What is 'East Belfast – Our Story 2020'?

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East Belfast has always had a story to tell! From the dawn of the last century when East Belfast became renowned globally for rope manufacturing, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing, its linen mills and the creation of air-conditioning, to more recent times when fast forward to 2020 and its people were forced to respond to a pandemic, the like of which nobody could have imagined in our lifetime.

​Eastside Awards in association with George Best Belfast City Airport has built a reputation for recognising all that is good about East Belfast and this year, more than any other, the organisers want to hear uplifting stories of how the community has pulled together and how businesses have innovated, pivoted and diversified to survive.
 
‘East Belfast – Our Story 2020’ will showcase contributions made to the economic, social and community development of the area. Turning the spotlight on those who have made a real difference inspiring pride, enriching lives and galvanising the creation of a positive future for the people of East Belfast. This year Eastside Awards are creating a film of stories recounting how the people of East Belfast have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why?

“There are a lot of people in East Belfast who need to be congratulated and commended for playing their part during one of the most challenging years of our lifetime. This year’s Eastside Awards is the community’s to own. We want to hear powerful stories from education, sport, the arts, business, health and social care, stories of how children were nurtured during lockdown, extraordinary stories about community spirit, innovative stories about business survival to bring to life ‘East Belfast – Our Story 2020’. I believe this film will in some small way thank those who have helped us through this year and recognise the heroes of 2020, whether they be frontline workers, business owners, NHS staff or members of the general public who have helped lift spirits of their families, friends and neighbours on some of the darkest of days.”
Jonathan McAlpin, ​Chair of the Eastside Awards Committee

 Help us create ‘East Belfast – Our Story 2020’

We're calling on you, the people of East Belfast, to tell us your stories of living through the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
​If you, or someone you know has a story that is worth sharing then let us know! If you have a story about human kindness, how you have coped in 2020, if you know a teacher who has gone the extra mile, if you have an exceptional neighbour, if your community group risked their health to help others during lockdown or you know of a volunteer who should be recognised, send your story by filling in our simple form or emailing us at info@eastsideawards.org with a summary of your story in your own words.

Closing date for story submissions is 5.00pm on Friday 11 December.

How to send us your story:
  1. Fill in the form on our website by clicking the button below or here
  2. Email us at info@eastsideawards.org including the below information:
  • Name
  • Contact number
  • Email
  • Organisation
  • Key contact details 
  • Brief synopsis of the story
  • Supporting information* 

*Supporting information
Supporting information is not essential. If you do have supporting information or content then we would love to receive this in addition to your story. Supporting information can include video, audio, imagery and press clippings. Please note, if you send supporting information, you must own it or have the right to use it for the purposes of the film. Supporting information can be uploaded via the contact form here or emailed directly to info@eastsideawards.org. For larger files please contact us in advance and we can arrange to accept drobox, we transfer and other file sharing links.

For all queries please contact Jessica Higginson via email info@eastsideawards.org or call 028 9076 1030.

Closing date for story submissions is 5.00pm on Friday 11 December​

East Belfast - Our Story 2020 is championed by: