28/04/2026
Lord Mayor Invites Belfast's Youth to Free 'City Hall Takeover'
Children and teenagers from across Belfast are being encouraged to attend a day of free activities at City Hall on Saturday 9 May. Running from 1pm to 5pm, the event marks the conclusion of Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly's term in office.
The "Lord Mayor's Day" programme features a diverse range of interactive sessions, including arts, crafts, music, theatre, and sports. As part of Belfast's European City of Sport celebrations, attendees can try their hand at boxing, table tennis, and fencing. High-energy displays will be provided by Full Circle Martial Arts and the Sandy Row Falcons cheerleaders, while Fitness Freddy will lead sessions for children and parents.
Health and wellbeing are central themes for the day. The Belfast Health Development Unit will host "Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing" workshops, and GLL will provide "smoothie bikes" for participants to pedal their way to healthy treats. Mindfulness and relaxation activities will also be hosted by Explore Wellbeing Kids and Tre-Eco, one of the Lord Mayor's chosen charities.
Additional highlights include:
• Circus Skills and Sensory Play: Outdoor workshops and creative activities using recycled materials on the City Hall lawns.
• Music and Entertainment: A "Good Vibes Only" disco rave and a silent disco in the Great Hall, alongside live broadcasting and prizes from Cool FM's Stuart Robinson.
• Digital Creativity: VR gaming, animation, and DJing workshops hosted by Wheelworks Arts.
• Inclusive Theatre: Open Arts' "Take Away Theatre" will offer performance opportunities for children with additional needs (pre-booking via info@openartsni.org is required).
The Lord Mayor's other chosen charities, Little Heroes and NI Alternatives, will also be present to showcase their community work.
Councillor Tracy Kelly stated: "I've been meeting with young people throughout my term to make sure they feel engaged in our city, understand what it can offer them and hear their feedback on what works, and what matters, to them. I'm following that through with my Lord Mayor's Day event, a really colourful and fun day which everyone can come along and enjoy.
"There's a real focus on sports, creativity and music - all areas where our children and young people can excel, develop skills, build friendships and improve their resilience and wellbeing. I'm really looking forward to a jam-packed day and to celebrating our city's amazing young people, with a great day out."
Stuart Robinson, Content Director with Bauer Media Audio NI, added: "I'm absolutely delighted to be broadcasting live and taking part in the Lord Mayor's Day celebrations at City Hall. It's a fantastic occasion that really brings the whole city together, and it's a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and proud community event."
Admission to the event is free. Further details can be found at belfastcity.gov.uk/lordmayorsday.
The "Lord Mayor's Day" programme features a diverse range of interactive sessions, including arts, crafts, music, theatre, and sports. As part of Belfast's European City of Sport celebrations, attendees can try their hand at boxing, table tennis, and fencing. High-energy displays will be provided by Full Circle Martial Arts and the Sandy Row Falcons cheerleaders, while Fitness Freddy will lead sessions for children and parents.
Health and wellbeing are central themes for the day. The Belfast Health Development Unit will host "Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing" workshops, and GLL will provide "smoothie bikes" for participants to pedal their way to healthy treats. Mindfulness and relaxation activities will also be hosted by Explore Wellbeing Kids and Tre-Eco, one of the Lord Mayor's chosen charities.
Additional highlights include:
• Circus Skills and Sensory Play: Outdoor workshops and creative activities using recycled materials on the City Hall lawns.
• Music and Entertainment: A "Good Vibes Only" disco rave and a silent disco in the Great Hall, alongside live broadcasting and prizes from Cool FM's Stuart Robinson.
• Digital Creativity: VR gaming, animation, and DJing workshops hosted by Wheelworks Arts.
The Lord Mayor's other chosen charities, Little Heroes and NI Alternatives, will also be present to showcase their community work.
Councillor Tracy Kelly stated: "I've been meeting with young people throughout my term to make sure they feel engaged in our city, understand what it can offer them and hear their feedback on what works, and what matters, to them. I'm following that through with my Lord Mayor's Day event, a really colourful and fun day which everyone can come along and enjoy.
"There's a real focus on sports, creativity and music - all areas where our children and young people can excel, develop skills, build friendships and improve their resilience and wellbeing. I'm really looking forward to a jam-packed day and to celebrating our city's amazing young people, with a great day out."
Stuart Robinson, Content Director with Bauer Media Audio NI, added: "I'm absolutely delighted to be broadcasting live and taking part in the Lord Mayor's Day celebrations at City Hall. It's a fantastic occasion that really brings the whole city together, and it's a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and proud community event."
Admission to the event is free. Further details can be found at belfastcity.gov.uk/lordmayorsday.
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