'It's one of the first things we wanted to see' - tourists delight as iconic umbrellas return

When Sarah and Braiden Karney were planning their trip to Belfast from the United States, the iconic umbrella installation in the Cathedral Quarter of the city was high on their list of must-see sights.

The problem was that when they arrived on Wednesday, the only umbrellas in sight were inside out and in the hands of flustered commuters battling the rain.

The installation above the cobblestones had been temporarily removed for refurbishment and the Nashville couple thought they'd missed out, but luck was on their side and the next day they got their picture-perfect shot.

"We were so excited, we talked to the guys putting them up and they said to come back tomorrow, so we came right back," Braiden said.

His wife Sarah had seen images of the area online, but said it was "better in person".

"It's an iconic spot that we knew we needed to come check out," his wife agreed.

"They're beautiful, I love that they are lit up."

Visitors and locals alike have been posing for pictures under the brollies since they were first installed in 2021.

A total of 42 umbrellas - double the original number - have now been finished with high-performance architectural coating designed to endure the Belfast weather for many years to come.

The installation incorporates 500 metres of colour-change lighting, creating a visual feature day and night.

Meanwhile, 1,600 red polyanthus have been planted in flower baskets along the street, adding another splash of colour ahead of spring, visitors, cruise liners and major musical events across the city.

Many people will have seen photos with the rainbow-coloured installation in the background - even King Charles and Queen Camilla posed for a perfect picture during their visit to Northern Ireland last year.

The umbrellas were also a backdrop to a scene in Sky Atlantic's The Lovers, as characters Janet and Seamus shared a romantic moment under the neon lights.

The suspended lights were created by a local lighting company and hang over the length of Commercial Court in the Cathedral Quarter of the city.

Leanne from Bolton had seen the umbrellas on social media before visiting Belfast.

"It's the thing that everyone wants to come visit when they visit here, it was one of those 'need to see it' moments.

She said she was "gutted" when she found out they had been temporarily removed.

"We made the journey to see the street anyway and then to our surprise, they're back so it's a big bonus for us that we got to see it today. We're over the moon."

Willie Jack, who owns the Duke Of York pub on the street where the artwork is situated, said the return of the umbrellas was about bringing a sense of positivity to the city.

"Our umbrellas have become a real symbol of Belfast's sense of fun and creativity. After five years facing every type of Belfast weather imaginable, they deserved a little TLC," Jack said.

"This refurbishment is a major investment in the street and in Belfast, and we're proud to have worked with local tradespeople to bring the project to life."

As well as a glow-up, Sign Craft, the company behind the installation have staggered the height of the installation - all to improve that Insta-worthy image.

"It's great to see the street looking much bigger, brighter and bolder than before," said Sign Craft owner Chris McNevison.

He said people have missed the artwork during its absence.

"You don't know what you've got until it's gone."