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Tall Ships was confirmation worst of times are over
Thursday, 20 August 2009
For one who remembers the Tall Ships from 18 years ago, a time of hope and yearning for peace, it was marvellous for me to attend this year’s event.
I went on Saturday afternoon. I don’t think I had ever seen so many people in one place and so good-humoured.
This time round the majestic sailing vessels were more numerous than before, their high masts, spars and graceful bowspirits thrilling the imaginations and stirring the souls of young and old.
The Bounty especially, like the charismatic old film star that she is, was the centre of attention.
Also on show to locals and tourists alike were Belfast’s changing face and personality evident in the newly risen apartment and office edifices in the Titanic Quarter and around Clarendon Dock imparting a continental backdrop to the whole maritime festival.
The still-unfinished Obel Tower looks like becoming a iconic landmark.
Also apparent was a new carefree and confident spirit that was not confined to dockland.
It was a confirmation that the worst of times were finally behind us. It was magical!
Stan Howes
Belfast
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No Lanelle, it was only partly normal. A few republican protesters had to go to the docks to be offended by a Royal Navy ship in dock and then threaten to "oppose" the band of the Royal Marines if they were allowed to play in a United Kindom city. As reported by the BT the MoD then cancelled the band to avoid trouble so things are not yet as normal as you might think.
Posted by Deek | 22.08.09, 17:22 GMT
"just what you'd expect a normal city to be able to put together" ... that is the point. Normal, a normal city. Well done.
Posted by lanelle | 22.08.09, 01:04 GMT
Yourman if you were that put out by not hearing the Royal Marine Band may I suggest that you buy their greatest hits on Long Player and listen to them to your hearts content in your house.
Why would you feel the need to want to politicise this family event? It seems that people are never happy unless they can attach some territorial nonsense to every event.
Posted by In The Name Of The Fada | 20.08.09, 16:14 GMT
considering it was such a good event and enjoyed by so many why were the people denied listening to Royal Marine Band. a case of so many been denied because of a few
Posted by Yourman | 20.08.09, 14:57 GMT
It was okay, Stan, calm down. What's to rejoice about the building of over-priced apartments anyway? The Tall Ships event was a good show but not magical - just what you'd expect a normal city to be able to put together.
Posted by A. Geezer | 20.08.09, 12:54 GMT