EastSide Awards to celebrate the best of East Belfast

Alex Fleck , Jonathan Martindael , Simon Seaton , Stephen Patton , Philip Miley, Jonathan McAlpin , Lauren McDonald , Tara Mills and Caroline Prunty Pictured at the launch of the East side awards on the Newtownards Road - October 14th 2016, Northern Ireland (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

The EastSide Awards is a new initiative aimed at highlighting all that is good about East Belfast - while showcasing the contributions being made to the economic, social and community development of the area. The awards are supported by the Belfast Telegraph and celebrate the best of east Belfast across many sectors. 
There are 12 categories for which entries and nominations are being sought - from those who are based in or operating in the broad east Belfast area. Individuals, organisations and businesses are asked to demonstrate, through a simple written application process, their achievements or contributions in their chosen category/categories. 
Entries open on Monday, October 17 2016, and will close at midday on Friday, November 18 2016. A panel of respected individuals from the private, public and community sectors will judge the submissions and will select the finalists using the criteria set out for each category. 
Finalists will be announced early/mid December 2016 and it is likely that there will be a maximum of three finalists per category.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place on Thursday January 26 2017 at Hastings Stormont Hotel. 
The EastSide Awards is being organised by a small voluntary committee, chaired by East Belfast Enterprise and comprising members of the business and community sectors. The activity is being funded through sponsorship support from local organisations and the initiative is being financed on a not-for-profit basis, with all monies generated being used to run the event.