Holywood is celebrating winning the Best Kept Medium Town Award at the 2023 Best Kept Awards NI, which took place at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey recently.

The judges were greatly impressed by the Holywood’s charming High Street with attractive buildings and meticulously maintained commercial properties making it a welcoming destination for visitors and an exceptionally appealing place residents to call home.  

The annual event organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) and generously sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport, honours the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of volunteers, Improvement Groups and Councils all who have significantly contributed to enhancing their community’s environment.

Now in its 66th year, the Best Kept campaign attracted participants from all corners of Northern Ireland. NIAC Chairman Doreen Muskett MBE praised the town’s approach roads, lush plantings, exquisite paving and outstanding street furniture. Commenting on the award she said: “All of these major efforts reflect the diligent work of a rejuvenated Community Group, kudos to everyone involved in this achievement.” The awards ceremony featured several categories, including Best Kept City, Towns and Villages, Best Kept Housing Areas, and Best Kept Community Achiever, among others. These categories recognised not only the aesthetic appeal of the nominated areas but also the efforts to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and community engagement.The coveted Best Kept City award went to Derry/Londonderry, while Antrim secured the Best Kept Large Town award. In the category of Best Kept Sheltered Area, Bronte Fold in Rathfriland, Co. Down (Radius Housing) emerged as the winner.

NIAC’s own Charlie Smyth was presented with The President’s Trophy for his almost 40 years dedication and commitment to the Best Kept Campaign which has been nothing less than outstanding. The George Best Belfast City Airport Community Hero Award 2023 was given to Una Johnston (Toome Community Group), to recognise her selfless work and the immeasurable impact she has had on Toome.

Anna McKelvey, Head of Marketing at George Best Belfast City Airport said: “As steadfast champions of the Best Kept Awards for many years now, Belfast City Airport has had the privilege of witnessing remarkable efforts aimed at fostering brighter, more sustainable communities.

"In this 66th year of the Best Kept Awards, and our seventh year in partnership, we continue to be astounded by the exceptional quality of entries and the unwavering civic pride displayed right across Northern Ireland.”

The Best Kept Awards serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation and beautification efforts. NIAC extends its congratulations to all the winners and participants and looks forward to another year of celebrating the best that Northern Ireland has to offer.