East Belfast this weekend

Backin’ Belfast Goes East

Details of a new initiative to support local businesses in east Belfast, as an extension of the successful Backin’ Belfast campaign, are unveiled this week encouraging people to get ‘Backin’ East Belfast’.

The special series of activity includes a Family Fun Day on Saturday 23rd March which will be supported by a wide range of new retail, leisure and hospitality offers and discounts to help drive shoppers and visitors to the area.

The Backin’ Belfast campaign which was developed by Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau (BVCB) with support from Belfast City Council and DETI and backed by the city’s hospitality and retail sectors, was launched in January as a major integrated marketing and communications campaign, aimed at driving footfall and restoring confidence in the city with great value offers and a weekly line up of family fun and entertainment.

Maurice Kinkead, chief executive of the East Belfast Partnership, said, “In East Belfast there’s so much on your doorstep and this campaign is a great way to remind people about everything that is great about the locality. From Castlereagh Road to Ballyhackamore and Belmont to the Cregagh Road, you’ll enjoy the warmest of welcomes; from award winning restaurateurs, the friendliest bartenders, baristas and brewers, as well as independent retailers, hairdressers and beauticians, all offering the best in customer service.”

Having fully engaged with the hospitality industry and retailers within Belfast city centre over the last few weeks, the Backin’ Belfast campaign is now encouraging local businesses to developtheir plans for Backin’ East Belfast and integrate this with the main campaign activity.

Morgan Watson, manager of Horatio Todds, said: “So many businesses in East Belfast have been supporting the Backin’ Belfast campaign by providing great offers and incentives to entice people into the city. We’ve had a great response from locals within the area who continue to come out to support local traders, by eating out, shopping and enjoying our fantastic night life in East Belfast. This latest element of the campaign is another great way to cement the message that East Belfast is open for business for everyone to enjoy.”

In a series of special events this Saturday [23rd March], there will be lots of family fun at a number of key locations within the east of the city, including children’s workshops in Connswater Shopping Centre from 11-4pm; street entertainment and live music at the Holywood Arches; a free youth event for 14-20 year olds at the recently opened Skainos Centre from 10am-7pm organised by the East Belfast Partnership; and face-painting, balloon modelling, live music and street entertainment in Ballyhackamore and Belmont.

Brenda Shankey, joint owner and manager of Jason Shankey Male Grooming, added, “East Belfast is a fantastic retail and leisure district. It has so much to offer with local businesses run by some of the friendliest people in Belfast. Everything is within walking distance, so we’d love to welcome even more people ‘Backin’ East Belfast’ to enjoy this part of our city.”

As well as a host of family entertainment, the campaign will be supported by a number of exclusive offers and discounts from local bars, restaurants, beauticians, shops, hairdressers and cafes. Current offers include:

Strand Cinema – Buy One Get One Free on all showings from Monday 18 March
The Bethany, Newtownards Rd – Fish Supper £4.99
BANG Blow Dry Bar, Holywood Arches – Colours from £30
Espresso East, Holywood Arches – 2 teas/ coffees/ hot chocolate & dessert for £5
Il Pirata, Ballyhackamore – 2 courses and wine – £25 per couple
Aunt Sandra’s, Castlereagh – 20% discount on chocolate workshops
Horatio Todd’s, Ballyhackamore – 2 courses & glass of wine for £13.95 per person
Lindores Coffee House, Holywood Arches – Free tea or filter coffee with every breakfast before 11am
Yaro Natural Health, Holywood Arches – 20% off RENfacial and Pedicure treatments
The Backin’ East Belfast initiative aims to remind residents and visitors what’s great about east Belfast and to come out and support their local businesses; creating real buzz and positivity about the area, it is hoped this promotional activity will not only attract everyone who lives in the east, but also the wider Belfast population to come and explore some of the great value and quality retail, leisure and hospitality offers in the east of the city.

This east Belfast Youth event has been named #Inspire. So basically this event hopes to inspire you! There will be Music Production, DJing, Film Production, Hip Hop, Breakdancing, Make up, Hair styling, HD Brows, Nail Art, Drums, Music, Open jamming session, Dance, Street Art / Grafitti. All workshops are led by the leading industry professionals that way you will get tips from the top. The best bit is this event is TOTALLY FREE, and you get your lunch!
Register for your ticket on www.eastbelfastpartnership.org/hashtaginspire. Alternatively ask your youth leader, or call the EBP on 028 90451900 (Mon -Fri 9-5pm)

From 11am-4pm the kids will enjoy free face painting & balloon modelling from on-street entertainers. Prunella the Pink Pixie will be wandering around and getting involved with the fun from 12.30pm to 2.30pm – watch out she’s a little bit mischievous! Your little ones will also have the chance to meet the regal Lady Rosalind from 2pm to 4pm, she is very much looking forward to this spiffing event! Meanwhile, bigger kids & adults will enjoy two fantastic musical performances from Brian Houston from 12.15pm to 2.15pm and Anthony Toner from 2.15pm to 4.15pm.

Retailers will also be getting into the spirit with colourful decorations and window displays. They have some amazing offers and promotions up their sleeves so make sure you pop along on the day to find out what they have in store for you.

There’s a Book Swap in Cregagh Methodist on Saturday 23rd March, from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Entry costs £1 for adults, and 50p for children, and includes tea/coffee and a bun! There will be readings from children’s books throughout the morning.

So get Back in East Belfast

To stay up-to-date with all the latest offers, deals, events and initiatives check out www.backinbelfast.com or www.twitter.com/love_belfast