Award recognises beautiful nature in Northern Ireland's capital

3 November 2009 -

The beautiful nature in Northern Ireland's capital has been hailed at the Belfast in Bloom awards ceremony, which recognises the most stunning plant life in the city.

Celebrating a range of attractive displays and parks throughout the city, the Belfast in Bloom ceremony paid particular attention to businesses' efforts to make their facades more attractive this year.

West Belfast resident Kieran McCann was among the winners for the eighth year in a row, picking up the best display prize for his hanging baskets, which contribute significantly to the stunning nature in Northern Ireland's capital.

Parks manager Reg Maxwell, who organises the competition, commented: "The numbers taking part increase every year and the standard gets higher. I think flowers round the city really cheer the place up and that encourages people to feel more optimistic."

Another attraction in Northern Ireland was also the recipient of an award recently, when Belfast's Ulster Hall scooped a major restoration prize at the Meetings Industry Marketing Awards, which recognise the most impressive structural achievements in the world.