Retail NI urges Belfast to back local High Street Heroes after successful Fleadh week
Photo caption: (L-R) Julia Marian, Global Advertising, Anna Maria Szadowiak, Retail NI, John Finucane MP, Gerard Carlin, Translink, Glyn Roberts, Retail NI, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, High Sheriff of Belfast, Leanne O'Neill, SSE Airtricity, Peter McReynolds MLA, Andy Allen MLA, David Brooks MLA, Brian Kingston MLA
Following a landmark week for Belfast City Centre, Retail NI is encouraging people to thank the local retailers, staff and high streets who helped welcome visitors by voting in the High Street Heroes Awards.
The High Street Hero Awards 2026 give the public the opportunity to recognise the businesses and individuals who make a real difference to their local communities and help keep Northern Ireland’s high streets thriving.
As part of the campaign, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts visited Belfast City Hall, where he was joined by the High Sheriff of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, Translink Group Chief Executive Gerard Carlin, and local elected representatives.
Nominations and voting opened on Monday 3 August and will remain open until the beginning of September, with the public able to cast their votes online through the Retail NI website here: High Street Heroes 2026 – Voting Now Open! | Retail NI.
Powered by Retail NI and decided entirely by Public Vote, the awards celebrate the independent businesses, retail teams and high streets that play an important role in communities across Northern Ireland.
From the butcher who knows customers by name and the coffee shop that brings people together, to the convenience store that keeps a neighbourhood connected or the post office providing essential local services, the awards offer an opportunity to recognise those who make their high streets special.
This year also sees the introduction of two new award categories: Best Post Office and Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year, recognising the essential services and local partnerships that contribute to strong, safe and vibrant high streets.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Belfast is home to some of Northern Ireland’s most vibrant high streets, independent retailers and local businesses, all of whom play a vital role in supporting jobs, providing essential services and helping to keep communities connected.
“High Street Heroes is all about giving the public the chance to celebrate the independent retailers, local businesses and high streets that make a real difference every day.
“These awards are different because they are decided by the public. There are no judges. It is local shoppers, customers and communities who decide who deserves to be recognised.
“We want people across Belfast to get involved and show their support. Whether your High Street Hero is a family-run butcher, a brilliant bakery, a much-loved convenience store, a local fashion retailer, a neighbourhood post office or a high street that brings the whole community together, now is the time to nominate them.
“Retailers are facing significant pressures, from rising costs to retail crime, and it is more important than ever that we recognise the businesses, people and services that help keep our high streets strong, safe and vibrant.”
Translink Group Chief Executive Gerard Carlin said:
“Public transport is vital for a thriving retail scene connecting people to all those fantastic independent retailers out there with convenient, good value services. We want our customers to enjoy the very best in quality, choice and overall shopping experience right across Northern Ireland and we’re pleased to team up with Retail NI to encourage everyone to vote for their ‘High Street Heroes’ and wish good luck to all of this year’s nominees.”
High Sheriff of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubreysaid:
“It’s fantastic to see this opportunity to recognise our High Street Heroes. I’d encourage everyone to vote for their favourites and recognise the valuable contributions our retailers and independents make every single day – not only in boosting our economy, but also our quality of life.
“Let’s shine the spotlight on those who make our daily lives that little bit easier and brighter as they serve our communities – be that a bakery, butcher, chemist, coffee shop, post-office – or neighbourhood police officer.”
The High Street Heroes NI Awards are supported by National Lottery operator Allwyn, media partner Belfast Live, SSE Airtricity and GigGrafter.
The 2026 High Street Heroes Awards will take place on 23 September 2026.
The High Street Hero Award categories are:
Best Butcher
Best Coffee Shop
Best Convenience Store
Best Deli / Bakery
Best Fashion Retailer
Best Forecourt
Best Generalist Retailer
Best Healthcare Retailer
High Street of the Year
Best Homeware Retailer
Best Off Licence
Best Independent Retailer Employee
Overall Independent Retailer
Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year
Best Post Office
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