Maritime events in Northern Ireland 'must return'

19 August 2009 -

Calls are being made for the Tall Ships race to return to Belfast, after the latest extravaganza proved to be one of the biggest events in Northern Ireland's recent history.

During the showcase, over 800,000 people made their way to the capital for the maritime event in Northern Ireland and now those who enjoyed it are aiming to ensure it comes back to the city.

Councillor William Humphrey, chairman of the council's development committee, said organisers are working "with all due speed" to ensure the Tall Ships Challenge is a regular fixture on the calendar.

"More than 1,000 crew members also stayed in Belfast, some of them for ten days, and they all said that they received the friendliest and warmest welcome of any port … that is quite an accolade," he explained.

Thousands more visitors are expected to descend on Belfast for one of the biggest sporting events in Northern Ireland on September 9th, when the national football team entertain Slovakia in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park.