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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Justin Millar

Eastside Awards: Former Tourism Experience winner talks about the importance of celebrating East Belfast

The Eastside Awards have been running for seven years and we are the proud media partners once again. It celebrates the best of East Belfast, from world class businesses to incredible individuals.

We hear from a former winner of 'Tourism Experience of the year' ahead of the awards on the 27th of January. Kerrie Sweenie talks about how important it is to highlight East Belfast.

Kerrie Sweenie, Chief Executive of Maritime Belfast Trust, said: "Maritime Belfast Trust is delighted to have been shortlisted and announced as the winner of ‘The Eastside Award for Tourism Experience of the year 2021’ for SoundYard, a play installation inspired by the sounds of Belfast’s Shipyards.

Read more: Eastside Awards 2022 finalists announced

"The Eastside Awards is an excellent initiative that celebrates all that is good about East Belfast. The success of the Eastside Awards over the last six years has highlighted the talent of individuals, businesses and organisations who are committed to making East Belfast a vibrant part of the city and building a strong community, which we are proud to be part of. The Eastside Awards ceremony is also one of the most inspirational evenings in the Belfast events calendar.

"Maritime Belfast Trust have supported the awards for many years, from sponsoring the Tourism and Innovation awards alongside Titanic Quarter Limited and Titanic Belfast, and we were honoured that our project SoundYard was recognised with an Eastside Award.

"Located along the Maritime Mile, SoundYard celebrates Belfast’s maritime heritage and attracts local communities, reconnecting them with their local waterfront as well as providing a unique play and sound experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.

"With the help of former shipyard workers from East Belfast, we were able to ensure the sounds were authentic and a true reminder of what was once the world’s greatest shipyard. We continue to work to promote and preserve Belfast’s Maritime Heritage for current and future generations and we look forward to lots more families and visitors enjoying Belfast’s Maritime Mile and local neighbourhoods.

"We would encourage everyone to support the Eastside Awards to celebrate the success of East Belfast and we look forward to seeing what this year’s awards have in store!"

The finalists for the 2022 Eastside awards have been announced here. Hosted by television presenter Tara Mills, winners will be announced at the glittering celebration in Hastings Stormont Hotel on Friday 27 January 2023.

In the spirit of the Eastside Awards, finalists will each receive two complimentary tickets to the ceremony and entertainment is sponsored by The Urban Villages Initiative. For further information about the Eastside Awards ceremony or to purchase a ticket, visit: the website, Facebook or Twitter. #eastawardsni

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