How to Enter

What is the Eastside Awards?

The Eastside Awards is an exciting initiative aimed at highlighting and celebrating all that is good about East Belfast*, whilst showcasing the contributions being made to the economic, social and community development of the area.

*Note: East Belfast & Greater East Belfast area shaded light blue on the map. (Which will include everything up to the Holywood Exchange roundabout, Dundonald, East side of Ravenhill Road to its Saintfield Road junction, Gilnahirk, Hillfoot and Titanic Quarter).

How To Enter:

1. Choose choose the category that you wish to enter/nominate in. You can see the full list of categories here.
2. Read/download the category criteria and start planning how you/your organisation meets the requirements.
3. Decide whether you wish to submit a written or a video submission. See below explanation of both entry methods to help you decide:

1. Video Submission

This is a new entry mechanism for 2023 for those who would prefer to personally tell the story of them/their organisation in the spoken word rather than submit a written application.
Step 1: Fill in your details via the on or offline application form.
Step 2: Once you have filled in your details, upload your video submission using the upload button.
There is no set structure for the video submission, the main aim should be to address the category criteria and tell the judges why you/your organisation deserves to win. Remember, you only have 120 seconds.
Please note: It will be the strength of the entry, and how it meets the criteria, that will be assessed rather than the production of the video submission

2. Written Submission

Written applications can either be submitted online using the online entry form or by downloading an application form and emailing a completed version to [email protected]. All written submissions must address how you/the organisation/the business or individual meet the category criteria in a maximum of 1000 words.

Public Nomination via Belfast Live

We are now also seeking public nominations for East Belfast's 'favourites' across a number of categories. Public nominations can be made via Belfast Live from 14th September - 17th October by clicking the 'Nominate Now' button over on the categories page.
The top three nominees in each category (with the most nominations), will be announced, along with the other shortlisted finalists, towards the end of November 2023. The winner, with the most nominations, will be announced live at the awards ceremony on Friday 26th January 2024.

So, if you are a business or organisation that wishes to be in with a chance of winning, why not nominate yourself or indeed, spread the word and ask your clients to nominate you. Remember to get as many nominations in as possible between 14th September - 17th October via Belfast Live to be in with a chance!

Nominate Now

Helpful Hints

Take time to look at the criteria in your chosen category and use it to guide your responses.
It is important to note that the judges will be looking for evidence that will demonstrate the contributions, achievements or impacts associated with your responses.
Remember, the judges can only base their assessment on the information provided so please do make sure you include all relevant information to assist them in the judging process.
Please remember that regardless of whether you submit a written or video application or nomination, the judges will assess the submission based on how the entry meets the set category criteria.
Should you experience any difficulty in submitting your application, please contact Jessica Higginson [email protected] or call 028 9076 1030.

Eastside Awards 2023 Timeline of Events:

Entries Open at 4pm Tuesday 14th September 2023.
Entries should be submitted or returned no later than 5pm Tuesday 17th October 2023.
Judging will be held at the end of November 2023.
Finalists will be announced in early December 2023.
The Awards ceremony will be held at Hastings Stormont Hotel on Friday 26th Jan 2024.