Northern Ireland

Vespa enthusiasts from around the world descend on Belfast

Up to 2,000-3,000 Vespa enthusiasts arrive in Belfast for the Vespa World Days event being held in the Titanic Quarter Picture Mal McCann.
Up to 2,000-3,000 Vespa enthusiasts arrive in Belfast for the Vespa World Days event being held in the Titanic Quarter Picture Mal McCann. Up to 2,000-3,000 Vespa enthusiasts arrive in Belfast for the Vespa World Days event being held in the Titanic Quarter Picture Mal McCann.

ITALIAN, Belgian and German visitors were among those who rode into Belfast today on board their colourful Vespa scooters.

After travelling thousands of miles, up to 3,000 Vespa enthusiasts descended on the city for the start of the annual 'Vespa World Days' extravaganza.

The unique event is hosted by a different country every year, with previous locations including Germany, France, Belgium and Italy. But this year, the festival centres around a specially constructed 'Vespa Village'', based at Titanic Belfast.

There was slight delay to the start of the event when organisers were unable to open the village at Titanic Quarter due to the high winds.

But that didn't stop long-distance travellers, including riders from Canada and Australia, meeting up with Vespa fans from across Ireland for the start of the four-day scooter-inspired festival.

Ranging from vintage to modern as well as customised Vespa scooters, there was a good atmosphere among visitors arriving at Titanic after they had taken part in the first ride outs to Crumlin Road Gaol and the Ulster Transport Museum.

The Vespa village will be the hub for the scooter lovers over the weekend, with a range of entertainment planned, including live music, food and an artisan market with a ride out to Carrickfergus Castle also set to take place.

For further information, please visit www.vespaworlddays2018.co.uk

Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann Vespa enthusiasts in Belfast for the Vespa World Days. Picture by Mal McCann
The Vespa World Days 2018 centres around a specially constructed 'Vespa Village'', based at Titanic Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
The Vespa World Days 2018 centres around a specially constructed 'Vespa Village'', based at Titanic Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann The Vespa World Days 2018 centres around a specially constructed 'Vespa Village'', based at Titanic Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann