Welcome to the official Twitter account for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. This page is monitored Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm excluding public & bank holidays.
The Mayor, Councillor Brian Higginson, and Councillor Nicola Parker took part in the Menin Gate Ceremony and wreath laying this evening, joining others in remembering those who lost their lives during the First World War.
Weather warning for #thunderstorms from noon until 6pm today (Tues 30 June).
Heavy rain forecast.
Difficult driving conditions, flooding, lightning strikes, power cuts possible.
Flooding Incident Line 0300 2000 100.
Info and advice: https://t.co/J3HfZRQnKc
@deptinfra@mea_bc
Continuing the annual Somme Pilgrimage, delegates visited the Irish Peace Tower and the site of the Christmas Truce at Messines. Mayor Councillor Brian Higginson also visited the grave of his great-great-uncle, Albert Hawthorne, at Messines Ridge British Cemetery.
📢 Applications are now open for Rural Business Grants of up to £7,500.
Hear from previous recipient Julie Robinson on how the funding supported her business growth.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delivering the scheme in partnership with @daera_ni to support eligible rural micro-businesses.
🔗 https://t.co/H0QiaHBAPL
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council delegates, led by the Mayor, Councillor Brian Higginson, are participating in the annual Somme Pilgrimage in France, marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. This morning's visit included a guided tour of Thiepval Wood and a visit to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial at Vimy Ridge, sites of significant historical remembrance from the First World War.
📢 Support available for rural businesses
Local rural micro businesses may be eligible for capital funding through a scheme delivered in partnership with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.
This is an opportunity to invest in equipment that can help improve efficiency, build resilience and support longer-term growth.
⏳ Applications close at 12 noon on 30 July
Find full details and how to apply in the post below ⬇️
Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2026/27 is open:
👉£4m capital grants for rural micro businesses
👉50% support up to £7.5k for capital equipment to boost sustainability or growth
🗓️Apply by 12noon 30 Jul
🔗More at: https://t.co/6WCNWQjEEJ @nidirect@mea_bc@CCAGBusiness
The 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme was commemorated yesterday, Sunday 28 June, at the County Antrim War Memorial at Knockagh Hill.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was represented by Mayor Councillor Brian Higginson, Chief Executive David Burns, Veterans Champion Alderman James Tinsley, Councillor Uel Mackin, Councillor Gary Hynds, and Alderman Allan Ewart MBE.
The commemoration brought together representatives from the Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as Councils, service organisations and community groups at the special remembrance parade and service.
A new PEACEPLUS-funded Community Network has been launched to help communities across Lisburn and Castlereagh connect, collaborate and share ideas. 💡
The programme will support urban and rural groups to build relationships at a local and cross-community level, and will provide capacity-building and networking opportunities across a range of interests.
Read more at https://t.co/a31jTFANKl
Through our Age Friendly programme, we're delighted to have supported participants to try out the ‘Love to Move’ project in partnership with City of Lisburn Salto National Gymnastics Centre . 🤸♀️
Established by @bgfoundation, this innovative seated gymnastics programme is helping to change the lives of people with dementia and long-term health conditions. 💪
Our Age Friendly Champion, Councillor Gretta Thompson enjoyed visiting the participants to learn about the benefits of this programme. 💕
Our Mayor, Cllr Brian Higginson attended the 'Summit of the Cities' event at Belfast City Hall, joining representatives from all twelve cities across this island to share ideas and strengthen collaboration.
Mayor Higginson met guest speaker and former Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio and took part in discussions focused on collaboration in regeneration, culture, arts, economic development, and the emerging potential of artificial intelligence.
The summit provided a strong platform for partnership working and for shaping future innovation across our cities.
🟢 This evening, Lagan Valley Island and Union Bridge will be illuminated green to mark St John’s Day.
Locally, St John Ambulance Northern Ireland plays a vital role in our communities providing lifesaving first aid skills, supporting events across Lisburn & Castlereagh and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Within the Lisburn units, first aid is taught to individuals from the age of 5 and up. Youth members, known as Badgers and Cadets, not only learn vital first aid skills but also develop soft skills such as teamwork and leadership through participation in the Grand Prior Award.
Alderman Paul Porter, Corporate Services Committee Chairman, shared his support saying, “St John Ambulance is woven into the fabric of community life here in Lisburn & Castlereagh. Their volunteers give their time, their skill and their compassion to support people when they need it most.
"On St John’s Day, we recognise the remarkable contribution they make from teaching first aid to our youngest residents to standing alongside our communities at events throughout the year. Their service strengthens us all and we are proud to acknowledge the difference they make every day.”
💻 To learn more or get involved, visit: https://t.co/UnJhIcWxuw
As part of #MensHealthWeek2026, we organised a range of activities to encourage men to take positive steps towards improving their physical health, mental wellbeing and resilience.
