Bonfire management programme

Bonfire beacon in Woodvale Park One of the goals of our Good Relations Plan is to promote the positive expression of cultural heritage throughout the City. As part of this we're working with communities across Belfast to help improve the way bonfires are managed.

Our bonfire management programme aims to: In 2012 almost 55 communities got involved in the process of better bonfire management and wider cultural initiatives, which represents around two thirds 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.

Over the last number of years of the programme, there have been significant reductions in call-outs to the emergency services as well as reductions in damage and clear-up costs. Research has shown that it costs agencies around £103,000 less on repair and clear-up costs for sites participating in the programme compared with those sites not participating. The programme has also assisted communities where bonfires occur in connecting with the cultural significance of the occasion through the funding of small scale community festival events and activities.

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

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