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04/09/2023
Belfast Maritime Festival Returns This Weekend
People have been urged to discover a treasure trove of free activities at this weekend's Belfast Maritime Festival on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September.
Taking place along the city's Maritime Mile, with entertainment stretching across Queen's Quay to HMS Caroline in the Titanic Quarter, the festival celebrates Belfast's rich maritime heritage and spirit of innovation.
The main festival stage, compered by BBC presenter Gemma Bradley, is at Titanic Slipways, along with the 'Science Street' interactive area, a colourful Belfast Bazaar, featuring the very best local produce and crafts, and a picnic area.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "There's so much to see and do at this weekend's Belfast Maritime Festival, with a fantastic line-up of events to really bring our maritime and industrial heritage to life.
"Come on down to hear amazing live music, shop local at the Belfast Bazaar market, entertain the kids with free activities or even get involved yourself at 'Science Street'.
"Walk, cycle or take the Glider or train to experience everything the festival has to offer, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the stunning ships which will make Belfast their home for the weekend."
The Belfast Maritime Festival has been organised by Belfast City Council and is supported by Tourism NI, delivered in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, Belfast Harbour, Odyssey Trust, the Department for Communities and Titanic Quarter Ltd.
Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI, said: "Tourism NI is delighted to support the return of the Belfast Maritime Festival, a much-needed post-pandemic boost to the wider tourism and hospitality industry with a projected economic benefit of circa £1.5 million.
"The event is a great opportunity to showcase this key Titanic and Maritime Belfast heritage destination and its wealth of visitor experiences. This immersive event will further awaken the giant spirit in our visitors, igniting their sense of discovery and demonstrating the warm welcome Northern Ireland offers to all."
Activities at Belfast Maritime Festival include:
• Visiting ships and vessels docked at Queen's Quay and Belfast Harbour Marina – hop on board Granuaile (Irish Lights), Gunilla, Leader, Brian Boru and La Malouine to chat to the crew and experience life on the high seas!
• Titanic Slipways hosts the festival's first 'Science Street' – a chance for young and old to explore areas like marine biology, engineering and navigation through fun interactive activities, demonstrations and live shows.
• Duke Special, Joshua Burnside, Manukahunney, ROE and NI Opera will lead a stellar line-up of over 100 leading musicians from across NI. Hear Americana, trad, jazz, opera, bluegrass, classical and more on the main stage at Titanic Slipways, as well as outdoor venues across the Maritime Mile.
• The Kids' Zone at Queen's Quay will be packed full of activities for little explorers, including a sensory area, dance workshops, crafts, face painting, a pop-up aquarium and even a beach to build some sandcastles!
• The free Maritime Mile Through My Lens exhibition at Hamilton Dock, delivered by Belfast Maritime Trust and Belfast Exposed, showcases photographs taken by local communities to demonstrate what they love about living along the waterfront.
• Belfast Lough Sailability will have free participatory taster sessions for visitors, including those with a disability, to experience the fun of getting out on the water.
• Further along at Sailortown, bookable activities include an evening of music, poetry and film, maritime-themed bingo and a chance to explore the beautiful St Joseph's Church as part of European Heritage Open Days.
• There are also free walking tours, demonstrations of traditional seafaring skills like rope making and boat building, as well as special Hydrobike sessions.
Taking place along the city's Maritime Mile, with entertainment stretching across Queen's Quay to HMS Caroline in the Titanic Quarter, the festival celebrates Belfast's rich maritime heritage and spirit of innovation.
The main festival stage, compered by BBC presenter Gemma Bradley, is at Titanic Slipways, along with the 'Science Street' interactive area, a colourful Belfast Bazaar, featuring the very best local produce and crafts, and a picnic area.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: "There's so much to see and do at this weekend's Belfast Maritime Festival, with a fantastic line-up of events to really bring our maritime and industrial heritage to life.
"Come on down to hear amazing live music, shop local at the Belfast Bazaar market, entertain the kids with free activities or even get involved yourself at 'Science Street'.
"Walk, cycle or take the Glider or train to experience everything the festival has to offer, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the stunning ships which will make Belfast their home for the weekend."
The Belfast Maritime Festival has been organised by Belfast City Council and is supported by Tourism NI, delivered in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, Belfast Harbour, Odyssey Trust, the Department for Communities and Titanic Quarter Ltd.
Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI, said: "Tourism NI is delighted to support the return of the Belfast Maritime Festival, a much-needed post-pandemic boost to the wider tourism and hospitality industry with a projected economic benefit of circa £1.5 million.
