HIP HIP HOORAY CELEBRATING THE BEST OF EAST BELFAST WITH THE THIRD ANNUAL EASTSIDE AWARDS

Three cheers for the best of East Belfast as the third annual Eastside Awards launches in association with George Best Belfast City Airport, celebrating the achievements of the businesses and people of East Belfast.
 
Open for entry until 19 October, new categories have been added to this year’s accolades recognising the thriving beauty and foodie industries within East Belfast and members of the public are being encouraged to vote for their Favourite Hair Salon, Favourite Beauty Salon, Favourite Takeaway Outlet and Favourite Eatery.
 
Eastside Awards in association with George Best Belfast City Airport categories open for application or nomination are: Eastside Award for Tourism Experience, Eastside Award for Individual Contribution to Sport, Eastside Award for Contribution to the Arts, Eastside Award for Educator of the Year, Eastside Award for Best Community Project, Eastside Award for Employer of the Year, Titanic Eastside Award for Innovation, Eastside Award for Business Start-Up, Eastside Award for Business Growth, Eastside Award for Volunteer of the Year, Eastside Award for Young Person of the Year.
 
Jonathan McAlpin of East Belfast Enterprise was behind the original Eastside Awards concept and is Chair of the organising committee. Launching this year’s awards Jonathan said: “It’s a real privilege to be launching the third annual Eastside Awards. And it gives me such pleasure to be involved in recognising everything that is the best about East Belfast. From celebrating the achievements of our young people to those who are contributing to the economic impact of the area, to inspirational residents who volunteer their time to helping others and those who entertain or who are committed to our next generation.”
 
Michelle Hatfield, Director of Corporate Services at George Best Belfast City Airport said: “East Belfast is a hotbed of cultural, sporting and economic success made possible by the amazing people that call this great place home, or come to work or play in its surrounds. For that reason Belfast City Airport is once again privileged to be the principal partner of the Eastside Awards, which look to recognise individuals and organisations that make East Belfast proud. Our continued association with the Eastside Awards is one small element of a significant community strategy at Belfast City Airport, which places our community, its education, environment and young people at the core of our business. I would encourage East Belfast to support the Eastside Awards so we can together celebrate our local success.”
 
East Belfast TV presenter Tara Mills will host the awards at an evening of celebration on Friday 25 January 2019 in Hastings Stormont Hotel.
 
The free to enter awards are being supported by George Best Belfast City Airport,
Belfast City Council, East Belfast Enterprise, Fleet Financial, Millar McCall Wylie, Phoenix Natural Gas, Solv, Titanic Belfast, Titanic Foundation, Titanic Quarter, Ulster Bank, Urban Villages, We’re Sure and Wolseley. The media partner is Belfast Telegraph.
 
Ends
All media enquiries: Nicola Bothwell t 07590 606727 e nicola@nbcharteredcommunications.com
 
Eastside Awards social media channels:
www.facebook.com/eastsideawards; www.twitter.com/east_awards #eastawardsni