A new sustainability initiative is set to transform Belfast’s entertainment scene, as several major venues prepare to eliminate single-use plastic cups at concerts and events. Led by the Venue Sustainability Forum and supported by Visit Belfast, the 12-month pilot scheme will introduce reusable cups at the Waterfront Hall, Ulster Hall, SSE Arena, Oh Yeah Centre, Black Box, Voodoo, and The MAC. North Down Marquees will manage the collection, cleaning, and redistribution of the cups, ensuring a seamless transition to a more eco-friendly system. The SSE Arena will be the first to roll out reusable cups in mid-January, marking a significant step towards reducing plastic waste at large-scale events. Iain Bell, Acting Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall, highlighted that while the shift from glass to plastic was necessary for safety reasons, this new initiative balances both safety and sustainability. Dermot McGinn of The Odyssey Trust echoed this sentiment, emphasising the commitment of participating venues to enhancing customer experience while minimising environmental impact. The Black Box, a long-time advocate for sustainable alternatives, has been searching for a viable replacement for single-use cups for years. Director Kathryn McShane believes the scheme will have a substantial positive impact on Belfast’s venues and their environmental footprint. As more venues prepare to join the initiative in the next phase of the rollout, the scheme represents a significant move towards a more sustainable entertainment industry in Northern Ireland.
