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Date: 27 October 2026
Belfast City Council is celebrating a phenomenal season of community-led environmental success, following a double victory at the prestigious Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) Best Kept Awards, alongside the official crowning of the city’s finest local gardeners in the Belfast in Bloom Competition 2026.
The tireless efforts of local volunteers, residents, and businesses working hand-in-hand with council teams helped the city clinch the coveted "Best Kept City" title. In a massive triumph for grassroots community power, Annadale Community Garden in South Belfast walked away with the "Presidents Trophy" to mark an exceptional first year of transforming its local neighbourhood. Annadale also doubled down on its horticultural success by winning Best Allotment Site in the council's own Belfast in Bloom awards.
Now in its 69th year, the regional Best Kept campaign attracted entries from across Northern Ireland to recognise aesthetic appeal, sustainability, biodiversity, and, crucially, grassroots community engagement. Council officers collected the awards alongside nearly 100 passionate community representatives at a ceremony held at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen.
Welcoming the sweeping environmental successes, 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."
The judging panel highly praised the visual impact of the city's landmarks, noting that "the Cathedral Quarter stands out as a vibrant floral haven with its spectacular abundance of hanging baskets and window displays." The panel also commended the city's evolving civic landscape, stating that "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."
The high standard of general cleanliness across the city's core areas was singled out for specific praise, with the judges adding: "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."
The council has also officially revealed the category winners for the Belfast in Bloom Competition 2026, celebrating the local people who roll up their sleeves to brighten up their streets.
The individual garden awards recognized green-fingered residents across the four corners of the city, with Hilda Thompson (North), Ken Orr (South), Linda Hamilton (East), and Clare McGarrigle (West) taking top honours for Best Garden. John McCall, Roisin Smith, Teddy Stanex, and Michael Bennet were also celebrated for producing the city's best hanging baskets.
Local businesses also stepped up to the plate, with the Jailhouse Bar capturing the title of Best Public House, and the Cathedral Eye Clinic taking home the award for Best Commercial Premises.
Community collaboration was further celebrated across categories like community streets, groups, alleyways, and school gardens, featuring local winners such as Restore Glandore ATC Community Group, Holyland Community Gardens, Phoenix Rising Alleyway, and St Patrick's Primary School, alongside other neighbourhood champions across the city's districts.
The council is urging all residents to keep the 'people power' momentum going by getting involved in keeping their local areas clean and tidy.
If you notice an area that requires attention, you can quickly report a street cleansing issue, such as litter, illegal dumping, graffiti, or fly-tipping, directly through the council's Online Reporting Tool or by calling 028 9027 0230.
For neighbourhoods keen to work together, the council also provides comprehensive support for a free community clean-up initiative. Residents, schools, and community groups can request:
- Free clean-up equipment including litter-picks, gloves, bags, brushes, and shovels (requires at least one week's notice).
- Arranged waste removal where council teams will come and collect all bagged rubbish immediately after the event concludes.