Tall Ships come to Belfast

In what is being hailed as the most spectacular sight to grace Belfast Lough since the launch of Titanic, the city has the honour of being the final port of call for the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009.

Since it gained coveted 'host city' status, Belfast has been gearing up for this grand event that will see over 40 vessels visit over four days from Thurs 13 - Sun 16 August. These magnificent Tall Ships in full sail are a sight to behold and, with so many in the city, there's never been a better time to get here and take in this incredible maritime scene.

Belfast first hosted the Tall Ships way back in 1991 when peace was a mere whisper away and optimism was high among the locals. Around 250,000 people came out to view the ships, and the event stands out as one of the most important in the re-emergence of the city.

Now, 18 years on, so much has changed for the better and Belfast is bracing itself for even larger crowds as international tourists join the citizens to enjoy this great event.

When the ships dock along the lough, they wil have travelled over 7000 nautical miles following a centuries-old traditional trading route starting at Vigo in Spain and stopping off at Tenerife, Bermuda, Charleston, Boston and Halifax. The race's aim is to train young people in sailing skills and foster friendship between nationalities.

This really is going to be quite something, so get here quick for a truly awe-inspiring four days of fun, food, entertainment and, of course, those mighty ships.

EVENT INFO

TIMES
Thur 13 & Fri 14: 12:00-21:00
Sat 15: 10:00-21:00
Sun 16: 10:00-16:00

LOCATIONS
Queens Quay, Odyssey - continental market, funfair, street entertainers and displays by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue and BBC’s Headroom.

Clarendon Dock. nr. Corporation St - continental market, family activity zone with climbing wall and dive tank, arts and crafts, displays and live music.

Albert Quay, Isle of Man Ferry dept. point - continental market, larger funfair, UK Strongest Man Competition, walkabout entertainers.

Pollock Dock, left of Albert Quay - continental market, operational naval vessels, interactive demonstrations.

Custom House Square - daytime family entertainment (free up to 18:00) and international live music (20:00 - 00:00, £12 tickets available from Belfast Welcome Centre) featuring Mexican and Indian traditions, New Orleans-style jazz, Celtic sounds and contemporary music with an on-site licensed bar and catering facilities. For more info go to www.gatewaytothetallships.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)28 9064 1107.

GETTING THERE
Translink will be providing a wide range of bus and train services. If you prefer to use the car, there will be dedicated paid for Park ‘n’ Ride sites on the outskirts of the city for up to 5000 cars, with an event shuttle service open 1hr before and closing 1hr after events. There will also be a free event shuttle bus service to take you around the event sites.

PARADE OF SAIL
The city says goodbye in style with the Parade of Sail on the afternoon of Sun 16 Aug when a flotilla of Ships leave Belfast and sail along the lough. For the best views, head to Jordanstown's Loughshore Park on the Co. Antrim coast or Holywood's Seahill Park on the Co. Down coast. Both locations will have entertainment and sea-inspired events to further enhance your Tall Ships experience.

LAGAN BOAT TALL SHIPS TOURS
Mingle with the ships' maritime magnificence on the Lagan Boat Company’s special tours. Sail in comfort as you hear the history, feel the winds of time and see 5000 tons of unique and awe-inspiring sailing ships. For more info and to book your passage tel. (+44) (0)7718 910423, www.laganboatcompany.com.

For more details on all events visit www.belfasttallships2009.com.