The unveiling of this blue plaque to Sam Hanna Bell united a wide range of people from the literary and broadcasting worlds in memory and appreciation of a great Ulster personality whose centenary was being celebrated in a broad programme of events over the week. The plaque was erected on the house in which he wrote his most highly regarded novel December Bride.

The event was supported by Belfast City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Speaking at the unveiling of the plaque, Culture Minister McCausland said: We will all be familiar with what is arguably his most famous work, December Bride. This book, along with the 1991 film adaptation, brought Sam's work to the attention of a world-wide audience. Many of Sam's novels and short stories brought to life the Ulster-Scots language and culture to a variety of readers across Northern Ireland and around the world. They are an extremely valuable part of our rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Sam was one of the first to recognise that grassroots local programming is needed to address the needs of local people. He collected and broadcast folklore and folk music from remote areas, and ensured its preservation for future generations. He recorded history on a personal and individual level, and his work reflects the challenges and triumphs of people living at that time. It is through his work that we are able to learn about folklore, history and experiences which might otherwise have been lost forever.

Some photos of the event are shown below.