Festival fever in Belfast this Spring!

Ireland's best alternative arts festival. Now entering its 7th year it is more exciting and dynamic than ever! The programme is packed with events offering the very best in music, comedy, theatre, literature, film, traditional arts, circus, street theatre and visual arts.

Some Highlights -
2 May - Hippos in the Shower (Theatre), War Memorial Hall, Waring Street
3 May - Lucy Porter (Comedian), McHughs, Queens Square
4 May - Shakespeare Behind Bars (Sound & Vision), Vision Studios, Donegall Street
5 May - Celtic Fiddle Festival (Traditional Arts), World Marquee
6 May -The New Left Bank (Music), The Black Box
7 May - Folk on a Boat (Traditional Arts), Departs from Donegall Quay

For more information and venue locations visit the CQAF website or www.gotobelfast.com

A nine-day extravaganza of theatre, puppetry, music, literature and visual arts for children of all ages. There are more than 100 events so even the teeniest tots are catered for. Stimulate your childs imagination with festival events which include the Amozzo Luminarium, an immersive art experience for all ages, Korean company TUIDA, who bring a pop-up book to life, Baby Bollywood, and the fantastical Lady Beast Hunters exhibition.

For a free festival brochure, telephone 028 9023 0660

Check out the sumptuous summer sensations at the Belfast Continental Market held in the City Hall grounds. With plants, bulbs and cut flowers, Dutch waffles, German Beers, cheeses from France and specialist paella from Spain there is sure to be something for everyone! The spicy aroma & buzz around the City Hall grounds will sure tempt you in to see whats on offer.

A colourful carnival through the city centre celebrating the end of the Lord Mayor, Councillor Wallace Browneâs term in office. The spectacular parade will leave Writer's Square in the Cathedral Quarter at 1pm. There will be carnival performers, live music, dance and fringe entertainment around the city. Join in with the celebrations and look for the famous landmarks while moving through the streets of Belfast

With a century of memories the Belfast City Hall is the city's most magnificent building. It is now inviting locals and visitors to view a brillant exhibition that tells the story of its history and what the future has in store. Text panels, images, video and sound illustrate how Belfast has grown from a humble village to a thriving european city. While here make sure you take a free tour of the City Hall and view the beautiful Italian marble interior. Its gradens are also open to the public where tourists and locals can relax from the hustle and bustle of shoppers. Belfast City Hall is currently celebrating its centenary with a 15-month calendar of events.

See some of the most beautiful and unusual buildings and learn about the history of the City. You will also visit political murals, which are unique to Belfast. Tours depart from Castle Place.

Offer 2 different tours showing the heritage and history of the area as well as the modern developments.

Tours that you will remember the rest of your life, travel along the Falls and Skankill Roads with impartial local tour guides that provide first hand information

Highlights the city's rich culture & connects visitors with local people giving them the oppurtunity to discover the 'real' Belfast. Various tours available

Truly unique to Northern Ireland, the innovative âPartypigletsâ hire out genuine British Army vehicles that served Northern Ireland during the height of the Troublesâ¦no we havenât stepped back in time, the vehicles have been converted to âparty jeepsâ and complimentary drinks can be sipped on board. Previously rented out by a wedding couple and tourists on a city sight-seeing tour, the vehicles can be decorated for the occasion and drivers come in army gear. Not that you wonât have a lasting image of this distinctive trip, but the friendly drivers will take your picâs and send them to an e-mail account. Special requests can be catered for and the company also offer a wide range of kissograms, singograms and novelty grams to spice up your trip.

Partypiglets definitely top the most original chauffeur driven service in town. And next on their list of party vehicles is a fire engine!