Reflecting on RE[act] Festival: A Step Toward a Sustainable Belfast

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the RE[act] Festival for a Sustainable Belfast! Over three unforgettable days, the festival brought together a vibrant community of change-makers, with 40 diverse events that inspired action and ideas. We are incredibly proud to share that almost 1,200 attendees, including over 100 children and young people, participated in this transformative biennial experience. These young minds – the future advocates for people, place, and planet – embody the hope and drive we need to create a better world.

We could not have achieved this milestone without the trust and support of our sponsors ICC Belfast, Invest NI and SONI – Systems Operator in NI, and delivery partners. Tackling sustainability challenges through an ambitious platform as the RE[act] Festival required collaboration, creativity, and dedication from everyone involved. Your belief in our vision for a Better Belfast has enabled us to deliver a festival that sparked meaningful conversations and ignited the imaginations of participants.

The Work Begins Now

While the festival may have drawn to a close, the real work starts today. We hope the sessions inspired attendees to RE[act] for the future of our society and planet. Whether it was through workshops, screening, panel discussions, or hands-on activities, every moment was designed to empower individuals and communities to take tangible steps toward sustainability.

As we reflect on the festival’s impact, we’re excited to share some of the key legacies it has left behind for our people, our place, and our planet:

1. Launch of “Better on Board” with Translink

One of the festival’s standout moments was the launch of Better on Board, an initiative with Translink aimed at encouraging a shift to sustainable transportation. By prioritising greener, more efficient modes of travel, this program is set to make a significant difference in reducing Belfast’s carbon footprint.

2. Cycling-Friendly Employer Accreditation

We’re thrilled to announce that Belfast City Council was officially accredited as a Cycling Friendly Employer during the festival. This achievement demonstrates the city’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more sustainable way of commuting, paving the way for other employers to follow suit. With this new accreditation, there are now 14,000 people currently work for a cycling accredited organisation in Belfast alone. Linen Quarter is now home to 50% of cycling UK accreditation in the whole of NI.

3. Innovative Models for Climate Engagement

Several bespoke events held at RE[act] will serve as blueprints for future community and student engagement initiatives. By focusing on climate action and environmental justice, these events showcased how meaningful conversations can lead to actionable outcomes. We’re excited to see how our partners take these models forward in their own endeavours.

Looking Ahead

While the next RE[act] Festival won’t take place until 2026, the momentum we’ve built doesn’t end here. Keep an eye out for RE[act]-related events popping up across Belfast in the coming months. These events will continue to champion the principles of sustainability and engage our community in the urgent work of protecting our planet. We will continue to support local sustainability initiatives and advocate for a resilient Belfast as part of our commitment to a more equitable and greener future. Sign up to our newsletter to get informed.

The RE[act] Festival wasn’t just an event; it was a call to action. Together, we celebrated innovation, explored solutions, and strengthened our shared commitment to building a better future. To the students who attended, you are the custodians of tomorrow. To our sponsors and partners, your support empowers us to create lasting change. And to everyone who participated, you are the heart of this movement. Keep RE[act]ing for the change we all want to see.

As we move forward, let’s carry the energy and ideas from RE[act] into our daily lives. Each small step we take adds up to monumental change. Thank you for being part of this journey—let’s continue to RE[act] for the good of our people, our place, and our planet.

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