Belfast named Best Kept City as community gardeners celebrate major awards success
Belfast has been named Northern Ireland’s Best Kept City, with local volunteers, community groups and gardeners also receiving recognition for their efforts to improve neighbourhoods across the city.
Belfast City Council is celebrating success at the Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept Awards, alongside the announcement of winners in its Belfast in Bloom Competition 2026.
Among the standout achievements was Annadale Community Garden in south Belfast, which received the prestigious President’s Trophy for its contribution to transforming the local area.
The community garden also secured the Best Allotment Site award in Belfast in Bloom, completing a double celebration for its volunteers.
Belfast wins Best Kept City award
The Northern Ireland Amenity Council’s Best Kept Awards recognise communities that demonstrate high standards of environmental care, sustainability, biodiversity and civic pride.
Now in its 69th year, the competition attracted entries from across Northern Ireland.
Belfast City Council representatives attended the awards ceremony at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen alongside almost 100 community representatives.
Judges praised the appearance of Belfast’s landmarks, green spaces and city centre, highlighting the contribution of volunteers, residents, businesses and council staff.
The Cathedral Quarter received particular recognition for its hanging baskets and floral displays, while the green spaces around Grand Central Station and Saltwater Square were praised for improving the appearance of a major gateway into the city.
Judges also commended the cleanliness of central Belfast, acknowledging the work of the council’s street cleansing teams.
Annadale Community Garden celebrates double success
Annadale Community Garden in south Belfast was among the biggest winners, receiving the President’s Trophy at the regional Best Kept Awards.
The recognition comes after the garden’s first year of work transforming its local neighbourhood.
The community initiative also won Best Allotment Site in the Belfast in Bloom Competition 2026.
The council said the success demonstrated the impact of residents and volunteers working together to improve their surroundings.
Community gardens and allotments can provide opportunities for local people to grow plants and food, develop gardening skills and create welcoming shared spaces.
Belfast in Bloom 2026 recognises local gardening champions
The council has also announced the winners of its annual Belfast in Bloom competition, recognising individuals, businesses, schools and community organisations that help brighten neighbourhoods.
Four residents received Best Garden awards across the city:
– North Belfast – Hilda Thompson
– South Belfast – Ken Orr
– East Belfast – Linda Hamilton
– West Belfast – Clare McGarrigle
John McCall, Roisin Smith, Teddy Stanex and Michael Bennet were also recognised for their hanging basket displays.
The awards celebrate the contribution of residents who maintain gardens and floral displays that improve the appearance of streets and neighbourhoods.
Businesses, schools and community groups recognised
Local businesses were also among the winners, with the Jailhouse Bar named Best Public House and Cathedral Eye Clinic receiving the Best Commercial Premises award.
Community organisations and neighbourhood projects recognised in the competition included Restore Glandore ATC Community Group, Holyland Community Gardens and Phoenix Rising Alleyway.
St Patrick’s Primary School was also among those celebrated for its contribution to local gardening and environmental improvement.
The competition recognises a wide range of projects, from individual gardens and hanging baskets to school grounds, community streets and shared alleyways.
Lord Mayor praises Belfast’s community spirit
Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly welcomed the city’s success, paying tribute to the volunteers, residents and organisations responsible.
She said the awards reflected the pride and dedication of people working to make Belfast a more attractive and welcoming place.
The Lord Mayor also highlighted the importance of community participation in Belfast in Bloom, with residents helping to transform gardens, streets, schools and alleyways.
She thanked council staff and community partners for their contribution to improving the city’s environment.
Belfast City Council encourages more community clean-ups
Following the awards, Belfast City Council is encouraging residents to continue supporting efforts to keep neighbourhoods clean and tidy.
The council offers assistance to community groups, schools and residents organising local clean-up activities.
Support includes free equipment such as litter-pickers, gloves, bags, brushes and shovels, provided requests are made at least one week in advance.
The council can also arrange to collect bagged rubbish following a community clean-up.
Residents can report problems including litter, illegal dumping, graffiti and fly-tipping through the council’s online street cleaning reporting service or by calling 028 9027 0230.
The council hopes the success of the Best Kept Awards and Belfast in Bloom will encourage more people to become involved in improving their local communities.
External link: Belfast City Council — Community clean-up initiatives
Related: East Belfast Juke Yard transformed into community garden with airport funding