes place on Sunday.
We launched @mariecurieuk #DayOfReflection (3 March) at Belfast City Hall today to remember those who died during the pandemic. Thank you to @RockChoir for wonderful renditions of songs from Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5 and Guns N' Roses.
— Marie Curie NI (@MarieCurieNI) February 26, 2024
Find more DOR events: https://t.co/xzzS4snK1l pic.twitter.com/wJEPfd26R6
It is a day aimed at bringing people together to remember those who died during the pandemic and show support to those bereaved.
The surprise performance in Belfast on Monday is one of several to take place this week across the UK ahead of the Day of Reflection.
On Sunday, bereaved families will gather at City Hall from 6.30pm for an event that will include readings, singing.
At 7pm, Belfast City Hall will be lit up in yellow light to mark the day. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Other events in Derry and Enniskillen will be hosted by ‘Memory Stones of Love’ for families bereaved during the pandemic to meet informally and share their experiences.
During the first wave of the pandemic, Marie Curie scaled up its bereavement support in response to the increased need it saw.
The charity cares for people with any illness, including dementia, motor neurone disease and advanced cancer, and its hospice and hospice care at home staff cared for people with Covid-19.
Matthew Reed, chief executive of the charity, said they are urging people to “take a moment to remember all the people who died during the pandemic and to show support for those who are bereaved”.
“New data has confirmed what we are seeing on the ground,” he said.
“The pandemic endures in the minds of people who were bereaved, and huge swathes of the public are still grieving.
“Please show your support for them this Sunday, and if you need help with your grief, know that Marie Curie is here for you and ready to talk.”
March 3 is the first annual day of reflection since the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration published its final report in September, recommending the event be held each year on the first Sunday of March.
The first day of reflection was held in 2021 on March 23 – the one-year anniversary of the first lockdown.
