Belfast City Council

Musicians Max Wallace, J Shields, Peadar Connor, Ciara Maguire and Grace Cassells join the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, to mark five years of Belfast’s status as a UNESCO City of Music.

Belfast celebrates five years of UNESCO City of Music status

Belfast will light up for Christmas at the annual lights switch-on at City Hall on Saturday 14 November.

Tickets announced for Belfast’s Christmas lights switch-on next month

Belfast City Council is celebrating a phenomenal season of community-led environmental success, following a double victory at the prestigious Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) Best Kept Awards, alongside the official crowning of the city’s finest local gardeners in the Belfast in Bloom Competition 2026.

Belfast celebrates major civic awards and local horticultural heroes

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber; Tanya Anderson, Head of Business Deposits, Bank of Ireland UK and Kevin O'Hara, Head of Procurement, Navantia UK - Harland & Wolff

300 local firms to pitch for new contracts at NI Chamber’s Meet the Buyer

Flogas/Budget Energy was proud headline sponsor of the NI Chamber Festival of Business, which took place in St George's Market on Wednesday, September 16. Pictured are Mary Rossiter, B2B Marketing and Communications Manager; Ken O’Byrne, Managing Director; Lisa Corrigan, Director Marketing & Communications; and Karl Bradley, Marketing Executive.

Flogas/Budget Energy headline sponsor of NI Chamber’s Festival of Business

Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, joins recent Employment Academy graduates to highlight free events next week to connect Belfast jobseekers to employment opportunities. The roadshows, organised by Belfast City Council, will provide residents with an opportunity to meet training providers, find out about upcoming Employment Academies offering training and skills development, and explore pathways into a range of growing sectors, including transport, beauty, construction, social care, working with children, technology and business services. All events are free to attend, with dates, times and locations at belfastcity.gov.uk/employmentacademies

Roadshows helps to connect jobseekers with new career opportunities

Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Chloe Glass, Architectural Assistant and James Grieve, Architect, pictured with one of 29 new trilingual interpretative panels (English, Irish, and Ulster Scots) installed on the exterior of the Assembly Rooms with support from World Monuments Fund (WMF) as part of a conservation project to safeguard the building.

Assembly Rooms brings its people, history and architectural significance to life

An evaluation of The BUG (Belfast’s Urban Garden), carried out in partnership with Belfast Healthy Cities, has clearly demonstrated the benefits of investing in urban growing projects.

Investment in Belfast Urban Garden reaps rich harvest

Photo caption: Kelly McPolin Belfast Met Pastoral Care Manager, Micky Murray, CEO of SOS Bus NI, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Chief Inspector Loreen Glenn, Ryan Rankin, Local Engagement Manager at Queen’s University Belfast and Gabrielle Smyth, Interim Residential Life Manager from Ulster University at the launch of the Student Safety campaign to encourage safe and respectful behaviour and provide an opportunity for students to learn more about their local police.

PSNI launch its student safety campaign

Image of cruise ship berthing facility

Cruise ships’ multi-purpose berthing facility and aparthotel building approved

Day 4 of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.

Marching bands to break new territory with their All-Ireland Fleadh debut

From artisan producers and market traders to independent cafés, restaurants and drinks brands, Belfast’s thriving food and drink scene will serve up a warm welcome to the 800,000 plus people expected to attend the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast next month.

Belfast’s food and drink scene to serve up a taste of city for Fleadh visitors

Councillor Joe Duffy at the Assembly Rooms

Remedial conservation work underway at Belfast’s historic Assembly Rooms

More than 1,300 volunteers have now registered to be part of Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast next month, highlighting the incredible community spirit behind one of Europe’s biggest cultural festivals.

More than 1,300 volunteers register to help out at the Fleadh in Belfast

Irish dancers mark the six-week countdown to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which is coming to Belfast for the first time from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August.

Belfast urged to get ready in six-week countdown to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Ards CCÉ members Lily Moore (left) and Níall McClean (right) join young musician Tierna Sloan (centre) to help launch traffic and travel plans for this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at Belfast Grand Central Station.

Traffic and travel plans announced for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Traffic and travel plans are being announced for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann urging the ‘whole city to ‘move with the rhythm of the Fleadh’.
Gemma Murray

Their Majesties The King and Queen were in Belfast today for a preview of the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which will be hosted in the city for the first time from 2-9 August.

