Families from across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area gathered at the Garden of Reflection at Lagan Valley Island for the annual remembrance ceremony.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for parents, grandparents, relatives and friends to come together in quiet reflection to remember babies born asleep, babies lost through miscarriage, neonatal losses and young people who are no longer with us.
During the service, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan, unveiled the 2026 commemorative plaque, honouring the names added to the Garden of Reflection over the past year.
Addressing those gathered, Mayor Amanda spoke of the importance of the garden as a place of comfort, remembrance and healing for families experiencing loss.
The Mayor said: “This garden has become a place of quiet comfort and reflection. It is a space where love continues, where memories are held close and where those we have lost are never forgotten.
“Today, we gathered to honour lives that, though brief, were deeply cherished. Each name represents a life, a story and a family forever changed. While words can never truly ease the pain of losing a child, I hope that being together brings even a small sense of comfort and reminds families that they are not alone.”
There are now 1,089 names etched on the benches within the Garden of Reflection, creating a lasting tribute to babies, children and young people who were deeply loved and continue to be remembered every day.
The annual ceremony concluded with prayers and moments of reflection led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Paul Dundas.
The Garden of Reflection remains open all year-round as a peaceful space for remembrance and reflection for all families affected by loss.