Popular city art installation outside Duke of York requires repairs after being battered by weather over last five years
The rainbow umbrellas, situated outside The Duke of York pub, have become a staple of the Cathedral Quarter’s cobbled streets, the colourful spectacle drawing visitors from across the world.
The brollies were introduced in March 2021 to lift spirits during Covid, and have proved a popular addition to the Belfast cityscape.
Willie Jack (Photo by Liam McBurney)
However, Willie Jack from The Duke of York said the 21 umbrellas were removed from Commercial Court for restoration on Wednesday.
“Our iconic umbrellas and light installations have been taken down temporarily for refurbishment,” Mr Jack told the Belfast Telegraph.
“As one of our popular overhead signs reads: ‘There are seven types of rain in Belfast ‘Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…’
“Over the last five years the umbrellas have seen all sorts of weather, weathered a few storms, and after the warmest year on record in 2025, they are in need of a little TLC.
“The umbrellas will be freshly powder-coated to protect the brollies from the elements, and ensure they can continue to shine brightly for years to come.
King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the street in March 2025
“The umbrellas were first turned on for St Patrick’s Day in 2021, and we are aiming to have them back in their rightful place, hopefully even brighter, for this year’s festivities.”
The steel umbrellas were created by local signage firm AM light and can be electronically colour-coded to mark specific events. The display — named No rain, No Rainbows — pays tribute to the contribution made by frontline health workers during the pandemic.
Sky drama The Lovers included a scene underneath the art installation
News Catch Up – Tuesday 13 January
Following their unveiling, Joanne Jack, a director at Commercial Court Inns, said: “It is fitting that we officially launch the installation this weekend as the clocks go forward and the city’s largest mass vaccination centre prepares to open next week.
“This has been a long and very difficult year for many people, but Belfast is a resilient city.
“We have weathered darker days than this and there is now very real hope that we have brighter days on the horizon.
“This message is at the heart of our new umbrella installation. I hope this strikes a chord with people as we take cautiously optimistic steps forward.”
Sky drama The Lovers included a scene underneath the art installation
Chris McNevison of AM Light said: “We are proud to partner with The Duke of York on this major new light installation, which we hope will be a beacon of hope to many in the weeks and months ahead.”
The famous city alleyway has received the attention of some high-profile people.
During a royal visit last year, King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured walking along Commercial Court and under the art installation.
The pair dropped into The Friend at Hand to try a whiskey before meeting members of the local community.
Sky drama The Lovers also had a scene with the umbrellas as a backdrop and featuring an embrace by two of the lead characters.