King and Queen enjoy a flavour of this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil

Bronagh McClean and Niall McClean from Ards CCÉ join dancer Olivia Reid to tune up for this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Ards CCÉ will stage a special 50th anniversary concert in the Ulster Hall as part of the festival, which takes place in Belfast from 2-9 August 2026

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann arrives in Belfast in 100 days

Colin Neill from Hospitality Ulster and Councillor Jordan Doran, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Licensing Committee, highlight opportunities for local businesses and independent traders at this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil, 2-9 August.

Opportunities for local businesses and independent traders at Fleadh Cheoil

Natasha Wilton as Mabon and Mathew Curran as St Patrick join Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, piper Matthew Wilson from Campbell College Pipe Band, harpist Ursula Burns and Willow Mulholland to launch Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day programme. The city’s rich musical heritage and diversity will take centre stage for 17 days of events and activities, including the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday 17 March, concerts, céilis and taster sessions celebrating traditional music from 13-17 March, Spraoi Cois Lao, an Irish language fun day on Saturday 7 March, ticketed performances, free family entertainment at St George’s Market and a trad trail in venues across the city. Full details at belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricks

City of Belfast to mark St Patrick’s Day with music, song and colour

Belfast Flavours Live plates up a bold future for the city’s food and drink

Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons is pictured with Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly outside Arts Ekta’s five storey cultural and creative hub, ‘Olive Tree House’ at 23-29 Fountain Street, which was created with the help of a Vacant to Vibrant grant. Following successful a Vacant to Vibrant City Centre and phase one of the Vacant to Vibrant Citywide grant programme, £700k in capital funding is now available (£500k from the Department for Communities and £200k from Belfast City Council) to incentivise and support property owners and potential occupiers to bring vacant properties back into use outside the city centre, in local neighbourhoods. To find out more about making a Vacant to Vibrant Citywide application and for details of funding information sessions, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/vacanttovibrant

Additional £700k funding secured to boost Belfast’s arterial routes

Santa and Mrs Claus join Lara Harding and Dara Campbell to celebrate the free festive programme on offer in Belfast city centre in the run-up to Christmas.

Musical magic for all tastes in Belfast city centre this festive season

Belfast City Council has become the first organisation to sign up to receive green electricity from the city’s newest wind farm at Ballyutoag in the Belfast Hills. The contract, with 3T Power, will see some of the city’s most famous venues powered solely by renewable energy for the first time. Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tracy Kelly is pictured at the wind farm at Ballyutoag alongside 3T Power directors, David McElrea, Shauna Forbes and Thomas Kelso.

Belfast City Council venues switch to locally generated renewable energy

Christmas fairy Louise Conaghan unwraps family-friendly activities available at the Winter’s Den in 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, this Christmas.

Unwrap festive family fun in Belfast city centre this Christmas

Christmas fairy Louise Conaghan unwraps family-friendly activities available at the Winter’s Den in 2 Royal Avenue this Christmas. Following from Saturday’s Christmas lights switch-on event, Belfast City Council is inviting visitors and residents to get into the festive spirit with a programme of free events and activities at the city centre venue, including craft workshops, storytelling, markets, street performers, family theatre and more. Full details of what’s on are at belfastcity.gov.uk/Christmas and on the council’s social media channels #BelfastChristmasCountdown

Unwrap festive family fun in Belfast city centre this Christmas

Councillor Ian McLaughlin.

Council launches inclusive tourism voucher scheme for local businesses
TOURISM and hospitality businesses, charities and social enterprises are being encouraged to apply for small grants of up to £500 to support them in becoming more accessible and inclusive to visitors.
Steven Moore

Performers Danie Greer and Shutter with Belfast Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly. Picture: Steven McAuley

Culture Night Belfast returns with a new look and 100+ activities city-wide

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee (centre) is joined by artist Anna McDonald-Anakaa, who is test trading at St George’s Market for free for six weeks this summer, and fishmonger David Cully from George S Cully and Son, who have been trading at the market for 63 years.Summer shoppers are being encouraged to check out what's on offer from both established and up and coming traders at Belfast’s historic St George's and Smithfield Markets during Independent Retail Month this July

Independent traders continue to thrive at St George’s and Smithfield Markets

Ekaterina Solomatina and Luke McNeice, of Hamilton Robson Ltd, with Belfast High Sheriff Councillor Fiona McAteer.

Revolutionising the local tourism experience with immersive tech

The competition is open to businesses and organisations located in the Belfast Region City Deal council areas.

£550,000 fund now open for Belfast Region 5G projects

Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly is joined by street artists Conor McClure (left) and Ray Bonner in Little Patrick Street.

