Scope
Reference
T2730
Description
An experienced Contractor is required to develop, manage, and deliver Culture Night Belfast 2026. The key components of this tender will include:
- Large-scale event management skills and curation of events.
- Co-design of events with individual artists or contributors.
- Knowledge of the cultural sector, including funded and non-funded organisations, freelance, artists, libraries and heritage, as well as strong existing relationships with the sector across the city.
- Safety, accessibility and communication with key stakeholders and statutory agencies.
- Marketing resources appropriate for an event of this scale.
Total value (estimated)
- £300,000 excluding VAT
- £360,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 May 2026 to 10 February 2027
- Possible extension to 10 February 2028
- 1 year, 9 months
Description of possible extension:
The Council reserves the right to extend/renew the Contract for up to a further 12 months. Any extension may be subject to further approval by Council Committee, availability of funding and satisfactory performance of the Contractor.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
If the Council renews the contract, the following optional service will be delivered:
- Development, Management, and Delivery of Culture Night Belfast 2027.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79952100 - Cultural event organisation services
- 92000000 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services
- 79952000 - Event services
Contract locations
- UKN06 - Belfast
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Modern Slavery Statement.
GDPR Compliance.
Safeguarding.
Insurances.
See tender documents for further information.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Previous Experience Event Manager/Producer.
Previous Experience of Team Members.
Health and Safety Management System.
Social Value Procurement Policy - Organisational Behaviours.
See tender documents for further information.
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
27 March 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
2 April 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 May 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposed Approach/Concept | See ITT document of tender pack. |
Quality | 20% |
| Marketing and Communications | See ITT document of tender pack. |
Quality | 20% |
| Resource and Budget Plan | See ITT document of tender pack. |
Quality | 20% |
| Understanding of Requirements | See ITT document of tender pack. |
Quality | 15% |
| Social Value | See ITT document of tender pack. |
Quality | 15% |
| Stakeholder Engagement/Management | See ITT document of tender pack. |
Quality | 10% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
The Department did not have sufficient time to undertake a formal PME exercise.
A thorough review process of Culture Night 2025 was carried out, which provided the Department with an in-depth understanding of the capacity of the sector. An associated evaluation report was
produced, which includes recommendations for the delivery of future Culture Nights in Belfast - this will be part of the tender pack and all prospective Bidders will have access to the same information.
Contracting authority
Belfast City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQXY-5321-CGZM
9-21 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8DJ
United Kingdom
Email: cps@belfastcity.gov.uk
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland