The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to Belfast

C.S. Lewis-inspired characters light up a new public space named in honour of the local author

The magic of C.S. Lewis received a permanent place in Belfast on Tuesday 22nd November. Some of the most famous creations of the world-famous author are celebrated at the landmark Connswater Community Greenway C.S. Lewis Square where seven permanent sculptures based on characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe have been unveiled.

The square, at the intersection of the Connswater and Comber greenways, will be one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting public spaces. It has capacity for around 2,000 people at events and celebrations. 

The Belfast author's stepson Douglas Gresham spoke in memory of his stepfather and, with key stakeholders, formally opened the £2.5 million square – the latest section to open on the £40m Connswater Community Greenway. Other project highlights include the Sam Thompson Bridge at Victoria Park, Marsh-wiggle Way at Clarawood and ‘The Hollow’ off Beersbridge Road.

Irish artist Maurice Harron created the sculptures, which depict Aslan, Maugrim, Mr and Mrs Beaver, the Robin, the White Witch, the Stone Table and Mr Tumnus. It is the not the first time C.S. Lewis has been celebrated in sculpture in his home of East Belfast; another local artist, Ross Wilson, created The Searcher, based on character Digory Kirke from The Magician’s Nephew, which stands near Holywood Arches Library.

300 trees have been planted around the square on drumlin features and the new square is lit for evening events and activities. There are also new railway tracks, arches, street furniture, paths and façade art.

Douglas Gresham said: “I am delighted to be back in Belfast again, particularly to celebrate the opening of C.S. Lewis Square. The last time I was here was back in 1998 when another now famous Belfast man, Keith Getty, and I put together a show to celebrate my stepfather's centenary! 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 I am sure that this square will be a great boost to Belfast, his childhood home which he so dearly loved.”

The Connswater Community Greenway is a £40m project developed by EastSide Partnership and delivered by Belfast City Council, which is managing the project construction. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and the Department for Infrastructure, the Greenway will have a really positive impact on the quality of life for local people and create a legacy for future generations.

The launch event was compered by East Belfast actor Dan Gordon, and featured a host of local artists and performers including members of the Ulster Orchestra and harpist and composer Nodlaig Brolly who wrote a piece inspired by the new artwork entitled ‘Land of Dreams’. The centrepiece was the unveiling of the seven new sculptures. To mark this, local people were involved in making seven short films, to bring the seven sculptures to life:

These include the dance group Ajendance performing the Dance of the White Witch, filmed under the H&W cranes; local flute players performing the Waterboys’ Further Up Further In, filmed at the waterfall at Cregagh Glen – Mike Scott of the band is a fan of CS Lewis; and more. Check the films out on the Connswater Community Greenway Youtube Channel

To conclude the event a snow machine transformed the magical space into a winter wonderland as Aslan was revealed to the public.