Article: Traffic stops for party time in the city centre

Bathed in bright sunshine, Belfast city centre took on a continental flavour as a street party was thrown to celebrate the first anniversary of the introduction of shops opening to 7pm.

Crowds of children were whipped into excitement as the Cool FM roadshow pumped music into Royal Avenue, which was closed to traffic, while shoppers relaxed on benches to watch Chinese lion dancers winding their way round the lamp posts.

The city council threw the MoreTime party to celebrate a successful year of late-night shopping, encouraging more people to stay in the city centre after 5pm on weeknights.

The move is a turnaround from the days of the Troubles, when the city centre was left deserted every ...

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