CULTURE Night returns to Belfast with thousands of revellers expected to take to the streets for an evening filled with music, theatre and arts.
From city hall through to the cathedral quarter, an estimated 100,000 people are expected to descend on the city as events take place on almost every street corner.
Culture Night is regarded as Belfast's "largest, most exciting and inclusive cultural celebration" with highlights of this year's one-day festival including events as diverse as BMX stunt displays, Lithuanian folk dancing and Brexit-themed Shakespearean street theatre.
Returning for its ninth year, Culture Night brings together more than 300 free events across 150 locations.
The theme of this year’s event is 'cultural biodiversity'.
Growing significantly in popularity over the years events are taking place in locations such as Belfast city hall, Belfast harbour and the Big Fish beside the River Lagan.
Last year's event attracted a record-breaking 85,000 people into the city centre, but organiser Kerry Rooney said they believe this year's Culture Night will "exceed all expectations".
"From the doors of Belfast city hall to the doors of the Belfast Harbour Commissioner's Office, this year’s Culture Night will bring the entire city to life," she said.
"With over 300 free live events our programme offers something for everyone to enjoy.
"From visual art to opera, roller derby to wrestling."
Events will be take place between 1pm and 10pm throughout the city with some of the highlights including the Culture Night Parade from Royal Avenue, the roller derby at the Big Fish, a ukulele jam at St Anne's Square and an acrobatic show from the Belfast Circus School.
There will also be outdoor Twister, street Countdown, the Big Belfast Choir, Pro Wrestling Ulster Live and American Football, while street artists and muralists will bring colour and creativity to transform parts of the city.
Highlights include:
:: Fountain Centre flash mob on Fountain Street
Q Radio and the Aurora Dance Company host a dance spectacle complete with free prosecco and craft beer tasting. There will also be dance workshops on the lawns of city hall covering everything from dance hall reggae to ballet.
:: Caribbean Summer Party at The National
With a rum punch cocktail in hand, Jamaican inspired barbeque and lively reggae tunes, visitors are set to be transported to the hot, sweet Caribbean to party the night away.
:: Northern Ireland Opera’s 'Little Lullabies' at Baby Grand at the Opera House
Music, live operatic voices, bright colours, tactile textures, bubbles and finger puppets for babies and toddlers between the ages of 0-24 months.
:: Musical Threads at Linen Hall Library
The art of weaving and music of the golden eras will be on show.
:: Medieval Swordsmanship at Writer's Square
See medieval martial heritage in action at a workshop from the Medieval Combat Group.
:: Parkour Stunt Demos at the Big Fish
Live street performance of JumpNI’s stunt team.
:: There are a number of road closures while Culture Night takes place.
3pm -10pm
• Hill Street
• Gordon Street
• Union Street
• Library Street
• Little Donegal Street
• Skipper Street
• Kent Street
4pm-10pm
• Upper Royal Avenue
• North Street
• Donegall Street
• Waring Street
• Academy Street
• Exchange street
• York Street
For full Culture Night Belfast details go to www.culturenightbelfast.com
