The impressive Tall Ships will bring with them a sea of family fun when they dock in Belfast next month.

Activities for all ages are planned for the biggest event to be staged anywhere in Ireland this year.

Four days of festivities— from fireworks to funfairs — are planned to mark the fantastic finale to the 2009 Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge.

It will see more than 30 of the World’s finest sailing vessels berthing in Belfast from August 13–16.

From Custom House Square to Pollock Dock, the former Stena terminal to the Odyssey, Belfast’s riverside will be transformed into a ‘city within a city’ — with the emphasis on fun.

Entertainment will feature music, street theatre and magic, as well as walking tours and markets, watersports and comedy.

However it is the Tall Ships which will form the centerpiece of the event.

There also will be a fireworks display on each of the three evenings when the ships are in the city.

Dr Gerard O’Hare, chairman of the Belfast Tall Ships company said: “The Port of Belfast and waterfront will look amazing.

“Whether you stand at the Odyssey or Clarendon Dock, looking north or south, you will see spars, masts and rigging, all the way up and down the water’s edge.”

Among the highlights planned to take place are nightly concerts in Custom House Square, the finale of the UK Strongest Man competition, outdoor laser quest, drumming workshops and live science shows, all at Queen’s Quay.

There will be a dedicated family activity zone at Clarendon Dock, with face painting, arts and crafts, a climbing wall and a dive tank.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience Belfast’s Maritime history with a visit to the Thompson dry dock and pump house, Titanic’s drawing office, MV Confiance, the SS Nomadic and a Lagan Boat tour.

A free shuttle service will operate between the six sites on both sides of the river, as well as to and from the city centre.

For all the latest information on the Tall Ships, pick up a brochure from outlets across Northern Ireland.

Or you can visit the Belfast Welcome Centre in Donegall Place, call (028) 9024 6609 or log on to www.gotobelfast.com.