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Date: 31 December 2025
2026 will be a year of real opportunity for our city and, as First Citizen, I’m looking ahead with optimism and positivity for what is to come.
In our city centre, we’ll build on a successful Christmas period, with more projects to deliver a city core that is vibrant, safe and welcoming. From the redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens to options for the Assembly Rooms, things are moving forward – an opportunity to shape our city for the future.
In August, we’ll welcome the Fleadh, with 400+ events bringing over 650,000 visitors to our streets for eight days of music and craic – an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our talent and diverse cultures, and show the world our ability to work together to deliver something we can all be proud of.
As a European City of Sport for 2026, we’ll celebrate grassroots sports through events and activities in our leisure and community centres and sports venues – an opportunity to get more people involved in physical activity and highlight the benefits it can bring.
Through the Belfast PEACEPLUS Programme and other funding streams, there is fantastic work happening in every corner of our city – opportunities to bring people together, to learn and experience from each other’s culture and lived experience and to break down barriers.
Innovation is in our blood here and, through the Belfast City Region Deal, we’re seizing the chance to position our city as a world leader for tech, cyber security and life sciences – new opportunities for our young people, those who want to upskill and those who want to build their life and career here.
In our communities, Belfast City Council is leading the way with local projects to enhance biodiversity, tackle the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and boost wellbeing – all opportunities to drive forward the type of city we all want to see, one that improves outcomes for every resident and one we can all be proud of.
During my term so far, I’ve met with people and groups across our city, and I see more that unites us, than divides us.
We have a lot to celebrate and show off to the world. We should all be proud of our city and what we have to offer – let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and move forward, together, with positivity in 2026.
I wish all residents a healthy and happy new year.