For the best part of a century, Sir Edward Carson has ruled the roost at Stormont Castle. A huge statue of the former Unionist leader, fist raised in the air, sits defiantly at the top of the hill.
But last night, Stormont belonged to everyone. Around 15,000 people of all political traditions and none streamed in. There wasn't a politician, flag or sectarian banner in sight. The crowd was there for one reason: Elton John.
Because after two years of heated political negotiations, DUP pickets, and Sinn Fein stunts, the deed had been done. And last night Stormont threw open the gates for a historic open-air peace concert.
"I never thought they'd let the likes of us in," said Julie-Ann Burns from Belfast. "For years this place was a personal park for the establishment and oul' politicians. Now the plebs are here."
And the plebs made the most of it. They drank beer and munched burgers and chips on the manicured lawns. Guys in wacky sunglasses, girls in mini-dresses, strutted their stuff in the historic grounds.
The concert was appropriately opened by the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam - it had been her idea. Dr Mowlam walked across the 180 ft stage, a blue scarf in her newly-grown hair. She wanted to open Stormont up to as many people as possible, she said. It was a beautiful place which should be enjoyed by the masses, not the few.
"But tonight is not about politics, it's about music," she said as she introduced Elton John to thunderous applause. Elton looked stunning in a lime green suit. He said he had waited a long time for this day.
Dozens of classics followed: Can You Feel The Love Tonight?, Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellowbrick Road, Daniel, Sacrifice, I Guess That's Why They Call it The Blues.
Stormont adored him. The balcony was reserved for the press and VIPs. But even the normally stuffy civil servants hung out of their windows, sipping beer and singing along.
"It's marvellous, bloody marvellous" said John Cairns. "This is what Northern Ireland has been missing all these years - fun."
As the sun went down on Stormont last night, they were still singing, dancing and drinking. Sinead Kelly from west Belfast pointed to Carson's statue. "I wonder what he makes of all this?" she asked. "Don't worry about him," said her friend, Declan Mulholland. "He went to sleep a long time ago."