What is 'East Belfast – Our Story 2020'?

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.”

When?

Jonathan McAlpin, ​Chair of the Eastside Awards Committee

​A story of the spirit of the people who came together to help those in need during the dark days of the first lockdown, of innovation from those who pivoted businesses to survive in 2020 and of hope, with stories from people who have a vision for the future beyond the present time is available to watch on demand now.

East Belfast - Our Story 2020 is championed by: