The Glentoran Social Partnership hosted a heartwarming Festive Pensioners’ Christmas Lunch at The BetMcLean Oval this weekend, welcoming 35 older residents from across East Belfast for an afternoon filled with food, friendship and seasonal cheer.

The event brought together guests from Pitt Park Community, the Titanic Area Community Group, Parkgate Residents, Killynure Community Association and several pensioners from the surrounding area.

The Box-It Hospitality Suite at The BetMcLean Oval was transformed into a warm and welcoming Christmas setting, complete with festive decorations and seasonal music, where guests enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner and homemade desserts.

A further 11 festive meals will be delivered to older residents who were unable to attend due to a flu outbreak.

The event formed part of the Glentoran Social Partnership’s expanded winter programme, designed to support vulnerable and older residents at a time of year when many can experience loneliness, isolation or financial pressure.

Since November, the programme has already delivered more than 600 hot meals to pensioners, families and individuals across the local community.

Colin Jess, Chairman of Glentoran said: “The Christmas Lunch was a really special occasion for everyone involved and a great example of the impact the Glentoran Social Partnership can have across our community. Bringing people together, especially at this time of year, is something we take great pride in as a club.”

“Our volunteers played a huge part in making the afternoon so enjoyable for our guests. Their commitment and goodwill are at the heart of everything we do and I want to thank every volunteer, community partner and supporter who helped bring festive cheer to The Oval. The Social Partnership continues to grow in scale and ambition and this event is another example of how we can make a positive difference.”

The Glentoran Social Partnership generates an estimated £2.9 million in social value every year, engaging more than 3,500 people across East Belfast and beyond through a diverse range of community programmes.

The Glentoran Social Partnership was recently recognised at the 2025 NIFL Football Awards, winning Club Community Initiative of the Year for its outstanding work in promoting health, wellbeing, and inclusion across East Belfast and beyond. It also received the Community Impact Award at the 2024 EastSide Awards

For more information on the Glentoran Social Partnership visit www.glentoran.com or email: socialpartnership@glentoran.com

Photography by MacKenzie Platt