Lyric Celebrates 75 Years by Planting Trees Across Northern Ireland

The project, called ‘75 Trees for 75 Years’, is part of the theatre’s anniversary celebrations and highlights its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and funded by Phoenix Energy.

A key strand of the project involves 50 primary schools taking part in the Lyric’s touring Theatre-in-Education production, Waste Busters. Each school has committed to planting a tree on their grounds, with many planting multiple saplings, bringing the total number of new trees well beyond 75. The project launched at Strandtown Primary School, where pupils and staff joined the Lyric team to plant the first trees.

On the theatre’s own grounds, a native Alder tree has been planted to replace a mature tree lost during last year’s storm. This new planting represents both renewal and the continuation of the Lyric’s legacy for future generations.

Speaking at the launch, Erin Hoey, Head of Creative Learning at the Lyric Theatre, said:

“We are delighted to be commemorating the Lyric’s 75th anniversary through this important tree planting initiative. We are partnering with 50 primary schools across Northern Ireland which illustrates our reach and allows multiple partners to share in the Lyric’s impressive legacy.”

The initiative not only marks a milestone year but also reinforces the Lyric’s focus on environmental responsibility and education. Through Waste Busters and the tree planting scheme, young people are encouraged to think creatively about sustainability and climate action.

Edele Feenan from The Conservation Volunteers added:

“TCV are thrilled to provide these trees to schools as part of the Lyric Theatre's 75th anniversary celebrations. These saplings have been grown from locally sourced seeds with the help of our wonderful volunteers at TCV's Tree Nursery, Cultra. Planting these trees will help to educate children on the importance of caring for our environment and hopefully foster a lifelong love of nature.

The alder tree planted at the Lyric has been grown using locally sourced seed and tended by our volunteers at TCV Tree Nursery, Cultra. TCV are privileged to play a small part in the history of The Lyric Theatre. This tree can now be a focal point for the community to enjoy for many years to come.”

Over the coming months, the Lyric will continue to follow as schools across Northern Ireland plant their trees, collectively re-greening communities and leaving a lasting mark on the region in celebration of the theatre’s 75 years at the heart of Belfast’s cultural life.