RE[act] Festival 2026: We Built Resilience… Together!

We’re still riding the momentum from last week’s RE[act] Festival – Building Resilience Together, and what an extraordinary week it was. This year, we set out with a bold mission: to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to tackle Belfast’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Thanks to your enthusiasm and engagement, that mission didn’t just stay on paper, it came to life.

To everyone who joined us across our six bespoke events, thank you. Your shared commitment to a greener Belfast shaped the spirit of the festival. As we look ahead to the full festival’s return in 2026, we invite you to RE[act] now, in your homes, your communities, and your everyday life, to help build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable city.

As we close the chapter on this year’s programme, we want to leave you with a final reminder, a spark of inspiration, and a call to action. Above all, remember this: sustainability begins with you. Your choices, your voice, and your actions truly matter.

1. Resource Matching for Circular Economy

Our resource matching workshop, facilitated by International Synergies NI, identified 18 synergies, 1,302 tonnes of potential waste diverted from landfill, and £324k in projected savings for participating businesses.

2. Carbon Literacy Training

In line with our 2023–2028 Business Plan commitment to provide climate awareness training at low or no cost, we delivered UN-accredited Carbon Literacy Training in partnership with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. This resulted in 13 newly Carbon Literate individuals across 9 member organisations.

3. Inclusion & Community Engagement

We welcomed participants from the NOW Group to our seed-sowing activity at Bankmore Square, continuing our commitment to inclusive environmental engagement.

Looking Ahead

While we prepare for the return of the full festival in 2026, the momentum we’ve built doesn’t end here. 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 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 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] and build resilience…. TOGETHER!

www.reactfestival.co.uk.