1. When do teams need to arrive in Belfast?
All teams should aim to arrive in Belfast by 16:00 on Saturday 4 July 2026.
2. When does the competition finish?
The competition will conclude at approximately 13:00 following the Closing Ceremony on Wednesday 8 July 2026.
3. Will airport transport be provided?
Yes. Transport will be available from both Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport on 4 July and 8 July.
Participants arriving via Dublin Airport will be directed to the regular Dublin–Belfast coach service, which departs hourly. Teams are strongly advised to pre-book these coach tickets in advance. IMYB 2026 can provide a discount code for reduced fares. The average fare is approximately €10 each way.
4. Will transport be available from Belfast coach and rail stations?
Yes. IMYB 2026 will provide transport to and from Belfast Grand Central Station for arriving and departing teams.
5. Do participants need to bring bee suits?
No. Bee suits and all essential competition safety equipment will be provided by IMYB 2026.
6. Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. We are happy to cater for special dietary requirements, allergies, and medical dietary needs, provided these are communicated to us in advance.
7. Where will participants be accommodated?
All participants and staff will stay in high-quality student accommodation at Queen’s University Belfast. Participants will be accommodated in single en-suite rooms, and towels will be provided.
8. Is first aid available on site?
Yes. Qualified first aiders and multiple first aid stations will be available throughout the event. A local hospital is located less than 2 km from the main venues.
9. What safeguarding measures are in place?
IMYB 2026 operates under a comprehensive safeguarding policy. Key staff and volunteers will be DBS checked (Disclosure and Barring Service) and trained in safeguarding procedures in line with NSPCC guidance.
10. Will there be an emergency contact number?
Yes. At least two emergency contact telephone numbers will be included in the pre-arrival information pack circulated to all teams.
11. Can teams bring musical instruments or cultural items?
Yes. We strongly encourage cultural exchange throughout the event. Teams are welcome to bring musical instruments, national dress, or cultural items, particularly for the Country Presentations and social activities.
12. Will security be present at the venues and accommodation?
Yes. Queen’s University Belfast provides on-site security staff at both the venues and halls of residence. Our off-site venue on Tuesday also has 24-hour security. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has been informed of the event.
13. Will participants be supervised at all times?
Yes. Participants will always be supervised by adult facilitators, mentors, team leaders, or members of the IMYB 2026 organising team.
14. How many staff members will be on site overnight?
In line with safeguarding policy, at least two responsible adults will be accommodated on each residential floor alongside approximately nine participants.
15. Will a daily timetable be provided in advance?
Yes. A full programme booklet and event schedule will be distributed prior to arrival, in keeping with previous IMYB host nation standards.
16. Will boys and girls be accommodated separately?
Yes. Male and female participants will be accommodated in separate areas of the residence. Staff supervision will ensure safeguarding and appropriate access arrangements are maintained at all times.
17. Are recreation facilities available?
Yes. Queen’s Elms Halls of Residence offers excellent recreational and social facilities for participants during free time.
18. Is insurance included?
No. All teams and participants must arrange their own comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the duration of the event.
19. Can participants leave the venue during the event?
No. Participants may only leave event venues or accommodation while participating in official IMYB 2026 activities under supervision.
20. What forms and consent documents are required?
IMYB 2026 will issue a documentation pack by the end of May 2026. This will include consent forms, medical information forms, passport details, and next-of-kin information requirements.
21. Will mobile phones be permitted?
Mobile phones will not be permitted during formal competition activities. Outside of competition sessions, participants are encouraged to take photographs and share event memories through the official IMYB 2026 QR code upload system for daily presentations and displays.
22. What is the policy on bullying or inappropriate behaviour?
IMYB 2026 operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, intimidation, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour of any kind. Any participant found to be in breach of these standards may be removed from the event, and disciplinary action may also apply to their team.
23. What clothing should participants bring?
Participants should bring casual clothing, comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing.
24. What weather can participants expect in Belfast in July?
July weather in Belfast is generally mild, with temperatures typically ranging between 14°C and 22°C. Light rain is always possible, so waterproof clothing is recommended.
25. Are laundry facilities available?
Limited laundry facilities are available within the accommodation. Further details will be included in the pre-arrival information pack.
26. Can participants bring medication?
Yes. Any medication must be clearly declared on the medical forms submitted in advance. Team leaders and organisers should also be informed of any important medical conditions or requirements.
27. What happens if a participant becomes unwell?
Qualified first aiders will assess and support participants who become unwell. If additional medical treatment is required, participants will be taken to an appropriate medical facility and parents/guardians and team leaders will be informed immediately.
28. Will there be cultural or social activities?
Yes. Alongside the competition, IMYB 2026 will include a programme of cultural, educational, and social activities designed to encourage international friendship and exchange.
29. Are meals included?
Yes. All main meals and scheduled refreshments will be provided throughout the event.
30. Can parents or supporters attend parts of the event?
Parents and other spectators may attend the opening and closing ceremonies. Please register attendance in advance to imybni26@gmail.com
31. What electrical plugs are used in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland uses the UK standard three-pin plug (Type G). International visitors may require a travel adaptor.
32. Should participants bring spending money?
All essential event costs are covered. However, participants may wish to bring a small amount of personal spending money in sterling for souvenirs or incidental purchases.
33. What language will be used during the event?
The official language of IMYB 2026 will be English. Team leaders and volunteers will assist wherever possible to support communication for all participants.
Further Information
Additional information, travel guidance, safeguarding documentation, and final schedules will be distributed to all participating teams in the official IMYB 2026 Pre-Arrival Information Pack.
We look forward to welcoming all teams to Belfast for IMYB 2026.