North Belfast is buzzing with exciting news as Belfast officially kicks off its year as European City of Sport 2026! Get ready to embrace an active lifestyle with a special 'On Your Marks!' open weekend, packed with free activities for everyone.
On Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, local leisure and community centres across the city, including our very own Grove Leisure Centre, Shankill Leisure Centre, and Clonduff Community Centre, are throwing their doors open. You’re invited to drop in and try a fantastic range of sports and activities, completely free of charge. No experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm!
The weekend promises something for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Activities on offer include taster sessions for pickleball, fencing, family swim sessions, inclusive climbing, tennis, bike skills, and various martial arts. With over 90 sessions available over the two days, there's plenty to get stuck into. You can pre-book your chosen activities at /cityofsport to secure your spot.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, shared her excitement, saying, “This is a great opportunity to get local communities involved in creating a year to remember for local sport. When we were awarded our title of City of Sport in November 2025, judges highlighted their impression of Belfast’s passion for sport and enthusiasm for getting involved. This open weekend gives everyone the chance to do just that – throw yourself into a new activity, find out what else is available in your local centre, and take advantage of everything we have on our doorsteps.”
Gareth Kirk, Senior Regional Director with GLL (Belfast’s leisure partners), added, “We’ve been proud to work with the city for over ten years to make sport and activity welcoming and fun for everyone across our 16 centres. Our open weekend is a great chance for people to drop in, try something new, and see what Belfast has to offer as a European City of Sport in 2026. We want everyone, no matter their age or ability, to get moving, feel good, and enjoy being part of an active, healthy city.”
Belfast is one of 21 European Cities of Sport for 2026, a title awarded by ACES (Worldwide Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation). This recognition celebrates cities worldwide that champion sport through infrastructure, events, and support for local clubs. This is the first time Belfast has received this prestigious title!
For all the latest information about Belfast’s City of Sport programme, including future events and activities, keep an eye on /cityofsport. You can also find details on memberships and activities at leisure centres city-wide by visiting better.org.uk/belfast.