Retail NI, in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and GigGrafter, is delighted to announce the winners of the High Street Heroes 2026 Awards.
This year’s awards ceremony took place on Wednesday 23 September at Belfast Harbour Commissioners, bringing together independent retailers, business representatives and community leaders from across Northern Ireland to celebrate the people and businesses that make our high streets thrive.
With winners chosen entirely by public vote, the High Street Heroes Awards give local communities the opportunity to recognise their favourite businesses, outstanding employees and vibrant high streets.
Dromore Named High Street of the Year
Dromore has been crowned Northern Ireland’s High Street of the Year 2026, taking the top prize ahead of fellow finalists Ballycastle and Newcastle at this year’s High Street Heroes Awards.
The awards also saw MyDaily Gortnessy in Derry/Londonderry named Overall Independent Retailer of the Year, while Angela McNeilly from Vivo Oaklands in Carrickfergus was crowned Independent Retail Employee of the Year.
This year’s awards also recognised the contribution of neighbourhood policing to thriving and safe high streets, with Inspector Trevor Campbell from Bangor named the Gold winner of the Best Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year Award.
The High Street Heroes Awards celebrate the independent retailers, employees and high streets at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland, with the winners determined entirely by a public vote.
Independent businesses from towns and cities across Northern Ireland picked up Gold, Silver and Bronze awards across a wide range of categories.
A special awards reception was held at Belfast Harbour Commissioners, bringing together independent retailers, employees, business representatives and community stakeholders from across Northern Ireland to celebrate the contribution local businesses make to their towns, cities and neighbourhoods.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:
“I am delighted to see Dromore recognised as Northern Ireland’s High Street of the Year. As someone who proudly represents Lagan Valley, I know first-hand the important role Dromore’s businesses play in supporting our local economy, creating jobs and bringing people together.
“This award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, creativity and community spirit that make Dromore such a vibrant place. From independent retailers and local businesses to residents and community groups, there is a real sense of pride in the town – and that shines through.
“Strong high streets are at the heart of strong communities. I would like to congratulate all of this year’s High Street Heroes winners and finalists for the invaluable contribution they make right across Northern Ireland.”
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“The High Street Heroes Awards are all about giving the public the opportunity to recognise the independent retailers, employees and high streets that make such an important contribution to communities right across Northern Ireland.
“This year’s winners demonstrate the extraordinary strength and diversity of our independent retail sector. From Dromore being crowned High Street of the Year, to MyDaily Gortnessy receiving our Overall Independent Retailer award and Angela McNeilly being recognised as Independent Retail Employee of the Year, every winner has earned the support and loyalty of the communities they serve.
“It is also fantastic to see businesses from places including Lisburn, Lurgan, Newcastle, Newry, Belfast, Comber, Antrim, Carrickfergus and Derry/Londonderry represented among our winners. These businesses are much more than places to shop – they create jobs, provide essential services, support their local communities and give our high streets their distinctive character.
“Congratulations to all of our Gold, Silver and Bronze winners and, most importantly, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and show their support for their local High Street Heroes.”
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said:
“I want to thank Retail NI for the inclusion of a new award of Best Neighbourhood Police Officer and sincerely congratulate the winner T/Chief Inspector Trevor Campbell”.
“This Gold award recognises Trevor’s exceptional commitment to the people and businesses of Bangor and North Down. Through his oversight and personal investment in visible neighbourhood policing, determined action on antisocial behaviour and retail crime, and strong partnerships with local organisations, he has helped turn community concerns into practical measures that make a real difference.”
“Initiatives such as support for improved CCTV, targeted patrolling and the launch of a body-worn video initiative for shop workers demonstrates the proactive, community-focused policing that this award recognises.”
“I warmly congratulate T/Chief Inspector Campbell on being named the High Street Heroes Gold Winner for Best Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year. It is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership, professionalism and sustained commitment to keeping residents, visitors and local businesses safe.”
Wendy Craig, Divisional Controller for Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery, said:
“Independent retailers are the lifeblood of our local communities. They provide essential services, create local jobs and bring people together every day. They also play a vital role in the positive impact of The National Lottery, helping us reach players across Northern Ireland and supporting National Lottery-funded projects that matter most to local communities.
We are delighted to have supported the High Street Heroes Awards this year in celebration of the outstanding contribution independent retailers make to the communities they serve. On behalf of Allwyn UK, I would like to say a huge thank you for your passion and hard work, and offer my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners. I hope you enjoyed the awards and this well-deserved recognition.”
The High Street Heroes NI Awards are powered by Retail NI and supported by National Lottery operator Allwyn, GigGrafter and SSE Airtricity.
Congratulations to all our 2026 winners and finalists!
