Climate-change, homelessness and the cost of living crisis are just some of the issues that Belfast needs to get to grips with.
This August, the Take Back the City coalition invites the citizens of Belfast (and beyond) to an event during which we hope to sketch out solutions to these problems.
Registration for day one is essential. Sign up for the craic here. If you are finding it difficult to register contact avril@pprproject.org
Day two will be more family focused with activities for children.
Wednesday 10th August, 10am – Innovation Factory, 385 Springfield Road, Forthriver Business Park, Belfast BT12 7DG
9.30AM: REGISTRATION
Tea, coffee will be served with some tasty treats from around the world.
Make your Own Seed Bomb stall will be open.
10AM: A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Presentations by the Take Back The City Coalition on the campaign to build Belfast’s first sustainable community.
11:00AM: COMFORT BREAK
Over forty architects from four continents are participating in the City of the Future design competition – grab a coffee and get a sneak peak at the work in progress.
11:15AM: HOW CAN THE LAW ADVANCE THE RIGHT TO A SUSTAINABLE HOME?
‘Housing is a human right’, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick.
‘The legal case for a sustainable future’, Nicholas Quinn Solicitors. Learn more about how power is responding to Judicial Review 204, a family in housing need who recently quashed Belfast City Council planning processes in the high court.
12:30PM: LUNCH
1PM: THE RIGHT TO GROW
Land justice and the House of Lords - presentations on how campaigners and decision makers are teaming up to support public access to land in England - with Pam Warhurst (Incredible Edible) and Dr Hugh Ellis (Town and Country Planning Association)
3PM: CLOSING REMARKS
Thursday 11th August, 10am – ForthSpring Inter Community Group, 373 Springfield Road, Belfast, BT12 7DG
10AM: WELCOME TO THE GARDEN
Doors open – register for activities
10.30 – 11.30PM: FOOD FOR FREE
Learn how to forage for food at Springfield Dam, bilingual nature walk & plant lore with Aoife de Bhál
11.30 – 12.30PM: HOW A SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD AT MACKIE’S WILL HELP US RESPOND TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS
Valter Mira, permaculture specialist
10.30 – 1.30PM: TAKE A SEAT: MAKE A 3-LEGGED SUSTAINABLE STOOL
Craig Sands, GROW NI.
12.30PM LUNCH
Sample international food and make your own Pizza with Anaka Women’s Collective.
1 – 2PM: ACTIVE HOPE
A workshop on how to face the climate mess without going crazy with Lynda Sullivan.
ONGOING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - 10AM - 3PM
Street-Space with Agustina Martire, Queens University Belfast - explore Belfast’s potential with maps and 3d models.
Photo mapping Belfast – learn how to use your phone and Take Back the City mapping technology to assess the city’s potential.
Don’t say it – do it: Na habair é, déan é - How guerrilla gardeners are reshaping Belfast – a visual presentation.
Taste the Opera – A musical treat.
From the Ground - Sample fresh fruit & vegetables from local community garden
International food stalls and wood fired pizzas
Fermented food stall by The Multi-cultured Club
Whittling new spoons from old trees with Neil Dowson
Tea for free / Herbal Self Care with Leasha Hogan
Make your own herb planter from leftover pallets with Jane McMahon
Plants for Free – how to take cuttings & Grow Your Own Superfoods with Claire Peacock
Arts, crafts and giant bubbles
Make our water safe – be part of a city wide team testing our tap water for lead with Tristan Sturm from Queens University Belfast
City of the Future will utilise indoor and outdoor spaces. Bring suitable clothes in case of rain. Some activities will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Please let us know if you have any translation, accessibility or dietary requirements. We’ll be happy to help.
Use #TakeBackTheCity hashtag to keep the conversation going on social media. Check this site for all updates.
To take part in the City of the Future art competition for children click here.
To take part in the City of the Future international competition for urban designers click here.