Ahead of the 85th anniversary of the Belfast Blitz, the city has unveiled the design for a new memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the tragic air raids of 1941. The memorial is a joint initiative between Belfast City Council and the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum (NIWM) and will be situated in the transformed Cathedral Gardens, located between St Anne's Cathedral and the Ulster University Belfast campus.

The monument is scheduled for unveiling in spring 2027, coinciding with the opening of the revamped Cathedral Gardens. The space is currently undergoing a £5 million redevelopment to create a world-class public area featuring an events space, nature-inspired play areas, and interactive digital zones.

The memorial design follows extensive research by Berlin-born artist Ralf Sander and his daughter, Naomi Sander. The artwork is intended to create a powerful connection between the past and present, allowing visitors to see their own reflections within a historical image of the bombed-out Belfast International Bar, which formerly stood on the site. Additionally, a large bronze relief—based on period photographs—will incorporate details of the 1941 events and focus on the resilience of the local people.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: "It's been a privilege to have the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum's expert support and guidance in creating this important Blitz Memorial for our regenerated Cathedral Gardens, as well as empathetic creative input and direction from artists Ralf and Naomi Sander. This area of the city was badly impacted by air raids during World War 2, so Cathedral Gardens will be a fitting home to this new Belfast Blitz Memorial, creating a space where people can pause, reflect and honour all those who lost their lives." Don Bigger, Chairman of NIWM, highlighted the significance of the project: "The Belfast Blitz memorial will be a compelling monument to a tragic time in our city's history which had a devastating impact. Belfast suffered four bombing raids in 1941, now known as the Dockside Raid (7-8 April), Easter Tuesday Raid (15-16 April), Fire Raid (4-5 May) and the Final Raid (5-6 May). This beautiful memorial will recognise and name all those who we know were killed 'as a result of enemy action' during the Blitz in Belfast."

Historians Alan Freeburn and Dr. Brian Barton assisted the NIWM in identifying the 952 known fatalities whose names will be inscribed on the memorial.

Reflecting on the creation of the piece, artist Ralf Sander said: "Our artwork tells many stories simultaneously, forming a timeless narrative in a single image against the backdrop of the city centre which became smouldering rubble. Ultimately, it depicts the humanity and solidarity of Belfast's people in the face of a merciless war machine. My daughter Naomi and I sculpted the figures over the period of more than a year. And whilst we found it emotionally demanding to engage with images of so much human suffering over such a protracted period, we are deeply grateful and honoured that our design will commemorate all those who lost their lives in the Belfast Blitz. This city has also become our city."

The Cathedral Gardens project is part of a wider series of investments by Belfast City Council to regenerate the city centre, including the upcoming Belfast Stories hub opening in 2030, the refurbishment of the Assembly Rooms, and a £280 million partnership with GRAHAM for residential-led developments.

For further information regarding the redevelopment and the memorial, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cathedralgardens.