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Ships ahoy at Belfast Maritime Festival

Magnificent tall ships from across the globe have begun to anchor in Belfast ahead of the four days of festivities.

As many as half a million people are expected at the Tall Ships Races 2015, with another 500,000 watching the vessels arrive and leave along the coastlines of the north and Republic.

This is the third time that Belfast has hosted the races, having previously welcomed the ships in 1991 and 2009.

Both previous visits were incredibly popular; in 2009 around 800,000 spectators came to the four-day event, when a flotilla of 40 ships berthed along the city's quays.

Ships began arriving into the titanic quarter docks yesterday. More than 50 vessels, including 18 A Class ships, will compete in the race with the first leg from Portrush to Aalesund Norway on Monday July 6.

This year some ships will be open to the public while the surrounding area will be transformed with continental markets and bars, workshops, tours and family entertainment to ensure all ages are entertained.

Access to the ships is free and it will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Opening times vary depending on deck hospitality events and crew activities such as training or meal times. The tidal range will also affect whether or not the ships can welcome visitors on board.

The Royal Navy's HMS Northumberland will also sail into Belfast as part of the festival. The ship and her crew will play host to a wide range of visitors and take the opportunity to participate fully in the Tall Ships events.

"It is an immensely exciting time for HMS Northumberland to be part of an event on the scale of Tall Ships Belfast, and to help mark the importance of Belfast's maritime heritage," said commanding officer Trish Kohn.

The accompanying Titanic Maritime Festival will open at noon today and will feature a full programme of fun packed and free activities.

This will include fairgrounds, markets, live music and displays. Highlights include continental markets and international bars, a Red Arrows display, Viking village, hot air balloons and a fabulous fireworks display.

The opening of the event on Friday at the Odyssey Arena has been pushed back by 15 minutes to 12:15 to allow visiting crews to mark a one-minute silence being observed in memory of those killed in Sousse, Tunisia.

On Sunday, the shoreline will come alive as Tall Ships form a magnificent flotilla for the Tall Ships Parade, sailing along the lough from Belfast to Whitehead, leaving Belfast at around 12 noon. This will be the best date to view the vessels 'en masse'. The best vantage points are in and around Jordanstown or Carrickfergus or along the North Down coast at Cultra.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Arder Carson said: "The Tall Ships have anchored in Belfast at key times in our recent history and have achieved huge attendances as well as bringing significant economic impact to our city."

Police chief superintendent Nigel Grimshaw urged visitors to take advantage of the public transport to ease congestion from the large number of people set to attend.

"Our appeal would be to members of the public or visitors coming to enjoy the days to get information available and get an understanding of arrangements in place," he said.

Translink has arranged park and ride facilities to accommodate visitors and information is available on the website or at any Translink station.