Awards open for public vote now via:
We’re thrilled to kick off the search for East Belfast’s Favourites across a range of award categories!

> Phase One: Public Nominations
From 16 September to 17 October 2025 at 5.00pm, we Ivited the public to nominate their favourite people, businesses, and organisations via Belfast Live – The top five nominees in each category, based on the highest number of nominations, are listed below.

> Phase Two: Public Voting
From 27 October to 18 November 2025 at 5.00pm, the shortlisted nominees below will face a public vote, where the community will decide the finalists and ultimate winners. The top three finalists in each category (plus all shortlisted finalists) will be revealed in late November, and the winners – those with the most votes – will be announced live at the Eastside Awards Ceremony on Friday 30 January 2026.
The 2025 Eastside Award for Favourite Primary Principal sponsored by Open College Network
This award celebrates an outstanding primary school principal in East or Greater East Belfast who goes above and beyond to inspire pupils, support staff, and make a real difference in their school community. Nominate your favourite leader and help shine a spotlight on their dedication to education in this part of the world.

  • David Corbett, Gilnahirk Primary School
  • Andrea Gourley, Victoria Park Primary School
  • Victoria Hutchinson, Strandtown Primary School
  • Niall Manogue, Braniel Primary School
  • Leonora Martin, Strathearn Prep
The 2025 Eastside Award for Favourite Post-Primary Principal sponsored by The Open University
Honouring an exceptional post-primary school principal who leads with vision, passion, and commitment to student success in East Belfast. Recognise their leadership and impact by nominating them for this prestigious community award.

  • Rosemary Bird, Dundonald High School
  • Nicola Connery, Strathearn School
  • Alistair Duffield, Ashfield Boys’ High School
  • Gary Greer, Bloomfield Collegiate School
  • Louise Hanvey, Ashfield Girls’ High School
The 2025 Eastside Award for Favourite Food Destination sponsored by Clarke & Co Accountants
From public cafés to restaurants, nominate your favourite foodie hotspot where great taste, warm hospitality award celebrates East Belfast’s vibrant, and community spirit combine to create an unforgettable experience.

  • The Fern Coffee Shop
  • Pepito
  • Pica
  • SixtyNine Burgers & Filth
  • WingIt
The 2025 Eastside Award for Favourite Hairdresser/Barber sponsored by Solv
This category celebrates the talented hairdressers and barbers who help us look and feel our best. Nominate your favourite local stylist or barber shop that always delivers great service and makes a positive contribution to the community.
  • Haus of Hair & Beauty
  • Laveau Hair
  • Saint & Sinner
  • Strength & Honour
  • Urbanroots
​The 2025 Eastside Award for Heritage & History sponsored by Maritime Belfast Trust
This award honours the guardians of East Belfast’s past: individuals or organisations working tirelessly to preserve and protect local history, landmarks, and stories. Nominate a project or person dedicated to safeguarding heritage so future generations can appreciate the area’s rich legacy.

  • HMS Caroline
  • Legacy Network
  • Strand Arts Centre
  • Templemore Baths
  • Titanic Hotel Belfast
The 2025 Eastside Award for Favourite Beauty Business in East Belfast sponsored by Argento
This award shines a light on East Belfast’s top beauty salons, spas, and professionals. Nominate a business that delivers exceptional service and helps customers feel their very best.
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  • Beauty Culture
  • Hands on Beauty
  • Infinity Clinic
  • Lushious Luxuries
  • Vitality Skin Clinic
The 2025 Eastside Award for Tourism Hero sponsored by Reid Black Solicitors
This award celebrates the champions of East Belfast’s visitor experience: the people, guides, attractions, and businesses that make the area a must-see destination. Nominate those who welcome visitors with pride, share the best of our culture and attractions, and put East Belfast firmly on the map.
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  • Terri Boyd, Banana Block
  • Gregor Galway, Templemore Baths
  • Sharon Hanna, HMS Caroline
  • Peter McCabe - Peter McCabe Tours
  • William McIlroy, Titanic Hotel Belfast
The 2025 Eastside Award for Volunteer of the Year sponsored by East Belfast Mission
A tribute to the individuals who selflessly give their time and energy to make East Belfast a better place. Nominate a volunteer who has gone the extra mile to support others and bring positive change to their community within the last year (from Jan 2024- present).
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  • Claire Crawley, Pitt Park Residents Association
  • Laura Hamilton, CI Ladies Hockey Club
  • Ian McClean, Nettlefield Multi-Sports Facility
  • Andrew Stacey, Hospice Heroes
  • Dorothy Warren, TeamDot Presents
The 2025 Eastside Award for Local Sporting Hero sponsored by Better
This award recognises a local sporting hero, whether a coach, athlete, or mentor, who inspires others through their passion, dedication, and achievements in sport. Nominate someone who has made a lasting difference in East Belfast’s sporting community.

