The Eastside Awards are back – and this year we’re celebrating something extra special. 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the awards that shine a spotlight on the people, businesses, schools, and community groups who make East Belfast such a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Since the very beginning, the Eastside Awards have grown into one of the most anticipated events in the city’s calendar. Over the past decade, almost 400 finalists have been recognised for their creativity, achievement, and resilience. From local entrepreneurs and community champions to schools, sports clubs, and volunteers, the awards have honoured the people and organisations who give East Belfast its unique energy and spirit.
This year, the celebrations will be bigger than ever as the 10th Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport takes place in the iconic surroundings of Titanic Belfast on Friday 30 January 2026. With new categories, new sponsors, and a new venue partner, it promises to be a truly memorable evening.
A Decade of Celebration
“The Eastside Awards has become a jewel in the city’s awards calendar and a true celebration of the best of East Belfast. Over the past decade, almost 400 individuals, businesses, schools, community projects, arts organisations, volunteers, sports and young people have participated in the awards and been recognised for their creativity, achievement and resilience. We have been proud to play our part in honouring them with an Eastside Award.”
Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise and Chair of the Eastside Awards Committee
“This year’s awards will shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations whose hard work, creativity, passion, and achievements make East Belfast a vibrant and inspiring place. With 21 categories to choose from, we want to hear your stories – because these awards are all about celebrating you.”
Categories for 2025/26
Applications and nominations are now open across a wide range of categories.
Open to Online Application:
- Best Place to Work (sponsored by Fleet Financial)
- Business Growth (sponsored by We’resure Insurance Services)
- Business StartUp (sponsored by Belfast City Council)
- Community Impact (sponsored by Belfast Harbour)
- Contribution to Arts and Culture (sponsored by EastSide Partnership)
- Excellence in Health and Wellbeing (sponsored by Phoenix Energy)
- Sustainable Business of the Year (sponsored by Action Renewables)
- Trainee / Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Plumb Centre)
- Young Person of the Year (sponsored by Belfast City Airport)
Open to Public Nomination and Voting via Belfast Live:
- Favourite Beauty Business (sponsored by Argento)
- Favourite Estate Agent (sponsored by Navigate)
- Favourite Food Destination (sponsored by Clarke & Co Accountants)
- Favourite Hairdresser / Barber (sponsored by Solv)
- Favourite Primary Principal (sponsored by Open College Network)
- Favourite Post-Primary Principal (sponsored by The Open University)
- Favourite Translink Driver (sponsored by Translink)
- Heritage and History (sponsored by Maritime Belfast Trust)
- Local Sporting Hero (sponsored by Better)
- Tourism Hero (sponsored by Reid Black)
- Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by East Belfast Mission)
The Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by East Belfast Enterprise, will once again be chosen by the Eastside Awards committee.
A Community Effort
“Now in our tenth year as the Principal Sponsor of the Eastside Awards, we have seen firsthand how important it is to recognise the spirit, resilience, and creativity of our community. Each year the entrants inspire us with their stories, ambitions, and achievements, and we are excited to see what this year’s Eastside Awards will bring.”
Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport
The Big Night
The glittering awards ceremony on Friday 30 January 2026 will be hosted by Titanic Belfast and presented by TV personality Tara Mills. Guests will enjoy a finalists’ drinks reception sponsored by Catalyst, with entertainment on the night sponsored by Ballyhackamore Credit Union.
How to Get Involved
If you, your business, school, or community group has a story to share, we’d love to hear it. Applications and nominations are now open – but don’t wait too long. Entries close on Friday 17 October 2025 at 5pm.
