Northern Ireland

Ships ahoy: Final day of Belfast maritime festival

Mexican sailors aboard the Mexican Naval Vessel the Cuauhtemoc at the Belfast Maritime Festival.
Mexican sailors aboard the Mexican Naval Vessel the Cuauhtemoc at the Belfast Maritime Festival.

FROM tall ships to tugs, the quaysides of Belfast were buzzing this weekend as the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival returned for its 11th year.

Today is the final day of the event which is offering the public the chance to hop aboard some of the seafaring vessels and get a fascinating glimpse look inside.

Ships sailing in for the occasion include Irish Naval Vessel 'Samuel Beckett', tall ship 'Pelican of London', the ketch rigged Dutch sailing barge 'Volharding' and 1960s old style tug boat 'Brocklebank'.

There is also a range of free activities, music and food along with international street performers and shows along the Maritime Mile.

The festival runs from Sailortown and Donegall Quay to Queen's Quay and Titanic Quarter, and starts at 10am today.

Activities across the various quaysides range from water adventure in Abercorn basin with the chance to sail a kayak or paddleboard, yoga try-it sessions at Donegall Quay, and Wee Critters, Mini Explorers and more family fun at Donegall Quay’s Big Fish.

The Maritime Market returns to Queen's Quay and there is even the opportunity to try your hand at building a land yacht.