Ahead of the glittering ceremony announcing the winners of the Eastside Awards on Friday 27th January, the host, Tara Mills, has given us a rundown of her favourite things about East Belfast.
The finalists for the 2022 Eastside awards have been announced here and winners will be announced at the glittering celebration in Hastings Stormont Hotel.
The TV host has given us an insight into the things she loves most about the East of the city and why it deserves to be celebrated.
1. The people
There’s an energy and excitement in east Belfast and it’s down to the people who live and work there. You see it every year at the Eastside Awards, there’s a vibrancy and dedication. So much of the area has been transformed in the last twenty years and it’s down to the collaboration of those with one thing in common - wanting to see east Belfast succeed.
Read more: Eastside Awards 2022 finalists announced
2. The history
The late Dr Èamon Phoenix painted a rich picture of how east Belfast was central to the conflict and creation of Northern Ireland 100 years ago when we were making our Year '21 BBC podcast. It was the industrial heart of the city but also an area of deep division.
3. The open spaces
Where else can you play football and GAA, walk past the Cranes, visit Aslan at CS Lewis Square. Learn about the history of the Titanic, run the Stormont estate. East Belfast has so much to offer, the list is endless.
4. Tor Bank School
From the moment we walked in with our son to start P1 our lives changed. I’d walk over hot coals for the staff. It’s an outstanding school for a reason and provides the most loving and nurturing community.
5. The food
Maud’s is our favourite for ice-cream, Mandarin City for takeaway and Cyprus Avenue for special occasions. But that’s just choosing three from a list of many more fabulous places to eat.
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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