Dromore named Northern Ireland’s High Street of the Year 2026

Dromore has been named Northern Ireland’s High Street of the Year 2026, winning the public vote ahead of fellow finalists Ballycastle and Newcastle at Retail NI’s High Street Heroes Awards.

MyDaily Gortnessy in Derry/Londonderry was crowned Overall Independent Retailer of the Year, while Angela McNeilly from Vivo Oaklands in Carrickfergus took Independent Retail Employee of the Year. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were also handed out across a wide range of categories to independent businesses from towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

A special awards reception at Belfast Harbour Commissioners brought together retailers, employees, business representatives and community stakeholders to celebrate the contribution local shops make to their high streets — continuing a tradition LoveBelfast has followed since earlier rounds of the High Street Heroes awards and when voting first opened to recognise independent retailers.

This year’s programme also recognised neighbourhood policing’s role in safe, thriving high streets. T/Chief Inspector Trevor Campbell from Bangor was named Gold winner of the Best Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year Award.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “I am delighted to see Dromore recognised as Northern Ireland’s High Street of the Year. As someone who proudly represents Lagan Valley, I know first-hand the important role Dromore’s businesses play in supporting our local economy, creating jobs and bringing people together.”

“This award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, creativity and community spirit that make Dromore such a vibrant place. From independent retailers and local businesses to residents and community groups, there is a real sense of pride in the town – and that shines through.”

“Strong high streets are at the heart of strong communities. I would like to congratulate all of this year’s High Street Heroes winners and finalists for the invaluable contribution they make right across Northern Ireland.”

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “The High Street Heroes Awards are all about giving the public the opportunity to recognise the independent retailers, employees and high streets that make such an important contribution to communities right across Northern Ireland.”

“This year’s winners demonstrate the extraordinary strength and diversity of our independent retail sector. From Dromore being crowned High Street of the Year, to MyDaily Gortnessy receiving our Overall Independent Retailer award and Angela McNeilly being recognised as Independent Retail Employee of the Year, every winner has earned the support and loyalty of the communities they serve.”

“It is also fantastic to see businesses from places including Lisburn, Lurgan, Newcastle, Newry, Belfast, Comber, Antrim, Carrickfergus and Derry/Londonderry represented among our winners. These businesses are much more than places to shop – they create jobs, provide essential services, support their local communities and give our high streets their distinctive character.”

“Congratulations to all of our Gold, Silver and Bronze winners and, most importantly, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and show their support for their local High Street Heroes.”

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “I want to thank Retail NI for the inclusion of a new award of Best Neighbourhood Police Officer and sincerely congratulate the winner T/Chief Inspector Trevor Campbell.”

“This Gold award recognises Trevor’s exceptional commitment to the people and businesses of Bangor and North Down. Through his oversight and personal investment in visible neighbourhood policing, determined action on antisocial behaviour and retail crime, and strong partnerships with local organisations, he has helped turn community concerns into practical measures that make a real difference.”

“Initiatives such as support for improved CCTV, targeted patrolling and the launch of a body-worn video initiative for shop workers demonstrates the proactive, community-focused policing that this award recognises.”

“I warmly congratulate T/Chief Inspector Campbell on being named the High Street Heroes Gold Winner for Best Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year. It is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership, professionalism and sustained commitment to keeping residents, visitors and local businesses safe.”

Wendy Craig, Divisional Controller for Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery, said: “Independent retailers are the lifeblood of our local communities. They provide essential services, create local jobs and bring people together every day. They also play a vital role in the positive impact of The National Lottery, helping us reach players across Northern Ireland and supporting National Lottery-funded projects that matter most to local communities.”

“We are delighted to have supported the High Street Heroes Awards this year in celebration of the outstanding contribution independent retailers make to the communities they serve. On behalf of Allwyn UK, I would like to say a huge thank you for your passion and hard work, and offer my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners. I hope you enjoyed the awards and this well-deserved recognition.”

The High Street Heroes NI Awards are powered by Retail NI and supported by National Lottery operator Allwyn, GigGrafter and SSE Airtricity. Retail NI has long pressed for safer high streets — including through its action plan to tackle retail crime — and the new neighbourhood policing award underlines that focus.