The annual Docklands Maritime Festival will see Dublin's Docklands come alive this weekend, with organisers hoping to top the 70,000 visitors who made it to last year's Festival.
'In the five years since the Festival was established, it has grown considerably,' said Paul Maloney, chief executive of the Docklands Authority.
'This year sees a whole new wave of entertainment provided by arts groups from Ireland and overseas, the stunning Tall Ships, musicians, market traders and a specially created children's play area.'
A fleet of tall ships will line the quays, including the Atlantis, Lord Nelson, Artemis, Ruth, and Kaskelot, and Ireland's own Asgard, and Jeanie Johnston, all of which will be ushering visitors on board.
For land lubbers, entertainment on the quaysides features something for everyone, with street theatre including The Seagulls, La Fanfare Electrique, the comedy stylings of Nautical Nonsense and The Box, from Waterford's Spraoi theatre company.
Music will be provided by Mad Hatters, The Zen Hussies, The Bugle Babes and The Café Orchestra.
The festival will have a fully kitted out children's area, river tours outdoor markets and the Volvo Round the World Ocean Race Simulator, which will offer people the opportunity to see exactly what 'life at the extreme' is like on board a 70ft Volvo Ocean Race Yacht. Admission is Free and Rain Gear Provided.
For additional information on the Docklands Maritime Festival, visit www.dublindocklands.ie
