Gordon Lyons announces £250k to celebrate anniversary of US independence
The funding will be made available for local organisations to celebrate the ‘heritage links’ between the Northern Ireland and the US
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that funding to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.
The funding is intended to help local groups “celebrate the heritage links” between the north and the US and came hours after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on the UK, including Northern Ireland, and the Republic.
‘America 250’ celebrations are due to be held in the US in the build-up to Independence Day on July 4, 2026.
“We have always had strong cultural and historical bonds with the United States with early settlers from Northern Ireland playing a significant role in communities across the US,” Mr Lyons said.
“During a recent trip to Washington, I met with representatives from America250, the Congressional Commission planning the 250th anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to discuss how Northern Ireland can play a key role in the celebrations.
“These ongoing discussions have further strengthened the high-level, collaborative relationships we have, and I am keen to explore practical ways we can continue to work with the US/NI Working Group to celebrate the anniversary and give a voice to our shared heritage.”
He added that the 2026 celebrations “offer a fantastic opportunity for Northern Ireland to be part of this historic milestone, to strengthen relationships with the US and promote our shared cultural connections”.
“This funding announcement will encourage more local people to celebrate our place in the founding of modern America and to mark the global impact of the Declaration of Independence.”
Last month, Mr Lyons announced a partnership between the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and institutions in the US capital to “illuminate the influence and impact” of those from the north who emigrated to America.
He also announced a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ giving “special status” for the north in an America 250 event.
In November, he said that he had secured a “distinctive, standout” role for Northern Ireland in the 250th anniversary celebrations during a nine-day trip to North America which The Irish News revealed cost more than £40,000.
by vague_intentionally_
2 comments
So bizarre and stupid to be doing this. Irish language funding apparently cost too much but this costs far more than it ever would (not to mention the failed cost of trying to stop it everytime).
Not to mention celebrating independence from England and easing up to the Tangerine Palpatine.
£140k for signage is too much but we can spunk money on fondling americas balls while they try to ram their shaft down our throats?
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