Belfast celebrated our Sister City relationship with Nashville recently through a jam packed programme of events which took place across Belfast, including St George’s Market, in mid June.

The special connection stretches back more than 20 years – and it’s evolved to include music, cultural and educational exchanges, tourism and business development in both cities. Nashville in Belfast celebrated our cities’ connections through our shared love of food, film, history, music and craic. 

Belfast City council is committed to building international relationships in order to promote Belfast in targeted geographic areas. Our focus is on attracting investment, encouraging trade and developing our international tourism, cultural and educational links.

The key geographical focus is on Europe, USA and China. Belfast has developed a number of economic and cultural links across the United States, and is a Sister City of both Boston and Nashville. 

A Sister Cities Agreement seeks to strengthen ties through economic development, trade and investment, tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges.

As a result of the Sister Cities partnerships, the council has developed a range of mutually beneficial initiatives, including Friendship Four ice hockey tournament, The Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic as well as Nashville in Belfast. Belfast City Council are also currently exploring opportunities to jointly market Belfast and Nashville as leisure and business tourism destinations through visitor and convention bureaus and staff exchanges. 

In addition to the Sister Cities activity, Belfast City Council’s  connection with North America has supported the development of a range of academic partnerships. Queen’s University Belfast collaborates with both Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities in Nashville, whilst Ulster University is exploring opportunities with UMass. In 2019 Belfast Met is set to host a delegation from the Tennessee Board of Regents.  

For more info see #NashvilleinBelfast on social media