​Social media initiative urges Mid and East Antrim to continue ‘Celebrating Culture Safely’

Celebrating Culture Safely continues to be the key message being highlighted in a social media initiative led by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The initiative is a result of Mid and East Antrim Council working with community leaders and statutory partners to identify safety issues that may face communities when building or attending bonfires.

One of the main aims is to strengthen partnerships between local community leaders and voluntary sectors to encourage safe, responsible and family friendly cultural celebrations.

The Cultural Celebration Working Group behind the messaging is made up of a number of representatives from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, PSNI, NIFRS, NI Housing Executive, NIE Networks, Department for Infrastructure and the NI Environment Agency.

This innovative approach developed by the Cultural Celebrations Working Group and supported by local community partners, has been undertaken to encourage, positive cultural celebrations throughout Mid and East Antrim that are carried out as positive expression of culture, based on mutual respect.

Members of the Cultural Celebrations Working Group, alongside its community partners throughout Mid and East Antrim, said: “This initiative is aimed at those engaged in cultural celebrations and the wider public. We want to promote family friendly activities as well as raise awareness of the importance of safety during cultural celebration events.

“The aim of the ‘Celebrating Culture Safely’ social media campaign also links closely to the overarching good relations strategy to build a united community, strengthened by its diversity.”

There are four key safety messages being promoted as part of the campaign.

Safe Site – recognising that bonfires must be sited well away from houses, garages, sheds, overhead power lines and electricity substations

Safe Structure – ensuring that when building bonfires, huts and dens are not built within them, and to take measures to prevent collapse of the structure

Safe Environment – reminding that toxic materials such as tyres or foam filled furniture are not to be burned

Safe Community - highlighting the importance of not using flammable liquids to light bonfires

The messages will be carried across social media platforms using the hashtag #celebratingculturesafely alongside a leaflet providing safety advice and useful contacts.

There will also be presentations highlighting these safety messages from key agencies for a number of groups or organisations participating in cultural celebration events.

For more information and to keep up to date you can go to www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/GoodRelations