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Tall Ships: An event Belfast can truly be proud of
Monday, 17 August 2009
They came, they docked, and the event just seemed to sail to success.
After seven years in the planning and 18 years since they were last in Northern Ireland, the Tall Ships have waved goodbye to the city once again.
During the four days they were in Belfast the event attracted hundreds of thousands of people to what was billed as the largest event ever staged in Northern Ireland.
The ships were big, the venue was big and the turnout even bigger. Even when the rain poured down the desire by hundreds of thousands of visitors to travel to the celebrations didn’t wane.
People of all ages threw on a waterproof and explored the different decks of ships from around the world, enjoying the continental markets, beer tents and carnival rides. The scenery provided the backdrop to thousands of photographs that will remain mementoes for families in years to come.
Of course it wasn’t all plain sailing, as the event appeared to have been a victim of its own success.
On the first day Translink experienced problems coping with the sheer volume of people trying to travel to Belfast on buses and trains.
That aside, in the middle of a recession the city was buzzing with local people and tourists all here for the one event.
The Maritime Festival produced a common ground without political affiliation for families, friends, both young and old to go and enjoy what the city can offer. As the chairman of the Tall Ships Board Gerard O’Hare said, the ships seemed to “act as a beacon” calling the people to come to Belfast and enjoy the festival and party.
And party they did.
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It really was a great event, something your glad, you did not miss.
It was only a shame for the hard working families who attended
for the so called " Family Day Out " at the high way robbery
that took place from the Fun Rides right along every stall.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast was asked about the cost of this
event on the news on Friday, she stated " we will recover
these costs no problem ". HOW RIGHT SHE WAS.
Posted by A TASKER | 17.08.09, 16:15 GMT