Home » EUROPE » Explore the Belfast Maritime Festival 2025 in Northern Ireland: A Tribute to the City’s Rich Sea Heritage

Published on
September 2, 2025

In 2025, the Belfast Maritime Festival will return, combining the city’s rich maritime past with current cultural activities for a fun-filled weekend of exploration and celebration. The festival will be held along Belfast’s Titanic Quarter’s famous Maritime Mile from September 6 to 7, 2025. From historic ships to regional cuisine, activities with a maritime theme, and much more, the event offers an excellent chance to discover the city’s intriguing relationship to the sea. This festival has something to offer everyone, whether you’re interested in history, enjoy family-friendly activities, or are simply searching for a fun-filled weekend.

A Voyage into Belfast’s Maritime Legacy

Belfast’s maritime history is an integral part of its identity, with a past shaped by shipbuilding, exploration, and trade. The festival offers a chance to step back in time and experience the rich maritime heritage that has defined the city for centuries. At the heart of the event, visitors can board an impressive array of ships that have sailed across the world’s oceans, many of which are docked at Queen’s Quay and Belfast Harbour Marina. Among the most exciting vessels to explore is the Andalucia, a stunning replica of a Spanish galleon. This ship offers visitors a rare opportunity to get a glimpse into life at sea and understand the history behind these magnificent wooden ships.

The Maritime Village at Hamilton Dock serves as another highlight, where visitors can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, watch traditional boat-building demonstrations, and even catch a glimpse of one of the last remaining SS Nomadic lifeboats, a relic of Belfast’s Titanic heritage. For those eager to learn more about Belfast’s role in the maritime world, the village provides a deep dive into the shipbuilding past of the city, with displays and experiences designed to capture the essence of the Titanic and beyond.

Activities for the Whole Family

The Belfast Maritime Festival prides itself on being a family-friendly event, with a wide range of activities and attractions that will keep both children and adults entertained. The Kids’ Cove at Queen’s Quay is the perfect place for young adventurers to enjoy a day full of fun and creativity. Kids can participate in arts and crafts, enjoy circus performances, and even take part in pirate-themed play areas that spark imagination and excitement.

In addition, the Island Adventure Park located nearby offers a selection of fairground rides, providing traditional carnival fun. This family-focused area ensures that the little ones can enjoy a day filled with action, making it a great day out for families visiting Belfast. Additionally, Science Street returns this year, offering an educational experience for the entire family. This interactive zone explores marine biology, climate change, and biodiversity, allowing children to learn about environmental issues in an engaging and hands-on manner.

Gastronomic Delights at the Slipways Street Food and Artisan Market

No festival is complete without good food, and the Belfast Maritime Festival delivers on that front with the Slipways Street Food and Sounds experience. Here, visitors will find a range of food vendors showcasing Northern Ireland’s best local produce. From freshly baked goods to sustainably sourced seafood and handcrafted jams, there is something to satisfy every palate. The Artisan Producers Market, which is part of the festival, brings together local food makers and allows visitors to sample and purchase delicious products while learning about the stories behind the producers.

The market highlights the best of Northern Ireland’s food scene and supports local farmers, producers, and artisans. It’s a chance to taste fresh, authentic flavours that are unique to the region. Whether you’re indulging in a fresh seafood dish, tasting an array of locally made cheeses, or enjoying a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, the culinary offerings at the festival are sure to impress.

Music, Culture, and Entertainment

In addition to the maritime exhibits and food stalls, the Belfast Maritime Festival also offers a diverse and exciting music programme. With live performances scheduled throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy everything from traditional sea shanties to contemporary Irish folk music. A standout performance will be by Hothouse Flowers, one of Ireland’s most beloved music acts, along with Ríoghnach Connolly and Honeyfeet, ensuring that the event has a vibrant musical atmosphere.

For a truly authentic experience, the festival will feature a special Festival of Fools at The Arc, offering plenty of light-hearted fun with comedic performances and a variety of street theatre. This combination of music, comedy, and local performances is sure to bring the streets of Belfast to life and offers visitors an immersive cultural experience.

The Economic Impact of the Festival

The Belfast Maritime Festival does more than just celebrate the city’s heritage; it also plays a crucial role in the local economy. The event is part of an ongoing effort to position Belfast as a major tourist destination, particularly in the off-peak months. The 2023 festival saw over 80,000 visitors attend, with 10% of those coming from outside Northern Ireland. The influx of visitors boosted local businesses, with more than 9,000 bednights booked in local hotels, B&Bs, and other accommodations, contributing to a significant £2 million injection into the regional economy.

Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) continues to support events like the Belfast Maritime Festival through its International Tourism Events Fund (ITEF), which aims to attract high levels of international visitors and generate significant media attention. The funding ensures that such festivals not only enhance the visitor experience but also play an essential role in showcasing the region on a global stage.

Accessibility and Getting Around

The Belfast Maritime Festival is designed to be accessible to everyone, with a range of facilities to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the event. Wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and guide dogs are welcome, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can experience the festival without barriers. Additionally, the festival encourages sustainable travel, with good transport links to the event from the city centre. The Glider bus service and train services to the Titanic Quarter make it easy to reach the festival, while ample bike parking is available at key locations around the venue.

Conclusion

The 2025 Belfast Maritime Festival is expected to be a fun, family-friendly occasion that highlights the city’s maritime history in an engaging and instructive manner. This festival has something for everyone, including a variety of historic ships, activities with a maritime theme, live performances, mouthwatering food, and a lively atmosphere. Make sure to mark September 6-7, 2025, on your calendar so you can celebrate Belfast’s rich maritime history, whether you live there or are visiting from afar.

[Image Source: Visit Belfast Official Website]