Belfast’s City Centre Night Czar, Michael Stewart, has announced his priorities for the second year of his term.
To Support The Success Of The Late Night Transport Pilot And Ensure It Becomes A Permanent Service
The introduction of late-night bus services across the Belfast region on Nov 28th 2025, was a landmark moment for our city. For too long, lack of safe, affordable transport has been the single biggest barrier to unlocking the full potential of the night-time economy which our research has estimated is worth £3.7 billion to local economy . These new services will not only help customers stay later – they will also be a lifeline for the thousands of hospitality workers, venue staff, shift workers and health service employees who keep our city running at night.
This announcement follows an 18-month campaign led by myself, the three Belfast BIDs and the Purple Flag network – engaging our local, elected representatives, securing research that proved the economic case, and rallying more than 1,000 local businesses behind a shared vision.
Now we need to make a success of this pilot to ensure it becomes a permanent service. I will be working to promote the services and engaging regularly with delivery partners and statutory agencies to ensure that the pilot is delivered sufficiently.
Support Students To Participate Further In Night Time Economy
The residential student population in Belfast City Centre has grown significantly over recent years, but this cohort, particularly international students, has limited engagement with the Night Time Economy. I will engage with the Universities and Student Accomodation buildings to break down barriers for students to engage in our NTE, including working with the BIDs and PSNI to promote safety initiatives.
Advocate and Lobby For Funding For Culture Night 2026
Belfast City Council, with the support of the Belfast BIDs and others, supported the return of Culture Night in 2025 after 6 long years away, bringing 60,000 people to experience Belfast’s Night Time Economy and driving engagement with our vibrant arts sector. I will lobby for additional and more permanent funding models for this landmark event in the city’s calendar, including NI Executive departments, to support the sustainability of the event in 2026 and for many years to come.
Supporting Stakeholders To Put On The Best Fleadh Possible
Belfast is due to host The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2nd-9th August 2026, which is tipped to be the largest event the city has ever hosted. I will work with all stakeholders to ensure that our night time economy is ready to welcome the hundreds of thousands of additional visitors expected, and provide them an amazing experience which will sell the City of Belfast for years to come.
