Welcome to Belfast

If someone had told me six months ago that at the end of the summer I would be packing my bags to start a whole new life in Belfast, Northern Ireland, I wouldn't have believed them. If they had also told me that I would be attending the MTV European Music Awards with the best seats in the house amongst all the celebs, I would have laughed at them!

Isn't it incredible what can happen in six months?

Choosing to move away from my researcher job at a London based indie, away from my close family in Surrey, and my wonderful friends in London to start a new job - and a new life - in Belfast was the bravest decision I have ever made. I had spent less than 48 hours in the city and didn't know a soul in Northern Ireland. The job however was an opportunity of a lifetime, and it has not disappointed me with the incredible possibilities it has thrown my way.

Attending the MTV EMAs last night symbolised so much of what I have experienced in just the short time I have been living in Belfast. In the three and a half weeks I have been here I have really fallen for this Irish city. Belfast is a young town that wants so much to show the rest of the UK and the world what it has to offer. The friends I have made and the colleagues I have met are all full of hope and promise for what they feel Belfast can achieve.

Being awarded the accolade of playing host to an international music event was a chance for Belfast to shine and it truly rose to the challenge. The people of Belfast embraced all the star studded visitors it received over the weekend in the same way I have been welcomed here – with warmth, sincerity and open arms. For Belfast, tourists are still a novelty. To hear anyone deliberately choose to move here is virtually unheard of. They are so interested to hear what newcomers think of the city and I have only ever been complimentary when I have described my impressions.

The MTV EMAs are celebrated by a younger generation and it is this generation that is driving forward a new era for Belfast. Young people don’t want their hometown to simply be known for the troubles. They’re not reluctant to talk about their history, but they want to move on from it. They want to leave it in the past.

There are so many groups, organisations and initiatives being set up in this multi-layered city. There are events, projects and exhibitions happening every week. The city is brimming with new ideas, fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. There is a subconscious determination to heal old wounds and a will to never repeat past mistakes. On the surface however is an energy and a momentum.

That energy has filled the city for the past few weeks in anticipation of the EMAs and it made Belfast overflowing with excitement last night. Belfast showed 600 million viewers around the world that it wants to be taken notice of and be known for its huge warmth as a host and the great spirit it has to pull off a spectacular and impressive event. I was proud to call Belfast my home last night. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for me here.