An Eleventh Night bonfire in east Belfast was lit as planned on the evening of 11 July 2026, a day after a man died when he fell from the structure during preparations in the Braniel area.
Warren Lyttle, known locally as "AKA", suffered fatal injuries in the accident at the bonfire site on 10 July. Despite the tragedy, his family asked organisers to ensure the event went ahead.
The Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band and Braniel Community Group confirmed the bonfire would proceed at 21:00 BST on 11 July, honouring the family's wishes. A minute's silence was observed before the pyre was lit. The three community groups issued joint condolences following the incident. Eleventh Night bonfires are a longstanding tradition in Northern Ireland, held on the eve of the Twelfth of July commemorations.