Duke of York, Belfast Cathedral Quarter

In the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, down a narrow alleyway lined with cobblestones and pubs, a canopy of illuminated umbrellas hangs above the Duke of York pub.

Installed above Commercial Court, 21 umbrella sculptures form the No Rain, No Rainbows display, a permanent overhead feature designed to animate the alleyway with RGB lighting.

The umbrellas remain prominent during the day and transition into a colour-changing installation after dark.

We supplied the Pro Series Horizontal 12 Neon Flex in RGBW to Scott Willis Designs, with over 230 custom-cut lengths fabricated to shape and light the umbrella frames.

Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter

Commissioned in 2021 by the owners of the Duke of York pub, the illuminated umbrella canopy was developed as a permanent feature for Commercial Court, one of the Cathedral Quarter’s most recognisable streets.

Known for its cobbled surface, traditional pubs and cultural landmarks, the alley is a focal point of Belfast’s hospitality and arts scene.

Named No Rain, No Rainbows, the display was designed as a civic gesture of thanks to healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today, it continues to attract visitors and locals alike as part of the area’s cultural fabric.

Lighting The Umbrella Canopy

Each umbrella features a perimeter outline of Ultra LEDs’ flexible Pro Series Horizontal 12 Neon Flex. Over 230 custom-cut segments were installed into the steel frame ribs, shaped to follow the curved canopy structure.

The system operates via DMX control, enabling dynamic sequencing, static colour changes, and rainbow transitions tailored to seasonal displays. All components are IP67-rated for durable outdoor use.

Below is a video showcasing how Scott Willis Designs illuminated Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter using RGB LED Neon Flex across the umbrella canopy installation.

Installation By Scott Willis Designs

The Scott Willis Designs team installed and oversaw the full system, including steel frame mounting and fitting each curved Neon Flex segment.

Ultra LEDs supported the process with layout planning, DMX setup, and on-site testing.

A Recognisable Feature Of The Cathedral Quarter

The canopy is now a familiar landmark within Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Suspended above Commercial Court, it contributes to the character of the street and regularly draws attention both in person and online.

Positioned above the Duke of York and framed by surrounding street art and hospitality venues, the umbrellas have become a lasting feature of the city’s cultural and visual identity.

Products Supplied

230+ custom-cut lengths of Pro Series Horizontal 12 Neon Flex (IP67-rated)
Weatherproof LED drivers, connectors, and cabling
DMX-based programmable control system

Ultra LEDs’ Support Included

Consultation on LED specification and layout
Bespoke fabrication of curved RGBW Neon Flex
Technical support during installation and programming

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Selfridges, Oxford Street – RGB Neon Flex for sculptural window displays
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Get in touch with Ultra LEDs today

Explore our range of LED lighting solutions, including COB tape, LED Neon Flex, profiles, and control systems such as DMX and DALI. Designed for commercial fitouts, event builds, and architectural installations.