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Water-way to spend a day in Belfast!

Posted on April 26, 2023 by admin

New Belfast river boat cruise service to boost Belfast tourism

VISITORS to Belfast will now be able to enjoy a cruise around Belfast Lough following the launch of a new river cruise service by newly-formed tourism company Waterways Belfast Ltd.

The MV Lady of the Lagan, which was officially launched today by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black, is the latest addition to Belfast’s long-standing maritime tourism product and will operate four daily one-hour cruises of Belfast Harbour, starting and finishing at the Big Fish monument on Donegall Quay.

The first passengers on the ship were pupils from St Mary’s Primary School in Kircubbin, who won a competition to name the new vessel, and runners-up from Holy Cross Boys Primary School in Belfast.

Waterways Belfast Ltd, founded by entrepreneurs Peter Lavery, Sean Donnelly and brothers Jeremy and Simon Rogers, has invested a quarter of a million pounds in in the new service that will navigate around Belfast Lough, highlighting key additions and developments to the shoreline and beyond that have helped to transform Belfast into a world class tourism destination over the last decade.

A former luxury cruiser on Lough Erne, the Lady of the Lagan can accommodate up to 60 passengers and crew and will operate all year round, with Belfast-born Captain Alan Gilfillan at the helm.

The vessel will also be available for private hire functions in the evening, with a licensed bar to host a variety of events.

Waterways Belfast founding director Peter Lavery said: “It has always been a passion of mine to see the sights and sounds of Belfast Lough being brought to a wider audience in the form of a quality maritime experience.

“After many months of searching, we were able to secure the MV Lady of the Lagan and, after considerable investment of approximately quarter of a million pounds, I’m absolutely delighted with the results.

“We now have a fully licensed river cruiser which will offer a unique insight and experience into Belfast’s expanding maritime history tourism product. And in Captain Alan Gilfillan we have a highly experienced and personable member of the team who will help bring the unique story of Belfast Lough to life for all of our guests,“ he added.

Sailing times for the MV Lady of the Lagan are 1000hrs, 1200hrs, 1400hrs, and 1600hrs from the Big Fish monument at Donegall Quay, with tours costing £30 for adults and £20 for children.

Booking details are available at www.waterwaysbelfast.com and via the Visit Belfast tourist information centre and website.

Built in 1998, the Lady of the Lagan is a 160hp passenger vessel with a maximum speed of 10 knots. The vessel is 16 metres in length and 5 metres wide with a capacity to hold 60 guests and crew.

The launch of the new cruise service isn’t Peter Lavery’s only link to Belfast’s maritime tourism industry.

The entrepreneur is also one of the directors behind the launch of the new Titanic Distillers whiskey distillery and visitor centre, which is based at the historic Titanic Pumphouse, in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.

The city’s first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years is to open its doors to the public on Friday April 28, 2023 and will give guests a chance to explore the site where Titanic last rested on dry ground, before her maiden voyage.

LADY OF THE LAGAN LAUNCH: Pupils from St Mary’s Primary School in Kircubbin and Holy Cross Boys Primary School in Belfast joined Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black, and Waterways Belfast directors Jeremy Rogers and Sean Donnelly, at the official launch of the MV Lady of the Lagan. St Mary’s won a schools competition to name the new vessel, ahead of runners-up Holy Cross.

LADY OF THE LAGAN LAUNCH: Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black, officially launches the new MV Lady of the Lagan river cruiser, ably assisted by Captain Alan Gilfillan.

100 Events + 11 Days = The 23rd Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival!

Posted on April 12, 2023 by admin

One of the most hotly anticipated programmes in Belfast’s cultural calendar will deliver over 100 events in just 11 days across the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter and beyond!

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival returns between 27 April – 7 May for its 23^rd year with a packed programme of live music, comedy, literature, theatre, film, spoken word, visual art and more. Events will be taking place in dozens of unique venues and spaces, ranging from the headlining Festival Marquee in Custom House Square to St Joseph’s Church in historic Sailortown.

Highlights from the “CQAF23” line-up include Sister Sledge, Tim Key, Kate Rusby, Ron Sexsmith, Janey Godley, Badly Drawn Boy, Paul Brady Neville Staple, Fern Brady, Joshua Burnside, Zandra Rhodes, Steve Harley, Warmduscher, Ichiko Aoba, LoneLady, Brian Bilston, Jeffrey Lewis, Boris, John Robb in Conversation, James Yorkston & Nina Persson, Christine Bovill, Matthew & The Atlas, Arborist, Quasi, Ferna, Benefits, Wild Mountain Thyme (Begorrah edition!), Bone Machine, Glasshouse performs Aphex Twin, Otoboke Beaver, The 4 of Us, Bad Bridgets, Jolie Holland, Dark Tropics, Hit the North Street Art Festival, Pye Corner Audio, Dani Larkin, Roisin O, Aja, Leo Miyagee, piglet, Catherine Bohart, Children of Zeus, Susan O’Neill, Beirut Groove Collective and introducing the new CQAF Artist in Residence Taylor Lally!

Festival Director Sean Kelly said “It’s a real labour of love putting together this programme, and this year was particularly gratifying. It feels like one of our very best and most diverse line-ups ever. We’re thrilled to be able to bring all these great acts and events to NI audiences, not to mention showcasing some of the very best emerging talent on this island. So I recommend that everyone dive in at the deep end, and come join us for possibly the most exciting 11 days in the city’s cultural calendar!”

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: “What an exciting programme of events from Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, an annual highlight in the Northern Ireland calendar of events which helps to bring people and communities closer together through the Arts. This terrific festival not only brings world-class performers to Belfast but also offers a vital platform to showcase artists from here, helping to shine a light on the talent that is inherent to NI. We wish Sean and the team every success with this year’s festival.”

The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival runs from 27 April- 7 May.

For full programme details and booking info, go to www.cqaf.com

Follow The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival on Facebook, Twitter @cqaf, Instagram @cathedralquarterartsfestival

ENDS

Millisle musician Taylor Lally is this year’s Artist in Residence at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. Taylor will be playing throughout the festival and is joined by Sister Sledge, Badly Drawn Boy, Zandra Rhodes, Paul Brady and more in a packed programme over 11 days… (Photos by Bernie McAllister)

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