Charities are set to benefit from the Tall Ships event which anchors in Belfast next month.

The port of Belfast will be transformed to host the grand finale celebrations of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge from August 13-16 when thousands of people are expected to flock to both sides of the River Lagan for the massive four-day festival.

Those attending will have the opportunity to not only see the majestic Tall Ships but to experience four days of fun-packed family excitement.

And four local charities — the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Sea Cadets, Ocean Youth Trust and Belfast Lough Sailability — should benefit from generous members of the public hopefully digging deep.

Dr Gerard O’Hare, chairman of the Tall Ships Festival board, said: “Belfast Tall Ships are determined that the August event will be more than about the four day spectacular and the appointment of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Sea Cadets, Ocean Youth Trust and Belfast Lough |Sailability will hopefully raise the profile of each organisation as well as raising much needed cash for each of them.

“Each of the charities provides unique services, from saving lives around our coasts to providing skills development for young and disabled people.

“We truly hope that the free to access Tall Ships festival will allow the public dig deep to help such worthy charities.”

Charities can find out more details about organising a stand at the Tall Ships’ expo area by emailing Happening Communications on Nicola@happen.co.uk.

For more information about the Tall Ships event log onto www.gotobelfast.com.