2025 AWARDS NIGHT
When?
Saturday 18 October 2025, 6:30PM
Where?
Europa Hotel, Belfast
Dress Code
Black Tie
We are excited to announce that the Northern Ireland Social Media Awards will return on Saturday 18th October 2025, with the theme “Let Them”. Our media partner, Belfast Live, will be bringing you all the highlights from this unmissable celebration of creativity and social excellence.
The winners will be revealed at a glittering black-tie ceremony hosted by Annette Kelly from Little Penny Thoughts and Gerry Lavz host of @popmycherrypodcast. The event will take place at the iconic Europa Hotel, Belfast.
Guests will be welcomed by the buzz of media attention on the social media carpet, before enjoying a West Coast Cooler drinks reception and a decadent three-course dinner. Expect show-stopping surprises and dancing into the night, with live entertainment and unforgettable moments.
Awards night
An Unmissable Evening at the NI Social Media Awards 2025
Join us on Saturday 18th October at the Europa Hotel, Belfast for a glittering black-tie celebration of Northern Ireland’s leading social media talent.
Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, a three-course gourmet meal, entertainment from Ardú, and a high-energy ceremony hosted by Annette Kelly (Little Penny Thoughts) and Gerry Lavz. The night will close with dancing.
The evening is produced by BNL Productions, with photography by Bradley Henderson, and full event coverage by our media partner Belfast Live.
All finalists will receive a bespoke trophy produced by MAD. This year’s official charity partner is Cancer Fund for Children, proudly supported by Lunn’s Jewellers, who will be raffling an incredible prize on the night.
This is more than an awards night – it’s the social event of the year.
Tickets are £135 per person (excluding VAT). Book early to avoid disappointment.
18:30 – Drinks reception
19:15 – Welcome entertainment
19:30 – Dinner and Awards ceremony
22:45 – Dancing
01:00 – Close
General Information
Entries + Nominations Open: Monday 7 July 2025
Closing Date for Entries: Midnight, Tuesday 26 August 2025
(Please note: There will be no deadline extension)Finalists Announced: Friday 19 September 2025
Awards Gala: Saturday 18 October 2025, Europa Hotel, Belfast
No. All winners are announced live on the night at the awards gala. We believe in celebrating those exciting moments together in real time.
Yes. The event is open to everyone. You do not have to be nominated or shortlisted to attend. It’s a fantastic night celebrating the entire digital community, and individual tickets or full tables are available.
Yes. You or your business can submit entries to multiple categories as long as each meets the individual criteria.
No. Entry is completely free. There is no charge to submit a nomination or entry for any category.
Yes. Individuals, freelancers, content creators, businesses and agencies of all sizes are welcome to enter or nominate others.
Finalists & Winners
Shortlisted finalists will be announced on Friday 19 September 2025 via our website and social media. Finalists will be contacted directly with ticket booking details and next steps for press and publicity.
No. Attendance does not affect judging or results. However, winners not in attendance may miss out on live photography, media coverage, and the stage presentation. Trophies can be collected after the event in Belfast on a nominated date.
No. As an independently run event without major corporate backing, all tickets must be purchased. Ticket sales help fund catering, production, trophies, entertainment, and event delivery.
Judging & Feedback
Entries are reviewed by a panel of independent judges from Ireland, the UK, and internationally. Each judge scores their assigned categories individually to ensure fairness and impartiality. Judging is based on creativity, content, strategy, results, and specific category criteria.
Judges are encouraged to provide helpful feedback where possible. While we can’t guarantee feedback for every entry, you can request it after the results are announced and we’ll do our best to share what’s available.
Ticket Information
We believe in transparency. Your ticket includes:
Three-course meal at the Europa Hotel – £45
Production, lighting & AV – £30
Pre-event entertainment – £12.50
Post-awards entertainment (DJ etc.) – £12.50
Drinks throughout the night – £10
Trophies, signage and staging – £10
Professional photo & video coverage – £5
Processing fees (Bank/PayPal/Stripe) – £10
Total: £135 per person (excluding VAT)
Sponsorship helps offset additional costs such as staffing, styling, marketing and hosting.
Refunds are available until Friday 3 October 2025. After this cut-off, final numbers are submitted to the venue and no refunds can be issued under any circumstances.
You’re welcome to resell or transfer your ticket. We can assist by connecting you with someone on our waiting list, or you can make arrangements yourself.
Please email us with the full name and contact email of the person taking your place, so we can update our guest list and seating plan.
Sponsorship & Partnership
Yes. We offer partnership packages that include category support, social promotion, community involvement and on-the-night branding. To enquire, please email:
awards@nisocialmediaawards.com