News / 3rd November 2021
RE[act] Festival Launched!
LQ BID was delighted to launch the RE[act] Festival yesterday. Journalist Mark Simpson guided proceedings and our keynote speaker Carol Lemmens (ARUP Netherlands) gave an insightful presentation on how to reshape our city, with Belfast City Council’s John Walsh providing the Belfast response. 100 attendees joined the event followed by drinks and networking sponsored by River Ridge.
We thank those who joined us and engaged during the Q&A session, and we hope you will register for further RE[act] Festival events:
Summary of event:
- Welcome and overview – by Mark Simpson. Mark highlighted the aim of the festival and some of the practical changes we need to make in our everyday lives, from food to fashion, and from transport to business practices.
- Keynote speaker, Carol Lemmens was welcomed on stage, where he gave an insightful presentation on how to reshape our city, sharing his knowledge and expertise on the subject.
- Mark Simpson then welcomed Julie McCandless, Professor of Practice from Queen’s University, to discuss the schools competition and how attendees could get their children or grandchildren involved. More info here: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/QueensManagementSchool/Ethics/MyVisionforaSustainableFutureSchoolsChallenge/
- John Walsh, Director of Legal and Civic Services and City Solicitor was then welcomed to the stage to respond to Carol’s presentation, highlighting what Belfast is doing to become a more sustainable city.
- LQ BID’s Managing Director, Chris McCracken then took to the stage to give an overview of LQ BID’s Sustainability Programme, and the 10 initiatives set out to help make the Linen Quarter a more sustainable district. Chris then invited Brett Ross, Managing Director from River Ridge to say a few words, as part of his presentation.
- Finally, Mark Simpson invited Carol Lemmens back on stage for Q&A session, encouraging attendees to take part. Guests were told to draw on anything that had been presented or if they had their own point to make.
