Belfast Named Best Kept City as Local Gardening Heroes Celebrated

Belfast has been named Northern Ireland’s Best Kept City for 2026, while Annadale Community Garden received the President’s Trophy. Residents, community groups, schools and businesses have also been recognised in this year’s Belfast in Bloom awards.

Belfast is celebrating a major environmental success after being named Northern Ireland’s Best Kept City for 2026, alongside recognition for community gardening projects across the city.

The award comes as Belfast City Council also announced the winners of its Belfast in Bloom 2026 competition, recognising residents, schools, businesses and community groups helping to improve neighbourhoods across the city.

You can find more local news, events and information through the Northern Ireland Online Belfast guide.

Belfast Named Best Kept City 2026

Belfast secured the prestigious Best Kept City title at the Northern Ireland Amenity Council Best Kept Awards.

The regional competition, now in its 69th year, recognises communities for their appearance, sustainability, biodiversity and local involvement.

Nearly 100 community representatives joined council officers at the awards ceremony at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen.

South Belfast’s Annadale Community Garden also received the President’s Trophy following its first year transforming the surrounding neighbourhood.

Annadale secured further recognition by winning Best Allotment Site in the Belfast in Bloom competition.

Lord Mayor Praises Belfast Communities

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly welcomed the awards and praised the contribution of volunteers, residents, community organisations and council staff.

She said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Belfast has been named the Best Kept City, alongside the well-deserved recognition for the team at Annadale Community Garden.”

The Lord Mayor said the awards reflected a city-wide team effort.

“At the heart of this success is the pride, passion, and hard work of our communities, volunteers, and local groups who work every day to make life better for others and to create a more welcoming, vibrant city environment.”

She said the same community spirit could be seen throughout the Belfast in Bloom competition.

“From stunning individual hanging baskets to thriving school gardens and community alleys, our citizens are playing a vital role in transforming our neighbourhoods.”

Cathedral Quarter and City Centre Praised

Judges highlighted several areas of Belfast during the Best Kept assessment.

The Cathedral Quarter received particular praise for its floral displays, hanging baskets and window displays.

Judges also highlighted landscaping around Belfast Grand Central Station and Saltwater Square, describing the area as an increasingly impressive gateway into the city.

The cleanliness of Belfast city centre was also singled out.

Judges praised the work of Belfast City Council’s street cleansing teams and noted improvements in areas which had previously received less attention.

Belfast in Bloom 2026 Winners

The environmental success comes alongside the announcement of the Belfast in Bloom 2026 winners.

The annual competition celebrates the contribution made by residents, businesses, schools and community organisations to greener neighbourhoods.

Best Garden

The winners across Belfast were:

• North Belfast: Hilda Thompson
• South Belfast: Ken Orr
• East Belfast: Linda Hamilton
• West Belfast: Clare McGarrigle

Best Hanging Basket

Top honours for hanging baskets went to:

• John McCall
• Roisin Smith
• Teddy Stanex
• Michael Bennet

Belfast Businesses Recognised

Businesses were also recognised for their contribution to the appearance of the city.

The Jailhouse Bar was named Best Public House, while the Cathedral Eye Clinic received the award for Best Commercial Premises.

Community Groups, Alleyways and Schools Celebrated

Community-led projects featured prominently among this year’s winners.

Those recognised included:

• Restore Glandore ATC Community Group
• Holyland Community Gardens
• Phoenix Rising Alleyway
• St Patrick’s Primary School

The awards reflect the growing role of community gardens, alleyway projects and neighbourhood groups in improving urban spaces throughout Belfast.

Belfast City Council had introduced a new Best Alleyway category to the 2026 competition, highlighting how traditionally overlooked spaces can be transformed into greener community areas.

How to Report Litter and Street Cleaning Problems in Belfast

Residents are being encouraged to continue helping keep neighbourhoods clean and tidy.

Problems including litter, illegal dumping, graffiti and fly-tipping can be reported using Belfast City Council’s online street cleaning reporting service.

Residents can also report issues by calling 028 9027 0230.

Free Support for Community Clean-Ups

Schools, residents and community organisations can also organise their own neighbourhood clean-up with help from Belfast City Council.

The council’s community clean-up programme can provide equipment including:

• Litter pickers
• Gloves
• Rubbish bags
• Brushes
• Shovels

At least one week’s notice is normally required.

Council teams can also arrange to collect bagged rubbish following an organised clean-up.

Keeping Belfast Blooming

Belfast’s Best Kept City award and this year’s Belfast in Bloom winners highlight the impact local residents can have on their surroundings.

From individual gardens and hanging baskets to community allotments, alleyways and school gardens, much of the city’s success has been driven by people taking responsibility for the areas where they live and work.

Residents can discover more local updates, events, businesses and useful information on the Northern Ireland Online Belfast page.

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