First ‘legal wall’ in Belfast to open with street art paint jam

Pictured from left are Alderman James Lawlor (Belfast City Council), Spencer Beattie (County Grand Lodge of Belfast Grand Master), Councillor Sarah Bunting (Belfast City Council), Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons, Alderman Dean A. McCullough (Belfast City Council) and Gavin Robinson MP

Department For Communities backs return of Orangefest programme In Belfast

Pupils, parents and teachers from St John the Baptist PS join Principal Chris Donnelly and Councillor Matt Garrett, Deputy Chair of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities Committee, to help launch this year’s Belfast in Bloom competition.

Young gardeners help launch Belfast in Bloom 2025 competition

Twilight Market returns to St George’s Market on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20-21, from 4pm to 10pm.

Celebration of local flavours at Twilight Market this month

Twilight Market returns to St George’s Market on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 May (4pm to 10pm) for two evenings filled with great food, arts and crafts and live music. Details can be found on the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/twilightbelfast

Celebration of local flavours at Twilight Market this month

Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee is pictured with Linda McBurney and Gareth Kelly of Vault Artist Studios.

Council achieves exceptional return on £1m Vacant to Vibrant investment

Wartime performers Simon Pyper and Victoria Barkley join Lord Mayor Micky Murray to launch Belfast City Council’s VE Day programme.

Belfast to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day with special events

Luke McNeice, of Hamilton Robson Ltd, and Ekaterina Solomatina with Belfast High Sheriff Fiona McAteer.

Belfast harnesses immersive technologies to give glimpse of tourism’s future

Odhran and Eadoin Finnegan with Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray launching this year’s Belfast Spring Fest.

Truly scrumptious line up at this year’s Belfast Spring Fest

Welders Stephen Campbell, left, and Gary Davison.

Shipyard skills retained with employability support from Belfast City Council

Belfast has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Belfast City Council made the successful bid alongside partners Ards CCÉ, pictured performing in Commercial Court, Belfast.

Belfast to host world’s biggest celebration of traditional music and culture

Zoia Wilkowska came first place in the Belfast Parks Photographic Competition in the under 16s section with her winning entry capturing Lagan Meadows.

Stunning pictures of city parks scoop awards

Kevin McKay, Chief Executive of Giant’s Park Belfast Limited, and John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council at Giant’s Park, north Belfast.

Major new adventure park moves a step closer

The free seminar is for businesses keen to encourage disabled visitors.

Seminar for those keen to Embrace the Inclusive Spirit with disabled visitors

Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee chair Ryan Murphy with John McDonald, Investment Projects Managing Director at Graham.

Council appoints Graham as delivery partner for £630m regeneration programme

4 Corners Festival Co-Founders Reverend Steve Stockman and Father Martin Magill

4 Corners Festival set to return in 2025 with new theme ‘HOME?’

Twilight Market traders Samantha Tinholt from Tinholt's Tasties, left, and Susan Gillespie from Chowder Up Seafood join Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee to launch the 2024 Twilight Market at St George’s Market in Belfast.

Enjoy a magical Christmas Twilight Market at St George’s this month

Personal trainer Anthony McKenzie and Sloan’s Gym owner Johnny Sloan join Lord Mayor Micky Murray at City Hall.

Free advice event for aspiring businesses during Global Entrepreneurship Week

Lord Mayor Micky Murray is joined by Sarah and Niall McCann to launch this year’s Autumn Fair event on Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15.

Celebrate the changing of seasons as Autumn Fair returns

Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray with John and Curtis Sloan of Sloan’s Gym.

Lord Mayor meets people bringing vibrancy to city centre

Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee and Áine Hillick, Bryson Recycling.

Council helps residents Take the Next Step to employment with Europa event

Gerry McAlinden, Department for Communities, and Councillor Sam Nelson, chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, formally re-open Sugarhouse Entry to the public after more than half a century. It’s one of 11 entries restored by Belfast City Council, thanks to funding from the Department for Communities.

Belfast’s historic Sugarhouse Entry reopened after more than half a century

Thirty young people across Northern Ireland have come together since February 2024 to develop their ideas to help fight the climate emergency.

The 30 under 30 class of 2024 put more pieces of the jigsaw together

Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, is highlighting support for independent retailers in the city centre, including opportunities to apply for a street trading licence, Vacant to Vibrant capital funding, opportunities to test trade at St George’s Market and services, including Go Succeed. For more information go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/citycentre

Council backing independent retail in city centre

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