Belfast Maritime Festival is taking place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September and here is all the information you need to know for this weekend.
Where is the event happening and how do I get there?
The event is largely taking place along the Maritime Mile, running from Queens Quay right through to HMS Caroline. There are a couple of events in Sailortown.
You can join us on the Maritime Mile by walking, cycling, bus, car or train.
Walk or Cycle
Getting to and from the Belfast Maritime Festival could not be easier. Rent a bike using the Just Eat Belfast Bike Scheme and cycle to our event. You can pick up and drop off your Belfast Bikes at any of the city’s docking stations including Donegall Quay, Corporation Square, SSE Arena Belfast, Belfast Met, Catalyst Inc and Eastside Visitor Centre.
Or why not take yourself on an adventure and walk the quaysides from Donegall Quay to Titanic Quarter and enjoy a stroll along the idyllic Maritime Mile.
Driving by car
Titanic Quarter: From Bangor direction follow Belfast Road and A2 to Belfast. Take Sydenham Road to Queens Road. From North Coast direction get on M2 in Antrim and Newtownabbey. Follow M2 to Queens Road in Belfast. Take exit 1 from M3 and continue onto Queen’s Road.
Bus or Train
Hop on a bus from the city centre which will bring you directly into the heart of Titanic Quarter.
Titanic Quarter: Glide through city traffic and arrive fresh on a modern and high-tech mode of travel on the Translink Glider. The service provides direct cross-city services between the east and west of the city, with the G2 route linking into Titanic Quarter. Or come by train to Titanic Halt which is within walking distance to the event sites.
Further details on Bus, Train and Glider services can be found by visiting the Translink website at:
Where do I park?
There is no dedicated car parking for the event; however, those attending the event are encouraged to use city centre car parks, those within Titanic Quarter or the NCP at Corporation Street. Normal daily rates will apply.
Further details on City Centre carparking can be found at: visitbelfast.com/plan/car-parking-in-belfast/
Is the event accessible?
Belfast City Council are committed to ensuring that events are accessible and inclusive. For Belfast Maritime Festival, we have the following facilities available on site:
- Mobile accessible toilet with private adult-sized changing bench and hoist will be available on Queens Quay.
There is a further Changing Places facility at SSE Arena on the 1st floor accessible by stairs, escalator or lift and open for members of the public - Shopmobility Belfast will be on site (on Queens Quay) providing mobility scooters and wheelchairs for those with disabilities or temporary mobility difficulties. Please phone Shopmobility Belfast on 028 9080 8090 to book in advance. If you are a Shopmobility Belfast member all you need to bring is your Membership Card. If you are not a member, don’t worry, they can sign you up on the day! Just bring photographic ID and proof of address.
- Belfast Lough Sailability will be providing opportunities for disabled patrons to sail on the water during the event. There will be a booking service on the day. For more information see visitbelfast.com/event/belfast-lough-sailability
- There is no dedicated disabled car parking for the event. Please visit www.accessable.co.uk for further information on nearby disabled parking in and around the city.
- Translink will operate their normal G2 Glider service in the Titanic Quarter during the festival. All gliders will be fully accessible and can drop patrons at key stops near to the event site. Please visit www.translink.co.uk for further information.
Will the event still be held if it is raining?
Yes, please dress appropriately for the weather.
Can I take photos or videos at the event?
Yes, but for personal use only or if you have been given permission to do so by the organisers of the event. Professional photographers who operate for public facing media are not permitted to operate within the event space without obtaining permission from Belfast City Council and providing details of their official accreditation alongside contact details.
Who should I contact if I have any media enquiries?
Media enquiries can be directed to BCCmedia@BelfastCity.gov.uk
What time does the event open?
The event will take place from 11am – 6pm on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September. View the full programme visitbelfast.com/belfast-maritime-festival-events/
Keep an eye on our event programme for other after-hours activities taking place over the weekend, see visitbelfast.com/belfast-maritime-festival-after-hours-events-and-offers/
Can you get on board the vessels?
Yes, there will be a number of visiting vessels and Tall Ships berthed along Queen’s Quay and in Belfast Harbour Marina that will be open to the public. Vessel opening times will be subject to tide, weather and ship restrictions. T&Cs of entry to ships will apply. ID may be required.
Belfast Lough Sailability will be providing opportunities for members of the public, including disabled patrons, to sail on the water during the event. There will be a booking service on the day. For more information see visitbelfast.com/event/belfast-lough-sailability
Do I need to book anything in advance?
The event is free to attend and a lot of the programmed activities you do not need to book. However, across the weekend there are several free ticketed tours that do require prebooking.
