A celebration of words and music brought together people of many faiths and beliefs to reflect on 25 years of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Held at Titanic Belfast on Monday evening, 9 November, the Multi Faith and Belief event was one of several anniversary occasions this month. Those present included police officers and staff, their families, faith and belief representatives, community partners and other guests.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "Our anniversary is a time to, again, show appreciation for the incredible work currently being done by our officers and staff to keep people safe, protect the vulnerable and build confidence in policing across Northern Ireland. Their commitment, often in very difficult and demanding circumstances, has shaped the Service we are today building on the foundations laid by our colleagues in the RUC George Cross.

"We want to mark this significant anniversary with all who call Northern Ireland home. It's both a time to look back with great pride and an opportunity to look forward with purpose.

"We are determined for the Police Service to be fully representative of the community we serve and we want the diversity of our organisation to mirror the richness of the communities that make up Northern Ireland. We are seeking support from everyone in Northern Ireland to help us to achieve that objective and our ongoing recruitment campaign." The evening was hosted by former Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie and humanist celebrant Michael Conlon.

Chief Constable Boutcher continued: "This welcoming, inclusive occasion was an opportunity to reflect on our remarkable collective journey over the last 25 years, and to look forward with optimism to the future.

"We heard words, music and reflections that speak of service, compassion, courage, remembrance, community and hope. The evening was an opportunity to recognise and give thanks for the contribution of those who have served, who continue to serve, those who support them, and the communities we are privileged to serve alongside.

"It was incredibly heart warming to hear so many people talk in hugely positive terms about the PSNI. The attendees were from countless different faiths and cultures and without exception they each spoke in glowing terms about policing in Northern Ireland. We are making enormous progress."

Music was provided by the PSNI Pipe and Drums and the Glenlola Collegiate Choir, with brief reflections from Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu and humanist traditions represented across the Service. Each contribution offered words of thanksgiving, service, compassion, peace or hope.

To close, 25 individuals — representing each year of the PSNI and drawn from police, community and partner organisations — came forward one by one carrying lanterns in a symbolic act of thanksgiving.