VAN Morrison is taking on the Circuit of Ireland - and Derry's International Irish Music Festival - for the right to be named as best tourism event or festival experience of 2015 in Northern Ireland.
And the transformed Crumlin Road Gaol, where some of Ireland's most notorious criminals were once incarcerated, is now vying for the title of outstanding visitor experience.
They're among 37 on the short list for the 2016 Northern Ireland Tourism Awards in association with Tennent’s NI, which take place at St Columb's Hall in Derry on May 26, and which celebrates and honours the very best practice and schemes within the tourism sector.
The initiative - which will have a special focus on this special year of food and drink in the north - will see winners crowned by a judging panel in 11 of the 12 categories.
But best event or festival experience will be decided by a public vote (it remains open until Thursday May 12), when the finalists are:
:: Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival
:: Circuit of Ireland Rally
:: Derry International Irish Music Festival
:: Irish Game Fair & Fine Food Festival
:: Van Morrison Live on Cyprus Avenue
The public can vote for their favourite (and see the full Tourism Awards short-list) at www.nitourismawards.com
Tourism NI chief executive John McGrillen said: “These awards are the biggest night of the tourism industry calendar and celebrate the very best practice within our industry.
"Winning an award is an independent and prestigious accolade for a business’s tourism offering, professionalism and hard work. It’s also a badge of quality that boosts PR and marketing efforts.”
