Bonfire management programme

We're working with communities across Belfast to help improve the way bonfires are managed.

Our bonfire management programme aims to:

help communities reconnect with the cultural significance of bonfires
create a positive, family-friendly celebration involving the whole community
manage health and safety risks
tackle environmental issues.

There are almost 40 communities involved in the process of better bonfire management and wider cultural initiatives, which represents around half of all bonfires in Belfast.

Results

We’ve received very positive feedback on our scheme. Both the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Fire and Rescue Service report fewer incidents on sites taking part in the programme, compared to sites which are not involved.

Through the scheme, we have been able to create ‘bonfire beacons’. These are used as an alternative to the traditional bonfire in a number of communities, resulting in less damage to both the surface of the ground and the environment.

The Institute for Conflict Research has also produced a review of the Bonfire Management Programme:

Download Institute for Conflict Research report (Word - 602KB)

More information

Funding for the initiative comes from our PEACE III programme

This project is supported by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund 'Investing in your Future'.

You can also get in touch with us if you'd like to find out more:

Good Relations Unit
Chief Executive's Department
Belfast City Hall
Belfast
BT1 5GS

Telephone: 028 9027 0663
Email: goodrelations@belfastcity.gov.uk