Belfast Maritime Festival is all set to take place along the city’s heritage waterfront on a weekend of free fun on Saturday, 6, and Sunday, 7 September, from 11am to 6pm each day.
The celebration of Belfast’s rich maritime heritage is to see people of all ages invited to dive deep into the past. Festival goers can also take the innovative future along the Maritime Mile—from Donegall Quay to HMS Caroline, the veteran WW1 light battlecruiser, as Afloat recently reported.
Organized by Belfast City Council in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, the Belfast Maritime Festival is also supported by Belfast Harbour, Titanic Quarter Limited, Titanic Belfast, the Department for Communities, Tourism NI, and the Odyssey Trust.
Media partner Cool FM/Downtown will be on site with prizes, games, and giveaways.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said, “Belfast Maritime Festival is undoubtedly one of the city’s most popular family-friendly events, attracting residents from right across the city and drawing visitors from far and wide to enjoy entertainment inspired by our proud maritime heritage and traditions.
“We’ve got sea shanties aplenty, with a music program curated by Belfast TradFest, and no shortage of silly fun thanks to the Festival of Fools at The Arc. Visitors are in for a treat with some special musical performances on the Saturday evening, giving a taste of what to expect next August when we host the Fleadh, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.
“It offers something truly unique, from tall ships and live music to maritime heritage and hands-on experiences for all ages. New for this year is our ‘Slipways Street Food & Sounds’ experience, supported by DAERA through the NI Regional Food Programme, which showcases some of Northern Ireland’s best local producers in a vibrant market setting. Another first is the evening gig on the Titanic Slipways, headlined by Hothouse Flowers.
“Together, we’re animating the Maritime Mile, telling our maritime stories, and strengthening Belfast’s reputation as a vibrant, inclusive, and connected waterfront city for everyone.”
Festival goers can hop on board a fleet of ships docked at Queen’s Quay and Belfast Harbour Marina, including the Galeón Andalucía—a stunning Spanish galleon replica (click for photo gallery), as Afloat covered during its first visit to Cork Harbour.
Younger visitors will enjoy the Kids’ Cove at the Queen’s Quay—with arts and crafts, circus and dance, and pirate playtime—as well as family-friendly funfair rides at the Island Adventure Park beside the Slipways.
Meanwhile, a packed lineup of local and international artists at the Maritime Mile Music Stage and circus performances at Fools by the Sea at The Arc are sure to keep the mood buoyant.
Hamilton Dock Maritime Village will celebrate past and future with immersive technology, interactive exhibits, and boat-building exhibitions. And Science Street is back by popular demand, transforming the waterfront into a space for hands-on learning and discovery—from marine biology and climate change to biodiversity.
The Slipways Street Food Market is sure to tempt the tastebuds, along with the Artisan Producers’ Market, where regional producers will be showcasing and selling their goods supported by DAERA through the NI Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
Saturday evening brings a magical concert under the stars featuring Hothouse Flowers with special guests Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet. Tickets (£20) are available at visitbelfast.com
Those who’d prefer a more chilled-out experience can check out what’s happening at the floating installation, ‘Drift,’ and explore ‘City Sensations’—a ’range of accessible and inclusive programming at Belfast Harbour’s City Quays Gardens.
Visitors attending the Belfast Maritime Festival are encouraged to walk, cycle, take the Glider from Belfast city center directly to the Titanic Quarter, or travel by train to Titanic Quarter Halt. Cycle parking is available outside Titanic Belfast and at Belfast Bike docks at the SSE Arena and SS Nomadic - the last remaining White Star Line (tender) vessel.
For more event information, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/maritime
