Sailing enthusiasts on the Firth of Clyde won’t have the pleasure of seeing the Tall Ships off Helensburgh and the Rosneath Peninsula this summer.

There were rave reviews for the sailing event when it arrived at the Tail o’ the Bank four years ago – and the paddle steamer PS Waverley did a roaring trade running special cruises packed with enthusiasts who wanted to view the fleet in all its glory.

Although Scotland has missed out on being allocated a venue this year, the Tall Ships will be turning up just across the water in Belfast Lough.

They will be sailing into Belfast between July 2 and 5 and ferry company Stena Line are standing by to get Scots there in style and comfort. The Tall Ships will be part of the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival.

Marc Casey, form Stena, said: “This will be the biggest, best and most eagerly awaited maritime festival the UK has ever held. We’ve come up with a host of special packages for foot passenger and car drivers with families to get people there.” He added: “The Stena journey will be part of the adventure and with a free children’s play area, free cinema, free Wi-Fi, great family meals deals, and great lounges to relax in, sailing with us will ensure you have the perfect start and end to your time in Northern Ireland.” More than 50 tall ships from across the globe will anchor in Belfast for the start of the events and the amazing Red Arrows will do a fly past in their Hawk T1 jets.

The Ulster Aviation Society’s 'Sky Meets the Sea’ exhibition will celebrate Northern Ireland’s strong aviation link with the sea. You can climb aboard a full-sized replica Spitfire for a photograph, and enjoy other fascinating items from their huge collection.

The main stage at the Odyssey Arena will feature musical performances from various artists including, The Nooks, Saffyre, the Down and Out String Band and the Broken String Band plus 16-year-old Britain’s Got Talent pop star, Bailey McConnell, who has just finished his debut US tour.

The Scottish Maritime Museum, which has links with Dumbarton through the Denny Tank, will present a replica 1934 canvas canoe and 'the Vennel’, a 22ft St Ayles Skiff on display.

The Tall Ships Parade of Sail will see Belfast Lough come alive as the magnificent flotilla of ships sails out of Belfast around noon.

Sunday, July 5, from 11am will be the best date to view the vessels en masse’ and in full sail.