News / 30th September 2026
BELFAST GETS READY TO RE[ACT] FOR COP31
Belfast responds to COP31 with 30+ events at RE[act] Festival
RE[act] Festival brings a week-long programme of more than 30 events across Belfast under the themes of People, Planet, Peace, Partnership and Prosperity.
From Blue Lights to How to Train Your Dragon, Northern Ireland’s screen industry will take the stage as NI Screen offers a behind-the-scenes look at the sustainability initiatives helping productions across the industry go green. The event forms part of RE[act] Festival, which returns for its third year from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 November.
Organised by LQ BID and supported by SONI, the electricity transmission system operator for Northern Ireland, the week-long festival runs alongside the UN’s COP31 Summit in Turkey, giving Belfast the opportunity to also contribute to the global climate conversation. This year, RE[act] also marks the beginning of an all-island approach, with events taking place in Sligo, Dundalk and Dublin in partnership with local BIDs, with plans to grow the festival’s reach across the island in future years.
The jam-packed programme of more than 30 events across Belfast under the themes of People, Planet, Peace, Partnership and Prosperity will help people explore how we can all play a part in responding to the challenges – and seizing the opportunities – of a changing climate.
Other highlights in the diverse programme of events include a ‘Clean Technology for Sustainable Future’ session on Thursday 12 November, exploring homegrown green technology in NI, a ‘Climate Through the Lens’ photography masterclass will take place on Wednesday 11 November, and a ‘Repair Café’ will be at Grand Central Station on Saturday 14 November, where visitors can repair and repurpose clothing.
The programme will also feature two exclusive screenings exploring the future of our planet and the role of the next generation. ‘How to Live on Earth’, presented by Benedict Cumberbatch, explores humanity’s connection with nature, while ‘The Future Council’ puts young people at the heart of the conversation, giving a platform to their voices and ideas for the future.
Lawrence Geoffrey Tingson, Sustainable District Manager at LQ BID said, “The return of RE[act] comes at an important moment, when sustainability continues to be a key issue for communities, businesses, and organisations around the world. This year’s programme shows that the conversation around sustainability is much bigger than climate change alone – it is about how we live, work, travel, build and grow. We all have a role to play, and all of the events we have planned appeal to different audiences, allowing us to connect with communities and organisations.
Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID, added, “RE[act] creates a space for Belfast to learn from the expertise and experience of others and focus on the potential this city has to become an innovator in shaping a more sustainable world. It creates a vital vehicle of opportunity to discuss both the challenges we face, and opportunities we have, to create a more resilient and collective pathway to Belfast’s green future.”
Since launching its vision to become Northern Ireland’s first sustainable district in 2021, LQ BID has embedded sustainability into every aspect of its work, from public realm regeneration to promoting green transport and biodiversity.
SONI will offer an exclusive look inside Northern Ireland’s electricity grid control centre. The tour will offer a rare insight into what it takes to ensure that everyone has the electricity they need, when they need it, while exploring how the energy system is evolving to support Northern Ireland’s transition to a net zero future.
Heather Henry-Wilson, SONI Communications and Engagement Lead said, “SONI is pleased to once again support LQB BID’s RE[act] Festival as it brings together a wide range of voices and perspectives around some of the issues that will shape the future of our city and our society.
“The energy transition is changing how electricity is generated, managed and used. RE[act] creates an important opportunity to help people and communities understand these changes and the role we all play in delivering a cleaner energy future.”
Advanced booking is advised. For the full programme and booking information, visit www.reactfestival.co.uk.