These included a Wellbeing and Mental Resilience Evening at Aghalee Village Hall, a men’s duathlon programme delivered in partnership with @tri_ireland and information stands at our weekly 5km Parkruns at Lough Moss and Wallace Park.
Thank you to everyone who took part and supported the week’s activities. 🙌
#OneStepAtATime #MentalWellbeing #PhysicalHealth #CommunityWellbeing
Peter Corry Productions and the team are putting the final touches to this year’s Hillsborough Summer Concerts. This three night celebration brings an exciting mix of music, performance, and atmosphere to one of Lisburn and Castlereagh’s iconic venues.
Over three evenings from 26–28 June 2026, audiences will make their way through the beautiful grounds of Hillsborough Castle Gardens to the South Lawn for performances.
Alderman James Baird, Chair of Regeneration and Growth said, “I am pleased that the Council, has been able to support this year’s Hillsborough Summer Concerts. Our investment helps bring high quality cultural experiences to residents and visitors, while strengthening Royal Hillsborough’s position as a key destination within our tourism offering.”
The programme includes Ceili at the Castle hosted by The Celtic Tenors, Hillsboroughton, inspired by the hit Netflix series and complete with a search for the ‘Diamond of the Evening’ and Thank you for the Musical’s 2
This vibrant new addition to our events calendar has received support from the councils tourism major grants programme, helping bring world class entertainment to Hillsborough Castle Gardens.
For more information and to book please visit: https://t.co/RewxSS31XZ
Today (22 June) LCCC honoured the Armed Forces of the past, present and future, with Mayor, Councillor Brian Higginson leading our annual flag-raising event at Lagan Valley Island.
Deputy Lieutenant for Co. Antrim Danny Kinahan raised the Armed Forces Flag at a ceremony attended by representatives from the Armed Forces, veterans' organisations, together with Aldermen and Councillors from the Council.
The Mayor said: "It is a privilege to host this ceremony each year and to welcome our local servicemen and women, veterans, cadets, and representatives of the organisations and associations that support service families."
Read more here: https://t.co/WsdwxQN5j2
🔵 This evening, Lagan Valley Island and Union Bridge will be illuminated blue to mark Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Day.
This year the MND Association is focusing on the message that every day matters for people living with MND. From precious family milestones to the everyday moments made possible through vital support, these are the days that deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
Alderman Paul Porter Chair of the Corporate Services Committee said: “Lighting up Lagan Valley Island and Union Bridge in blue is a heartfelt way to show our support for everyone affected by motor neurone disease.
By raising awareness we stand with families carers and individuals facing this illness and we reaffirm our commitment to a community that supports and understands their journey.”
For more information: https://t.co/KghiVuuiDX
Our Park Life 2026 Programme has been officially launched!
Join us all summer long for FREE family fun in parks across Lisburn and Castlereagh including Wallace Park, Moat Park, Moira Demesne and Lough Moss Community Garden!
There’s themed days, children’s activities, and Sunday Sounds live music 🎶
Plus there's a sensory/messy play area at each of the Park Life events with sensory activities which sit a little off to the side so are quieter.
📍 For full details visit: https://t.co/iDj639mlgo
🏇🏻 Get ready for an action packed weekend at @Downroyal Racecourse!
The Summer Festival of Racing starts this Friday 19th June, with an incredible line up on both days including fantastic flat racing, Madri picnic area, Ladies Day tent & bar, Mercedes Benz activation, Q Radio and a live DJ after racing.
Get your tickets for an unmissable action packed and seriously stylish schedule! 💅🏻
🚌 Event Travel 🚆
- Coach travel from Belfast can be booked online at https://t.co/tfSmIEkt3Y
- Shuttle buses will also be running on Saturday 20th connecting Lisburn Train Station to Down Royal at 11.30am and 1.20pm, with return shuttle at 6.15pm and 7.30pm.
🎟️ Full details and tickets: https://t.co/DJ1JYItzMj
🏃♀️ 6,000 runners, one incredible night!
The 2026 MB Chicken Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K & Fun Run saw a record turnout of runners, families & schools.
👏 Well done to all involved!
➡️ https://t.co/gksOKjEgIJ
#LisburnHalfMarathon#BeActiveStayActive
Tonight Lisburn marked the 38th anniversary of the half marathon attack that claimed the lives of six soldiers.
Mayor Councillor Brian Higginson said: "We return here each year to honour their memory and to ensure that their service, integrity and sacrifice are never forgotten.
"Tonight, we stand together in witness and remembrance: for those who were injured, for the families and colleagues of the soldiers, and for all who continue to carry the memory of this attack."
Read more: https://t.co/nC4nQ5qMGQ