Belfast City Council has hailed a standout season of civic and gardening achievements after a double success at the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) Best Kept Awards and the unveiling of winners in the Belfast in Bloom Competition 2026.

The city secured the Best Kept City title, powered by collaboration between volunteers, residents, businesses and council teams. Annadale Community Garden in the south of the city claimed the "Presidents Trophy" for an exceptional first year revitalising its neighbourhood, and also topped the council's Belfast in Bloom awards by taking Best Allotment Site.

Now in its 69th year, the regional Best Kept campaign drew entries from across Northern Ireland, assessing aesthetics, sustainability, biodiversity and, crucially, community involvement. Council officers accepted the accolades alongside almost 100 community representatives at a ceremony in the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen.

Welcoming the achievements, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Belfast has been named the Best Kept City, alongside the well-deserved recognition for the team at Annadale Community Garden.

"Tá áthas an domhain orm gur ainmníodh Béal Feirste ar an Chathair is Feistiúla i dTuaisceart Éireann agus leis an aitheantas atá faighte ag an fhoireann ag Gairdín Pobail Annadale, atá go mór tuillte acu. Léiríonn na gradaim seo an iarracht foirne a mbíonn ann fud fad ár gcathair. Ag croílár na n-éachtaí seo, tchítear an bród, paisean agus díograis atá ag ár bpobail, ár n-oibrithe deonacha agus ár ngrúpaí áitiúla agus iad ag obair go dian gach lá le feabhas a chur ar saolta daoine eile agus le timpeallacht fáilteach agus bríomhar a chruthú.

"These accolades reflect a true team effort across our entire city. At the heart of this success is the pride, passion, and hard work of our communities, volunteers, and local groups who work every day to make life better for others and to create a more welcoming, vibrant city environment. "Tá an meon céanna seo le feiceáil inár gcomórtas Belfast in Bloom. Ó bhláthchiseáin crochta galánta go gairdíní scoile agus caolsráideanna pobal faoi bhláth – tá ról ríthábhachtach ag muintir Bhéal Feirste maidir lenár gceantair a fheabhsú. Téann ár gcathair ó neart go neart nuair a oibríonn muid uilig le chéile. Ba mhaith liom buíochas agus comhghairdeas ó chroí a ghabháil le foireann tiomanta na comhairle, muintir na cathrach, agus ár gcomhpháirtithe sa phobal as ucht a n-iarrachtaí agus a dtiomantas ar son barr feabhas timpeallachta.

"The same incredible spirit is on full display in our Belfast in Bloom competition. From stunning individual hanging baskets to thriving school gardens and community alleys, our citizens are playing a vital role in transforming our neighbourhoods. Our city thrives when we all work together, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to our dedicated council staff, our local residents, and our community partners for their outstanding contribution and dedication to environmental excellence."

Judges praised the city's visual impact, noting that "the Cathedral Quarter stands out as a vibrant floral haven with its spectacular abundance of hanging baskets and window displays." They also highlighted the changing civic landscape, saying "the green spaces integrated around the newly opened Grand Central Station and Saltwater Square have instantly established the area as one of Belfast's most striking and visually enhanced gateways."

Cleanliness standards in the city centre were singled out too, with the panel stating: "The relentless work of Belfast City Council's street cleansing teams is highly evident. The city centre is exceptionally clean, tidy, and welcoming, with previously neglected urban spaces showing a remarkable and highly successful turnaround."

This year's Belfast in Bloom awards honoured individual gardeners across the city: Best Garden winners were Hilda Thompson (North), Ken Orr (South), Linda Hamilton (East) and Clare McGarrigle (West). John McCall, Roisin Smith, Teddy Stanex and Michael Bennet received recognition for the city's best hanging baskets.

Businesses were also celebrated, with the Jailhouse Bar named Best Public House and Cathedral Eye Clinic crowned Best Commercial Premises.

Community spirit shone across categories for streets, groups, alleyways and schools, with winners including Restore Glandore ATC Community Group, Holyland Community Gardens, Phoenix Rising Alleyway and St Patrick's Primary School, alongside other neighbourhood champions across Belfast.

The council is urging residents to keep up the momentum by helping to keep local areas clean and tidy. Street cleansing issues, including litter, illegal dumping, graffiti and fly-tipping, can be reported via the Online Reporting Tool or by calling 028 9027 0230.

Neighbourhoods can also request support for free community clean-ups, with equipment such as litter-pickers, gloves, bags, brushes and shovels available with at least one week's notice, and council teams arranging prompt collection of all bagged waste after events.