08/05/2026
Belfast Residents Invited to Cast Votes in 2026 'Bank of Ideas'
Belfast City Council is inviting residents to help shape the city's summer schedule by casting their votes in the Bank of Ideas on Sunday, 10 May, from 2pm to 5pm at City Hall.
The initiative, now in its third year, empowers citizens to decide which creative community projects should receive funding. This year's theme, "Celebrating Together," aligns with the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which Belfast will host for the first time from 2–9 August 2026.
Over 110 applications have been submitted by local individuals, schools, and community groups. Proposed ideas range from community-led bodhrán building and ceilís in care homes to guided nature walks, family crests created in Braille, and a rock music school.
How Voting Works
The event will function as a market-style voting day where groups showcase their concepts to attract support.
- Funding Pool: A total of £87,500 is available.
- Grant Size: Successful projects can receive up to £2,500 each.
- Requirement: To secure funding, an idea must receive a minimum of 35 public votes.
- Online Option: For those unable to attend in person, an online vote will be open from 9am to 12pm on Monday, 11 May at belfastcity.gov.uk/culturefunding.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, encouraged families to attend the free event: "This programme showcases the creativity in our city and, with such a big summer ahead of us, this is also an opportunity to bring our local neighbourhoods to life and highlight the vibrancy and community spirit that Belfast has in spades. I am looking forward to seeing all the ideas brought to life and finding out which ones will ignite people's imaginations."
The voting day is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly, featuring circus workshops, live music, and face-painting.
• Sensory Support: A quiet hour will take place between 4pm and 5pm for those with sensory needs.
• Inclusion: BSL interpreters and an audio describer will be on-site. Easy-read documents can be requested in advance via access@universityofatypical.org.
• Guided Support: Visitors can book guided support by emailing culture@belfastcity.gov.uk with their expected arrival time.
Successful projects are expected to be delivered between mid-June and the end of September 2026, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the city during the Fleadh and beyond.
The initiative, now in its third year, empowers citizens to decide which creative community projects should receive funding. This year's theme, "Celebrating Together," aligns with the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which Belfast will host for the first time from 2–9 August 2026.
Over 110 applications have been submitted by local individuals, schools, and community groups. Proposed ideas range from community-led bodhrán building and ceilís in care homes to guided nature walks, family crests created in Braille, and a rock music school.
How Voting Works
The event will function as a market-style voting day where groups showcase their concepts to attract support.
- Funding Pool: A total of £87,500 is available.
- Grant Size: Successful projects can receive up to £2,500 each.
- Requirement: To secure funding, an idea must receive a minimum of 35 public votes.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, encouraged families to attend the free event: "This programme showcases the creativity in our city and, with such a big summer ahead of us, this is also an opportunity to bring our local neighbourhoods to life and highlight the vibrancy and community spirit that Belfast has in spades. I am looking forward to seeing all the ideas brought to life and finding out which ones will ignite people's imaginations."
The voting day is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly, featuring circus workshops, live music, and face-painting.
• Sensory Support: A quiet hour will take place between 4pm and 5pm for those with sensory needs.
• Inclusion: BSL interpreters and an audio describer will be on-site. Easy-read documents can be requested in advance via access@universityofatypical.org.
• Guided Support: Visitors can book guided support by emailing culture@belfastcity.gov.uk with their expected arrival time.
Successful projects are expected to be delivered between mid-June and the end of September 2026, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the city during the Fleadh and beyond.
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