Agenda item

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report / Summary of Main Issues

1.1

·        To update members on Culture Night 2025

·        To seek approval from Members for a dedicated workshop session to support the development of Belfast City Council’s Events Action Plan, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and effective stakeholder engagement.

·        To seek approval from Members to facilitate a site visit to Dundalk to view festive lighting scheme as part of planning for future years.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to:

·        Note the update on Culture night

·        Approve request to facilitate members workshop for events action plan

·        Approve request for site visit associated to festive lights

3.0       Culture night

3.1       Members are advised that Culture Night Belfast 2025 was successfully delivered on 19th September, with a diverse programme of cultural activity taking place across the city centre and neighbourhoods. The event featured over 100 individual performances, exhibitions, workshops and community-led activities, delivered in partnership with artists, cultural organisations, local businesses and residents.

            Attendance was strong, with thousands of people engaging in events throughout the evening, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as one of Belfast’s flagship cultural celebrations. The programme highlighted the breadth of creative talent across the city and promoted wide public participation, supporting both the cultural sector and the night-time economy.

            Officers are now progressing the final evaluation and reporting process. This will include detailed analysis of outcomes, audience reach and impact, alongside reflections from stakeholders and delivery partners. Recommendations for the future development of Culture Night will be prepared and brought back to Committee in due course for Members’ consideration.

3.2       Events action plan

            Officers are continuing to work on the development of an events action plan.

            Belfast’s programme of events plays a vital role in shaping the city’s identity, attracting visitors, supporting the local economy, and fostering civic pride. As the Council looks ahead to the next phase of delivery, it is essential that a refreshed Events Action Plan is developed to:

·        Reflect the ambitions of the Belfast Agenda and cultural strategy.

·        Respond to changes in the events landscape post-pandemic.

·        Support wider city recovery, tourism, and place-making objectives.

·        Ensure an inclusive and sustainable approach to event planning and delivery.

            The development of the Action Plan will require input from Members to ensure that the priorities and outcomes reflect the ambitions of the Council and the needs of communities across the city.

            It is proposed that a workshop be convened with Members (dates to be circulated via democratic services) to:

·        Provide an overview of the current events programme, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

·        Explore opportunities for enhancing the city’s events offering, including community events, cultural programming, and signature events.

·        Consider themes such as sustainability, accessibility, economic impact, partnership opportunities, and international positioning.

·        Discuss priorities and desired outcomes for inclusion in the draft Events Action Plan.

·        The workshop will be designed to be interactive and informative, giving Members the opportunity to shape the direction of the Plan at an early stage. Feedback from the session will be used to inform the drafting of the Action Plan, which will be presented to Committee for approval later in the year.

3.2       Festive lights – site visit

            As part of the planning and development for future iterations of the festive lights scheme it is proposed to conduct a site visit to Dundalk at some point between the 2-9th December to see an installation that our suppliers have previously delivered as we move towards planning for 2026, and a subsequent members planning workshop in January

            Dundalk’s ‘The Northern Light Show’ presents a valuable opportunity for Belfast City Council to gain insights into the planning, delivery, and impact of large-scale festive lighting installations. Dundalk’s success in creating a visually captivating and community-driven experience offers a practical model for enhancing Belfast’s own seasonal lighting strategy. 

            Aligning with the objectives of the Belfast Lighting Strategy, particularly in relation to innovation, placemaking, and increasing civic pride. With Belfast introducing new Christmas lights supplier this year, there is a timely opportunity to explore how immersive lighting can be used not only during the festive season but also extended to other key calendar events such as Halloween. These extensions would allow for year-round engagement, encouraging repeat visits and boosting local economic activity. 

            The learnings from Dundalk’s approach, particularly around community involvement, sustainability, and creative design can inform Belfast’s own delivery model, ensuring that future lighting installations are both impactful and inclusive. 

            The Dundalk installation, which formed the centrepiece of the Brigid1500 Festival , attracted an estimated?48,000 visitors within its first few days ?(Dundalk Democrat) , demonstrating the strong public appetite for high-quality, visually impactful light experiences. 

4.0       Financial and Resource Implications

            There are no immediate financial implications associated with this paper.

5.0       Equality or Good Relations Implications /

            Rural Needs Assessment

            The cultural strategy, A City Imagining has been subject to an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) and a Rural Needs Assessment (RNA).”

            During discussion, Members thanked officers for the work that had been undertaken to help deliver a successful Culture Night on 19th September.

            After discussion, the Committee:

i.        noted the update on Culture Night;

ii.      granted approval for a dedicated Members workshop to be held to support the development of a Council’s Events Action Plan; and

iii.     approved that Members undertake a site visit to Dundalk in relation to festive lighting.