All aboard for a weekend of fun at Belfast Maritime Festival 

Belfast’s heritage waterfront is all set for the Belfast Maritime Festival this weekend - with free fun on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm each day and a ticketed evening gig on the Titanic Slipways on Saturday evening, headlined by Hothouse Flowers.

People of all ages are invited to dive deep into a celebration of Belfast’s rich maritime past and innovative future along the Maritime Mile – from Donegall Quay to HMS Caroline.

Organised by Belfast City Council in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, the Belfast Maritime Festival is also supported by Belfast Harbour, Titanic Quarter Limited, Titanic Belfast, Department for Communities, Tourism NI and the Odyssey Trust. 

Media partner Cool FM/Downtown will be on site with prizes, games and giveaways.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: “Belfast Maritime Festival is undoubtedly one of the city’s most popular family-friendly events, attracting residents from right across the city and drawing visitors from far and wide to enjoy entertainment inspired by our proud maritime heritage and traditions.

“We’ve got sea shanties a plenty, with a music programme curated by Belfast TradFest, and no shortage of silly fun thanks to the Festival of Fools at The Arc. Visitors are in for a treat with some special musical performances on the Saturday evening, giving a taste of what to expect next August when we host the Fleadh, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.

“Make sure to get on board for a weekend of free fun!” 

Festival goers can hop on board a fleet of ships docked at Queen’s Quay and Belfast Harbour Marina, including the stunning Andalucía – a Spanish galleon replica - and meet the crews to get a glimpse of life at sea.

Younger visitors will enjoy the Kids’ Cove at the Queen’s Quay – with arts and crafts, circus and dance and pirate play time – as well as family-friendly funfair rides at the Island Adventure Park beside the Slipways.

Meanwhile, a packed line up of local and international artists at the Maritime Mile Music Stage and circus performances at Fools by the Sea at The Arc are sure to keep the mood buoyant.

Hamilton Dock Maritime Village will celebrate past and future with immersive technology, interactive exhibits and boat building exhibitions. And Science Street is back by popular demand, transforming the waterfront into a space for hands-on learning and discovery – from marine biology and climate change to biodiversity.

The Slipways Street Food Market is sure to tempt the tastebuds, along with the Artisan Producers’ Market, where regional producers will be showcasing and selling their goods supported by DAERA, through the NI Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).

Saturday evening brings a magical concert under the stars featuring Hothouse Flowers with special guests Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet. Tickets (£20) are available at visitbelfast.com

Those who’d prefer a more chilled out experience can check out what’s happening at floating installation, ‘Drift’ and explore ‘City Sensations’ - a range of accessible and inclusive programming at Belfast Harbour’s City Quays Gardens.