As Belfast city prepares to welcome over 800,000 visitors as hosts of the prestigious Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this weekend, Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID) has made certain everyone feels pride of place with the return of the famous BELFAST sign.
The iconic 10 meter installation has a new home outside Primark’s historic Bank Buildings for the duration of the cultural celebrations, creating a vibrant focal point for all visiting the city.
To mark the return of the sign, which has been made over with Fleadh branding for the occasion, a special Irish Dancing performance took place by Ulster and Northern Ireland Champion Festival Dancers Valentina Jordan and Emily Oakes, accompanied by musician and Armagh Fleadh winner, Erin Callaghan, celebrating the rich cultural heritage at the heart of the Fleadh.
Martina Connolly, CEO at Belfast One BID commented; “Our retailers, cafes, restaurants, hotels and tourism venues are so excited to welcome thousands of visitors into the city – this is Belfast’s time to shine.
“We are delighted that Belfast City Council agreed to allow extended opening hours for traders on Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th August, showcasing what Belfast’s Sundays in the City could be like in the future.
“Footfall from this time last year is up by 6.4%, which shows incredible confidence consumers have in our city, alongside brands, retailers and hospitality operators who have made investments into our district.”
In preparation for a busy week within a busy summer of events for the city, Belfast One BID has continued to fund the City Centre Beat, dedicated PSNI officers who patrol the city centre during retail and business hours to tackle anti-social behaviour and support businesses.
The Belfast One Clean Team will have extended hours and remits to ensure the city is sparkling throughout the Fleadh week, while the BID has also commissioned artwork across the city to bring vibrance to quieter areas.
Martina continued; “We commissioned artist Alana McDowell to create stunning pieces of art to brighten up areas of the city; on Royal Avenue we have a ‘Come for the Music, Stay for the Craic’ mural as an ode to the Fleadh, while on North Street, we have created a colourful walkway of Belfast welcomes and sayings, to bring visitors further into our unique culture.
“We hope the artwork and our BELFAST sign will act as unique backdrops to visitors’ photos, videos and memories of their time in the city for the Fleadh, reminding them of Belfast’s defining characteristics of its people, culture, hospitality, homegrown businesses and our resilience.
“Everything we have put into place is to ensure visitors leave with a lasting impression of a welcome, vibrant Belfast city, fully of energy, character and craic.”