Belfast’s close links with the sea are once again being celebrated next month, when the city hosts the fifth annual Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival.
The quaysides on both sides of the River Lagan will come alive from 4-6 June, with a weekend of maritime-themed family fun, food and frolics.
There will be a wealth of live music, maritime-themed street theatre, children’s activities and workshops, international markets and a variety of tours exploring Belfast’s rich seafaring history.
The River Lagan will host races, displays and showcases from the likes of the high speed Zapcats, the historic Galway Hookers, a university boat race and local sail trainers, Ocean Youth Trust Ireland.
One other prominent feature on the Queens Quayside will be the ‘Jacinta’, a fishing trawler converted to a floating museum. The fishing theme continues on Queens Quay, with a gastronomic celebration of all things seafood related to tantalise the tastebuds including cookery demos and a variety of interactive, traditional arts and crafts.
The Class A sailing vessels ‘Phoenix’ and ‘Thalassa’ also will be berthed in the city and open to visitors over the weekend.
There will be a free shuttlebus service throughout the three days, linking activities on both sides of the river and the city centre.
For full details of all the weekend’s activities, log on to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/maritimefestival or call the Belfast Welcome Centre on +44 (0)20 9024 6609.