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  • Darren Baine, DB Fitness
  • Jordan Evans, Boundary Brewery Running Club
  • Kirk Long, Burn More 24
  • Blaine McMillan, Bloomfield Football Club
  • Kim Turner, Glentoran Women’s FC
The 2025 Eastside Award for Favourite Estate Agent sponsored by Navigate
Highlighting the estate agents in the local area who provide excellent service, support, and guidance to the local community. Nominate an estate agent or agency that has gone above and beyond to make moving easier in East Belfast.

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  • Emma Andrews & Sharon Gregg, Andrews & Gregg Estate Agents
  • Martin Armstrong, Reeds Rains Estate Agents
  • Michael Finlay, Pooler Estate Agents
  • John Minnis, John Minnis Estate Agents
  • Lyndsay Patterson, Stewart & Co Estate Agents & Property Managers
The 2025 Eastside Award for FavouriteTranslink Driver sponsored by Translink
This award honours a Translink driver who consistently goes the extra mile to deliver safe, friendly, and reliable service. Nominate your favourite driver who brightens journeys and makes commuting in East Belfast a pleasure.

Awards by application:

The 2025 Eastside Award for Contribution to Arts & Culture sponsored by Eastside Partnership
This award celebrates individuals, groups, and organisations who bring creativity to life in East and Greater East Belfast. Whether through visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literature, festivals, or other cultural initiatives, this category recognises those who inspire participation, nurture talent, and enrich the cultural life of our community.
The 2025 Eastside Award for Excellence in Health & Wellbeing sponsored by Phoenix Energy
​This award is open to organisations in all sectors and all sizes within the East Belfast & Greater East Belfast area that can demonstrate their commitment to and the provision of services or initiatives which make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of people working or living in the East Belfast area.
The 2025 Eastside Award for Business Start-Up​ sponsored by Belfast City Council
This Award is Open to individuals, businesses, or social enterprises based in or operating within East or Greater East Belfast that have been trading for less than three years (established after 17 October 2022).
The 2025 Eastside Award for Business Growth sponsored by We'resure Insurance Services
This Award is open to SME businesses or social enterprises operating within the East Belfast & Greater East Belfast area that are able to demonstrate growth in the areas of business performance and employment over the past 3 years (since 17th October 2022).
The 2025 Eastside Award for Community Impact sponsored by Belfast Harbour
This award is open to organisations that can demonstrate a contribution to:
  1. a local community or;
  2. across a number of communities in East Belfast & Greater East Belfast areas
The 2025 Eastside Award for Best Place to Work for sponsored by Fleet Financial
Open to all organisations in East or Greater East Belfast that create positive, supportive, and thriving workplaces.
The 2025 Eastside Award for Sustainable Business of the Year sponsored by Action Renewables
Open to individuals or organisations in East or Greater East Belfast leading the way in sustainability and environmental responsibility

Awards by nomination:

The 2025 Eastside Award for Trainee/Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Plumb Centre
Open to trainees or apprentices from any profession who are currently in training or have completed an apprenticeship in 2024–25.
The 2025 Eastside Award for Young Person of the Year sponsored by Belfast City Airport
This category is open for nomination or self-nomination for young people aged 25 or under on 17 October 2025 who live in East or Greater East Belfast and are making a difference in their community, business, or field. 

Awards by selection:

The 2025 Eastside Award for Outstanding Contribution sponsored by East Belfast Enterprise
​The award for Outstanding Contribution will be selected by the steering committee and presented at the awards gala dinner on Friday 30th Jan 2026 at Titanic Belfast.