Put Monday 5 July in your diary and join us as we celebrate those frontline workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is participating in the UK wide NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day and is inviting all residents to join in the celebrations and show their gratitude.
Marking the day the NHS was established in 1948, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant will commence the celebrations on Monday 5 July by raising a specially commissioned NHS flag at the Council’s three civic buildings. The Council is also encouraging groups to purchase their own flag from the www.nhsfrontlineday.org website so that as many facilities as possible fly the flag to show their support.
At 11am, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will lead the Borough in a two-minute silence which will be broadcast on Council’s social media channels after which residents are invited to come together for a picnic, whether that be in the local park, garden or in the street.
Music will be filling the air at 1pm, as local bands play a special anthem, written by Brass Bands England, at each of the main town centres in the Borough and everyone is invited to raise a glass as Captain Katy Connor leads our country in ‘A Nations Toast’ from the top of Slieve Donard. Later in the day at 4pm, two open air afternoon teas will be held in the Borough and the community are also encouraged to participate at home or in local areas.
The celebrations will come to a close at 8pm as churches in the Borough are invited to take part in the UK wide bell ringing before all residents take to their doorsteps, gardens or balconies and participate in the ‘Clap for our Heroes’.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery commented
“I am delighted that the Council is participating in the UK wide day of celebrations and I would encourage everyone to join in the events and show their gratitude and thanks to all our NHS and frontline care workers for all that they have done.”
“Their gallant efforts will go down in history as one of the greatest acts of selflessness shown in the face of adversity. Serving the whole community, they face these challenges at the front-line, so let’s get behind them and show our appreciation.”
In addition to acknowledging the frontline workers, the Council also plans to recognise the bravery, determination and resilience of school children across the Borough throughout the pandemic by hosting a series of online parties and virtual events for pupils. Those in primary school will be treated to an end of term virtual party while post primary pupils can enjoy a ‘Schools Out’ virtual event involving local radio station, Cool FM. The children will also have the opportunity to take part in competitions with a laptop for their school and other spot prizes up for grabs.
*Activities are dependent upon COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.