Belfast Hydrobikes are offered free at the event and require prebooking, please follow the following link to book your slot and find further details: fareharbor.com
The Merchants who Grew a City walking tour is offered free.
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th September, 6pm – 8pm
For more information and to book: visitbelfast.ticketsolve.com
Maritime Belfast Trust are also organising a free tour of Templemore Baths on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th September, 12-1pm.
For more information and to book:
- Saturday 9th– https://bit.ly/45HI2rr
- Sunday 10th– https://bit.ly/3qxK9zf
In addition, there are two events in St Joseph’s Church, Sailortown, which are ticketed at £5 per person.
Sail Back to Sailortown at Belfast Maritime Festival
- Saturday 9th September 2023, 8pm – 10pm (doors open 7.30pm)
- St Joseph’s Church, Sailortown
- Tickets are £5 per person. To book maritime-mile.com/events/sail-back-to-sailortown
Sailortown Bingo at Belfast Maritime Festival
- Sunday 10 September 2023, 7pm – 10:30pm
- St Joseph’s Church, Sailortown
- Tickets are £5 per person. To book maritime-mile.com/events/sailortown-bingo
If you wish to visit attractions such as Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic, W5, HMS Caroline and Titanic Distillers, you are advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Is everything free?
The event is free to attend, and the majority of programmed activities are free. However, there are a number of activities which will have a small charge such as:
Sail Back to Sailortown at Belfast Maritime Festival
- Saturday 9th September 2023, 8pm – 10pm (doors open 7.30pm)
- St Joseph’s Church, Sailortown
- Tickets are £5 per person. To book maritime-mile.com/events/sail-back-to-sailortown
Sailortown Bingo at Belfast Maritime Festival
- Sunday 10 September 2023, 7pm – 10:30pm
- St Joseph’s Church, Sailortown
- Tickets are £5 per person. To book maritime-mile.com/events/sailortown-bingo
Ken Haddock at The American Bar
- Saturday 9th September, 2pm
- Tickets: Saturday Afternoon Club
John Blek at the American Bar
- Sunday 10th September, 2:30pm
- Tickets: John Blek at The American Bar event tickets
Belfast Giants Vs HC Bolzano
- Saturday 9th September, 7pm
- Tickets £10-£15: www.ticketmaster.ie/
- Entry charges apply at visitor attractions such as Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic, W5, HMS Caroline and Titanic Distillers.
Are there toilets and baby changing facilities onsite?
Yes. There are fully accessible public toilets located on Queens Quay and in the Paddock adjacent to Titanic Slipways. Baby changing facilities will also be located on Queens Quay and in the Paddock area adjacent to Titanic Slipways.
Where are the first aid points?
There will be first aid points on Queens Quay and in the Paddock area adjacent to Titanic Slipways. Should you require assistance please locate your nearest steward on site.
Is there anywhere to secure private bikes?
Bike parking is available to the public free of charge outside Titanic Belfast, beside Hickson’s Point. Additionally, there is bike parking available in the carpark off Queen’s Road.
Where are the nearest cash machines?
There is a cash machine located in the Titanic Spar, the Arc (next to Belfast Harbour Marina) and in front of the SSE Arena.
Are there any food outlets and bars?
The Food Market will be located in the Paddock area adjacent to the Titanic Slipways.
It will have a number of food stalls selling a wide range of foodstuffs including hot and cold offerings and will include tea/coffee and soft drinks stalls. There is no alcohol on site.
A picnic area with tables and chairs will also be available in the area to enjoy your meal while being entertained by some of the best local artists on the main festival stage.
There are a series of other places where you can get food and drinks. From the Dock Café, and a number of outlets at the Arc, Titanic Hotel Belfast, Hickson’s Point on the Titanic Plaza, the Galley Café and the Pantry in Titanic Belfast, Premier Inn and several restaurants within SSE Arena. For further details visit maritime-mile.com/see-and-do/eat-drink
On the City Quays side of the river, why not check out Gnostic Bar & Kitchen, The American Bar, McKenna’s Bar, AC Hotel by Marriott and River Rooms, many of whom are running special deals and events during the festival, see visitbelfast.com/belfast-maritime-festival-after-hours-events-and-offers
Where can I find out more information?
All the activities can be found on the main landing page: visitbelfast.com/belfast-maritime-festival
There is also an event site map available to download to help you navigate your way along the Maritime Mile.
All Festival Events
Belfast Maritime Festival returns with a wide range of events across the weekend for all to enjoy. Take in the sights and sounds along the maritime mile with a wide range of entertainment and activities.
