MayWe Team wins prestigious award for its work at 2 Royal Avenue!
6th Mar 2026
Belfast-based arts and cultural management company MayWe has won an Embrace an Inclusive Spirit Award for its excellent work in welcoming visitors to 2 Royal Avenue — one of the city’s most popular cultural venues.
The Embrace the Inclusive Spirit Awards celebrate compassion, care and the extra effort organisations make to ensure venues and programmes are accessible to everyone. MayWe’s work at 2 Royal Avenue was commended for its incredibly welcoming approach which focused on practical, visitor-centred measures that improved access for all.
The Belfast-based company was the popular winner in the “Going the Extra Mile” category at the Awards, selected from a field of 270 entrants. The nomination and award recognise MayWe’s “excellent work” and commitment to hosting accessible events at 2 Royal Avenue and creating a welcoming environment for visitors with disabilities.
Joint Managing Director Lois Kennedy said:
“I am absolutely delighted that our small but mighty, hard-working team have been honoured with this award. We think 2 Royal Avenue is a truly special place, which opens up the city centre for so many, and we want to thank everyone who voted for us.
“We are so proud of our Venue & Events Manager Eimear and her team who go ‘the extra mile’ every day. 2 Royal Avenue is often referred to as ‘Belfast’s sitting room’ and how lovely it is to know anyone coming in will be in such safe hands.
The Embrace the Inclusive Spirit Award is a tribute to the compassion, care and effort they put in every day to make 2RA welcoming and inclusive for everybody who passes through its doors. Operating a popular city centre communal space isn’t without its challenges but our team make it look easy, they always have a ready smile, a kind word and a desire to help. We truly appreciate the support and look forward to welcoming you soon! We would also like to pass on our congratulations to all the other winners this year and well done to everyone who took part in this inspiring Belfast City Council Initiative. There are many organisations and venues working hard to make the city welcoming for all and we are proud to play our small part in that”
May We has run the hugely popular “2RA” since it opened in 2021 as a free public space, funded by Belfast City Council. It attracts over 30,000 visitors a month and hosts community groups, arts events, workshops, job fairs, exhibitions and has become a vital community hub for people young and old from all over Belfast and beyond and a social lifeline to many. It boasts a number of features enjoyed by all including a kid’s cosy area, a library corner, a homework station and a “sensory dome” – not to mention the public access grand piano!
2 Royal is open daily 10am-6pm for more information please visit www.maywe.co.uk/2RA
