NORTHERN Ireland is to host the world’s first ever day dedicated to babies and young children.
Hosted and organised by the Replay Theatre Company, a Belfast-based charity catering for younger audiences since 1988, BabyDay launched at the Ulster Hall last week.
On Sunday September 27 over 70 unique events will take place across Belfast in venues including the MAC, the Crescent Arts Centre, Ulster Museum, Duncairn Cultural Centre, Skainos, the Lyric Theatre, Spectrum Centre, Oh Yeah Centre, the Black Box, Easons and Waterstones.
As well as events for the very tiniest of Belfast’s citizens, many of the events are intended to cater for the whole family with some created especially for the parents. To close the day will be the world premiere of the Belfast BabyDay Lullaby, written by award winning composer Neil Martin, and sung by the good parents of the city.
“We’re delighted to be officially launching our BabyDay programme and to be the very first Creative Belfast project as well as the world’s first BabyDay,” said Artistic Director, Anna Newell.
She added that they hoped other countries would follow by hosting BabyDays across the globe: “I’ve already been contacted by artists in Mumbai, Cape Town and New York who are interested in setting up their own BabyDay. Belfast is truly leading the way.”
Former Lord Mayor of Belfast and new mum, Nichola Mallon also added that “events like BabyDay fill Belfast with hope for our future generations and Elena and I are looking forward to the big day.”
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said Baby Day was the first of seven ambitious, exciting events coming to Belfast as part of the Creative Belfast initiative.
She added: “The vision for Creative Belfast is to create a series of unforgettable landmark, high-quality arts projects unlike anything which the city has seen before and all seven projects are set to do just that.
“Baby Day is a world first, an innovative, imaginative and impressive event which will truly engage the people of Belfast as we shine a spotlight on its tiniest citizens.
“With over 70 events happening all across the city, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or family friend and I encourage everyone to go along and enjoy this wonderful spectacle.”
BabyDay is taking place throughout Belfast on Sunday September 27 from 9.30am until the grand finale at Belfast City Hall at 5pm
For a full schedule of events log onto www.belfastbabyday.com
