Belfast City Council is inviting residents to save money and support environmental sustainability by participating in Repair Week 2026.

Running from 2 March to 8 March, the initiative features a comprehensive programme designed to teach practical repair skills, showcase local services, and promote the benefits of a circular economy.

The week-long celebration includes a variety of activities ranging from bicycle maintenance and technology fixes to furniture upholstery, clothing alterations, and power tool workshops. By focusing on repairing rather than replacing household items, the council aims to provide practical solutions to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

A series of free and low-cost events have been organised in collaboration with local businesses, charities, and community organisations. Key highlights of the programme include:

• Bike Repair Sessions: East Belfast Mission will provide drop-in clinics at St George's Market and the Highfield, Morton, Divis, and Knocknagoney Community Centres.

• Off-Street Stitching: Sue Bamford from Tools for Solidarity will lead a slow-fashion stitching workshop located at 2 Royal Avenue. • Tech Support: A 'FixIT' session hosted by Ignite IT will take place at 2 Royal Avenue, assisting residents with small electronic gadgets.

• International Women's Day Special: The Belfast Tool Library and the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) will host a "Women are fixing it for themselves" workshop on the Shankill Road.

• Pop-up Repair Cafés: Collaborative events will continue into the following week, including a session at the Queen's University Students' Union.

George Gillespie, Community Network Manager at the Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN), welcomed the initiative: "We are absolutely delighted to support Belfast City Council's waste reduction initiatives. It's a pleasure to work alongside a team so committed to promoting the circular economy and making a sustainable future a growing reality for our community."

To complement the physical workshops, the council will release a series of instructional videos on social media featuring experts from Women's Tec. Additionally, CastleCourt Shopping Centre will be highlighting various repair-based businesses operating within the centre.

By opting to repair items, citizens can reduce their carbon footprint while supporting local specialist trades. Residents can find the full event schedule and booking information on the official Belfast Repair Week event page.