This year’s gathering will take place in the magnificent new Belfast Transport Hub Grand Central Station.
The event will provide you with the opportunity to re-connect with CEF’s members from across Northern Ireland’s public service, as well as our partners from across public life in Northern Ireland and beyond. We will take the opportunity to reflect on a busy year for the Forum, and to acknowledge all our members and partners who make CEF a continuing success.
As well as celebrating the opening of Grand Central Station, we will hear a keynote address from Declan Lawn, co-writer and co-producer of the award-winning TV drama ‘Blue Lights’.
Supported by NI Screen, the drama is set in contemporary Belfast and follows the stories of a group of recent PSNI recruits. Two series have aired on the BBC Network to significant critical acclaim, and the popularity of the series has resulted in the commissioning of a further three series. ‘Hot Sauce’ Declan’s production company, which he runs with creative partner Adam Patterson, has just this week received a significant investment from Sony Pictures Television, which will see the company launched as a full production company, based in Northern Ireland.
In creating Blue Lights, Declan and his team undertook extensive research into life at the frontline of the PSNI. In his address, Declan will reflect on his experiences in working with a range of public service bodies to make the production a reality. He will share his reflections on the challenges of delivering public services in today’s Northern Ireland.