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Date: 5 May 2026
Category: Culture and arts
Help Belfast come alive with creativity this summer by casting your vote in the Bank of Ideas at City Hall on Sunday 10 May, 2pm to 5pm.
The voting day, organised by Belfast City Council, invites residents to vote for colourful, creative projects they would like to see happen in their communities between June and September.
Over 110 applications have been put forward by individuals, schools and community groups, including many planned for this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2-9 August.
Among the ideas to encourage people to celebrate together are ceilís in care homes, community-led bodhrán building, guided nature walks, family crests created with Braille and a rock music school.
All the concepts submitted will be presented at the market-style voting day, with groups showcasing their ideas to attract votes from those attending.
Ideas with the most votes (a minimum of 35) will share in £87,500 of funding to turn them into reality (up to £2,500 per idea).
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, is encouraging people to come along and have their say.
“This is the third year of our Bank of Ideas scheme, and it just keeps getting bigger and better!” she said.
“There will be some wonderful ideas on display this Sunday for visitors to enjoy and it’s a really great day out for all the family. 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. With your support, organisers can get the tools and resources they need to fulfil their vision and bring our communities together to enjoy music, movement, art and more.”
The voting day at City Hall is free to attend and is open to all ages. It will include circus workshops, live music, face-painting and other creative activities.
There will be a quiet hour between 4pm and 5pm for those with sensory needs. BSL interpreters and an audio describer will also be available, and easy read documents explaining the voting process can be provided in advance by emailing [email protected]
Guided support is also available – email [email protected] with your arrival time to book a space – and, for those who can’t make it along to vote on the day, an online vote will be available from 9am to 12pm on Monday 11 May at belfastcity.gov.uk/culturefunding