The Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport has launched its 2026 call for entries, inviting the public to nominate people, businesses, community organisations, local heroes, volunteers and young people making a difference across East Belfast. Now a mainstay of the city's events calendar, the scheme recognises achievement, innovation, dedication and community spirit across the area.

Following milestone 10th-anniversary celebrations in January at Titanic Belfast, where more than 450 guests marked the best of East Belfast, the 11th edition will build on a decade of honouring those who help make the east of the city a vibrant place to live, work and visit. This year again highlights excellence across business, community, arts and culture, education, sport, health and wellbeing, tourism and volunteering, alongside a suite of public-vote categories.

Jonathan McAlpin, Chair of the Eastside Awards Committee and Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise, said: "The tenth Eastside Awards was a very special milestone for everyone involved, but what makes me particularly excited is that we are now looking ahead to our 11th year.

"For more than a decade, these awards have provided an opportunity to award people who are making an outstanding contribution to East Belfast. These people give of themselves to make East Belfast a better place, often quietly and without seeking recognition.

"From entrepreneurs and employers to community champions, volunteers, teachers, young people, artists, sportspeople and those working tirelessly behind the scenes, there are so many incredible stories of achievement across East Belfast.

"The strength of the Eastside Awards is that they belong to the community. The public nominations and votes demonstrate just how passionate people are about championing their local businesses, organisations and individuals.

"I would encourage everyone to think about the people and organisations they believe deserve recognition and put them forward. You never know where a nomination might lead, and it could be the opportunity to give someone the recognition they truly deserve.

"We are grateful to our sponsors and partners, particularly Belfast City Airport, whose continued support enables us to celebrate the very best of East Belfast year after year."

Categories open to public nomination for the 2026 Eastside Awards in association with Belfast City Airport, with media partner Belfast Live, are:

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Celebrating East Belfast Heritage and History sponsored by Maritime Belfast Trust

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Favourite Bar/Restaurant sponsored by Value Cabs

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Favourite Beauty Business sponsored by Navigate

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Favourite Family Business sponsored by Tri-Star Lucas Global - The 2026 Eastside Award for Favourite Hairdresser/Barber sponsored by Solv

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Favourite Translink Bus Driver sponsored by Translink

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Post-Primary Hero of the Year sponsored by Open College Network

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Primary Hero of the Year sponsored by Reid Black

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Sports Team of the Year sponsored by Better

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Tourism/Hospitality Hero of the Year sponsored by Visit Belfast

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Plumb Centre

Categories open for application are:

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Best Place to Work sponsored by Fleet Financial

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Business Growth sponsored by We'resure Insurance Services

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Business Startup sponsored by Belfast City Council

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Community Impact sponsored by Belfast Harbour

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Contribution to Arts and Culture sponsored by EastSide Partnership

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Excellence in Health and Wellbeing sponsored by Phoenix Energy

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Sustainable Business of the Year sponsored by Action Renewables

- The 2026 Eastside Award for Young Person of the Year sponsored by Belfast City Airport

Anna McKelvey, Community Fund Ambassador at Belfast City Airport, said: "It is fantastic to be returning once again as principal sponsor of the Eastside Awards. Belfast City Airport has supported the awards since their inception 11 years ago, and it is great to continue backing an event that champions the people and organisations that make East Belfast such a special place.

"Located in the heart of East Belfast, we recognise the importance of being a good neighbour and maintaining strong connections with the local community. We work closely with schools and community groups across the area all year round, helping to support local initiatives and provide positive opportunities.

"Supporting the Eastside Awards is a natural extension of that commitment, giving us the chance to celebrate the people making a real difference across East Belfast."

The winner of The 2026 Eastside Award for Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by East Belfast Enterprise, will be chosen by the Eastside Awards committee to recognise an individual whose efforts have made a significant and lasting impact on the community.

The glittering awards ceremony will take place at Titanic Belfast on Friday 29 January 2027, hosted by broadcaster Tara Mills. Finalists will enjoy a drinks reception sponsored by Catalyst, guests will be treated to entertainment sponsored by Ballyhackamore Credit Union, and table wine will be sponsored by the venue partner, Titanic Belfast.

For full entry details, visit www.eastsideawards.org before the deadline on Friday 16 October.