OLD rivals the DUP and UUP are planning to come together for what is believed to be their first official joint social function.
The event will be a gala dinner on Friday, September 28 to celebrate the centenary of the signing of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant.
The evening, known as the Ulster Covenant centenary dinner, will be held in the Titanic building in Belfast and will cost £70 per person.
Leaders Peter Robinson and Mike Nesbitt are both expected to address the historic function.
In a mailing to members, the UUP said the event was not for profit, and said there would be a voluntary collection on the night for a nominated Northern Ireland charity.
The event is part of a series of events to mark the centenary of the Covenant. There will be a church service at St Anne’s Cathedral on Sunday, September 23 and a parade in Belfast on Saturday, September 29.
UUP treasurer Mark Cosgrove said the events transcend party politics, adding: “I am confident that the entire pro-Union community will support us in sizeable numbers.
“The signing of the Ulster Covenant in 1912 represents the very DNA of unionism. This event is open to all to celebrate the defeat of Home Rule by our forefathers and our cherished position, 100 years later, as full and proud citizens of the UK.”