MORE than 100,000 people are expected to descend on Belfast this evening for Culture Night 2018.
The massive annual event, which is celebrating its 10th birthday, is this year made up of more than 230 family-friendly, free events taking place around the city centre and beyond.
From Street Countdown and the Camper Van of Dreams to the Culture Night PWU Wrestling Championships, circus performers, ballroom dancing and street flamenco, the city is set to come alive for an evening of exploration and adventure.
With a theme of `Love', Culture Night 2018 will also have two world stages, urban sports, a tap-dancing world record attempt, Culture Bites galore, live music, talks, tours, walks, children's activities and `weird and wonderful' events aplenty, at venues including The Big Fish, City Hall and St Anne's Cathedral.
This year also sees the launch of the first ever Culture Night Belfast App, giving visitors the chance to design and plan their own tailored experience.
Kerry Rooney, manager of Culture Night Belfast, said it has a "jam packed programme" that "shows off what a rich and diverse arts and cultural scene we have here in Northern Ireland.
"We are hugely excited to be celebrating Culture Night's tenth birthday, they grow up so fast," she said.
"Our new Culture Night App will make it easier than ever for visit ors to check out what's on offer from family friendly events, to music and dance, to the usual mix of the weird and wonderful, Culture Night has got it all".
Susan Picken, director of the Cathedral Quarter Trust, which presents Culture Night, said it was "immensely exciting" that Culture Night Belfast had reached its 10th year "and we're really proud to present our best programme ever. Bring the city together and remember love is all you need".
Further information about Culture Night is available at www.culturenightbelfast.com
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With more than 300 events due to take place in and around Belfast tonight (FRI) and more than 100,000 people expected to attend, visitors have been warned of traffic and parking restrictions.
Parking will be limited "in some areas of Cathedral Quarter".
There will be no on-street car parking spaces available on Donegall Street, North Street, Union Street, Kent Street, Academy Street, Exchange Street, Hill Street, Waring Street, Skipper Street, Talbot Street and Upper Royal Avenue.
In addition, some city centre roads will be closed to traffic from 3pm onward.
Those behind Culture Night are encouraging those attending to "leave their car at home, or, if this is not possible, to make use of parking facilities on the periphery of the city centre".
**Roads closed from 3pm-10pm - Hill Street, Gordon Street, Union Street, Library Street, Little Donegall Street, Skipper Street, Kent Street
** Roads closed from 4pm-10pm - Royal Avenue, North Street, Donegall Street, Waring Street, Academy Street, Exchange Street and York Street