"The event is a great opportunity to showcase this key Titanic and Maritime Belfast heritage destination and its wealth of visitor experiences. This immersive event will further awaken the giant spirit in our visitors, igniting their sense of discovery and demonstrating the warm welcome Northern Ireland offers to all."
Activities at Belfast Maritime Festival include:
• Visiting ships and vessels docked at Queen's Quay and Belfast Harbour Marina – hop on board Granuaile (Irish Lights), Gunilla, Leader, Brian Boru and La Malouine to chat to the crew and experience life on the high seas!
• Titanic Slipways hosts the festival's first 'Science Street' – a chance for young and old to explore areas like marine biology, engineering and navigation through fun interactive activities, demonstrations and live shows.
• Duke Special, Joshua Burnside, Manukahunney, ROE and NI Opera will lead a stellar line-up of over 100 leading musicians from across NI. Hear Americana, trad, jazz, opera, bluegrass, classical and more on the main stage at Titanic Slipways, as well as outdoor venues across the Maritime Mile.
• The Kids' Zone at Queen's Quay will be packed full of activities for little explorers, including a sensory area, dance workshops, crafts, face painting, a pop-up aquarium and even a beach to build some sandcastles!
• The free Maritime Mile Through My Lens exhibition at Hamilton Dock, delivered by Belfast Maritime Trust and Belfast Exposed, showcases photographs taken by local communities to demonstrate what they love about living along the waterfront.
• Belfast Lough Sailability will have free participatory taster sessions for visitors, including those with a disability, to experience the fun of getting out on the water.
• Further along at Sailortown, bookable activities include an evening of music, poetry and film, maritime-themed bingo and a chance to explore the beautiful St Joseph's Church as part of European Heritage Open Days.
• There are also free walking tours, demonstrations of traditional seafaring skills like rope making and boat building, as well as special Hydrobike sessions.
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18 August 2021
Belfast Maritime Weekender Set To Return In September
The Belfast Maritime Weekender is set to return with a two-day festival of family fun on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September. The event will bring Belfast's maritime and industrial history to life and includes pockets of exciting seafaring activities stretching across Sailortown, City Quays and Donegall Quay, to Queen's Quay and Titanic Quarter.
Belfast Maritime Weekender Set To Return In September
The Belfast Maritime Weekender is set to return with a two-day festival of family fun on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September. The event will bring Belfast's maritime and industrial history to life and includes pockets of exciting seafaring activities stretching across Sailortown, City Quays and Donegall Quay, to Queen's Quay and Titanic Quarter.
18 August 2009
Tall Ships Return Sought
Belfast is set to build on the success of last weekend's Tall Ships extravaganza, to ensure that the event returns to the city in the near future. Over the four days of the Belfast Maritime Festival, an estimated 800,000 people – the equivalent of half the population of Northern Ireland - saw the 40 magnificent sailing vessels.
Tall Ships Return Sought
Belfast is set to build on the success of last weekend's Tall Ships extravaganza, to ensure that the event returns to the city in the near future. Over the four days of the Belfast Maritime Festival, an estimated 800,000 people – the equivalent of half the population of Northern Ireland - saw the 40 magnificent sailing vessels.
28 March 2023
Belfast Community Groups Explore Reimagined Titanic Experience
Thirsty six local community groups from across Belfast were joined by Deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Kelly for a special trip to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic, as part of Local Community Day.
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Thirsty six local community groups from across Belfast were joined by Deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Kelly for a special trip to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic, as part of Local Community Day.
20 June 2019
Belfast Buoys Welcomed To Titanic Quarter
The Belfast Buoys have been officially welcomed to their new permanent home in Titanic Quarter. Originally located in Cathedral Gardens, which become known as 'Buoy Park', the landmarks were given to Belfast City Council by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1983.
Belfast Buoys Welcomed To Titanic Quarter
The Belfast Buoys have been officially welcomed to their new permanent home in Titanic Quarter. Originally located in Cathedral Gardens, which become known as 'Buoy Park', the landmarks were given to Belfast City Council by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1983.
10 April 2024
New Immersive Experience Showcases Heritage Of Maritime Mile
A new immersive visitor experience showcasing the heritage of Belfast's Maritime Mile, offering a new and free experience for visitor and locals as part of the Belfast HUB-IN project.
New Immersive Experience Showcases Heritage Of Maritime Mile
A new immersive visitor experience showcasing the heritage of Belfast's Maritime Mile, offering a new and free experience for visitor and locals as part of the Belfast HUB-IN project.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
