In Pictures: Belfast Transforms into Narnia

The magic of C.S Lewis now has a permanent place in Belfast following the opening of a new public space lit up with some of the author's most famous creations.

Found at the intersection of the Connswater and Comber greenways in east Belfast, the £2.5million C.S Lewis Square features 300 newly planted trees, lighting for events and seven sculptures by Irish artist Maurice Harron.

The sculptures depict Aslan, Maugrim, Mr and Mrs Beaver, the Robin, the White Witch, the Stone Table and Mr Tumnus from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lewis's novel which has been adapted around the world.

The author has previously been celebrated with The Searcher, a sculpture by local artist Ross Wilson, based on the character Digory Kirke from The Magician’s Nephew, which stands near Holywood Arches Library.

The square's launch evening was attended by C.S Lewis's stepson, Douglas Gresham, who spoke in memory of 'Jack' and putting together his centenary with Belfast man Keith Getty when he last visited the city in 1998.

The event, compered by actor Dan Gordon, also featured a host of artists and performers, as well as seven short films made by local people to bring the sculptures to life.

In one, dance group Ajendance perform the Dance of the White Witch under the famous H&W cranes. Another shows local flute players performing the Waterboys’ 'Further Up Further In' at the waterfall at Cregagh Glen.

Harpist and composer Nodlaig Brolly also recited a new piece inspired by the artworks, entitled ‘Land of Dreams’, before a snow machine helped transform the space into a winter wonderland as Aslan was unveiled.