MAKING A SPLASH - EASTSIDE AWARDS RECOGNISES THE BEST OF EAST BELFAST

The prestigious Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport has launched with new categories to recognise the best of East Belfast. Having already celebrated the talents and achievements of more than 250 East Belfast people from all walks of life who have been named as finalists and winners over the past eight years, this year it could be your turn to be acknowledged for making waves in the community by the judges and voting public.

This year the public is being encouraged to cast their vote for eight online categories with media partner Belfast Live, while the remaining categories will be judged from either written application or video entry, ensuring that the entry process is as accessible and inclusive as possible. All 18 categories aim to celebrate this corner of Belfast and those people, organisations and projects which are striving to deliver a better place for future generations.

Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport categories open for application are:

• Eastside Award for Best Company to Work For sponsored by Fleet Financial
• Eastside Award for Business Start Up sponsored by Belfast City Council
• Eastside Award for Business Growth sponsored by We’resure Insurance Services
• Eastside Award for Community Impact sponsored by Belfast Harbour
• Eastside Award for Contribution to the Arts sponsored by EastSide Partnership
• Eastside Award for Environmental Project of the Year sponsored by Translink
• Eastside Award for Excellence in Health and Wellbeing sponsored by Phoenix Energy
• Eastside Award for Trainee / Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Plumb Centre
• Eastside Award for Young Person of the Year sponsored by Belfast City Airport

Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport categories open for public nomination via Belfast Live are:

• Eastside Award for Favourite Beauty Business in East Belfast sponsored by Belfast Live
• Eastside Award for Favourite Food Destination in East Belfast sponsored by Finlay Wealth Management
• Eastside Award for Favourite Hairdresser/Barber in East Belfast sponsored by Solv
• Eastside Award for Favourite Primary Classroom Assistant of the Year sponsored by Open College Network
• Eastside Award for Favourite Sports Coach / Trainer sponsored by Better
• Eastside Award for Favourite Tourist Attraction in East Belfast sponsored by Reid Black Solicitors
• Eastside Award for Post-Primary School Hero of the Year sponsored by The Open University
• Eastside Award for Volunteer of the Year sponsored by East Belfast Mission

The Eastside Award for Outstanding Contribution to East Belfast sponsored by East Belfast Enterprise will be presented to an individual chosen by the committee.

Speaking at the launch in Templemore Baths, Chair of the organising committee and Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise, Jonathan McAlpin, said: “I’m honoured to be launching the ninth Eastside Awards in a building which is steeped in history and heritage right in the heart of East Belfast where thousands of people have learnt to swim. If you are making a splash at a grassroots level in East Belfast and further afield, we want to know about it and I would encourage you to dive in and submit your entry today. We are grateful to our sponsors, as without their commitment, the Eastside Awards would not exist to shine a spotlight on this vibrant, diverse and dynamic corner of Belfast.”

Anna McKelvey, Head of Marketing at Belfast City Airport, said: “At Belfast City Airport, we pride ourselves on being in the heart of the city and at the heart of our community.

“As a responsible business that is committed to supporting community growth and development, we are dedicated to recognising and applauding the incredible individuals, businesses, and community organisations that make East Belfast the vibrant and thriving place that it is.

“We are proud to have been the Principal Sponsor of the Eastside Awards since their inception eight years ago and we look forward to celebrating the best that East Belfast has to offer.”

East Belfast TV presenter Tara Mills will host the awards ceremony at an evening of celebration on Friday 31 January 2025 in Hastings Stormont Hotel with the finalists drinks reception sponsored by Catalyst.

To enter Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport by 18 October, visit www.eastsideawards.org.

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Nicola Bothwell
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