A chilly Sunday lunchtime in Belfast city centre. Around 1500 people gather in front of the City Hall, clutching takeaway cups of tea and coffee in gloved hands.
At around 12.50pm the crowd break into a hearty round of applause and people begin to cheer. For ten minutes the sound continues and increases. People have brought pots and pans to bang. A 10 year old child blows a trombone!
Slowly but surely everyone becomes less and less inhibited, joyous whoops ring out. The feeling is one of immense catharsis. For a brief moment, it's smiles all round.
