The Dublin Port Riverfest 2016 has been launched by the Dublin Port Company today.
The premier sailing and maritime festival is now in its fourth year and will be taking place on North Wall Quay between the Samuel Beckett Bridge and the 3Arena from June 4-6.
It is expected to attract an estimated 65,000 visitors over the three days, providing a €1 million boost to the local economy.
Visitors will experience a variety of activities and attractions both on and off the water. Six tall ships and four schooners will open for the public to visit free of charge.
Wakeboarding demonstrations, free tours of the Jeanie Johnston Ship, tug boat “dances” and river kayaking, as well as pirate themed activities, sniffer dog demonstrations, fun fair attractions and a food and craft fair will all contribute to the carnival on the quayside.
This year, there will also be a Liverpudlian presence at Dublin Port Riverfest and an Irish presence at Liverpool’s Riverfest in the spirit of a new partnership being developed between the two port cities.
Three major cruise ships will arrive at Dublin Port on the first day of the festival - The Boudicca, Le Boreal and Caribbean Princess all arrive on Saturday, June 4, bringing an additional 6,500 overseas visitors to sample the festivities during their stay.
Furthermore, the Cruise Europe Conference kicks off today (May 31 – June 2) at The Gibson Hotel in conjunction with Dublin City Council. Over 200 delegates will attend from leading cruise destinations across Europe, including all the major cruise lines and service suppliers to the cruise industry worldwide. This is the first time for the event to take place in Dublin, providing an opportunity to showcase the city as a leading cruise tourism destination.
Dublin Port will also host the European Sea Ports (ESPO) Annual Conference (June 2-3) at Dublin Castle. Attracting a further 300 delegates, this year’s conference will focus on ways to improve the efficiency of maritime transport and ports. In closing the event, EU policy makers will present their views on the issues raised and enter into a final debate with attending port authorities, while American economist Jeremy Rifkin will give a keynote address on the theme of “A Third Industrial Revolution and a Zero Marginal Cost Society.”
Chief Executive of Dublin Port, Eamonn O’Reilly says, "I’m delighted to see Riverfest in its fourth year and growing from strength to strength. The festival promises something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. Set against the backdrop of the River Liffey, the Samuel Beckett Bridge and North Wall Quay, Riverfest is a uniquely Dublin experience."
He added, "The sight of tall ships and schooners on the quayside is always welcome and provides a beautiful reminder of the heritage and history of Dublin Port. I would encourage everyone in the city and from further afield to come along and enjoy the spectacle and fun of Riverfest this year."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
