Belfast has announced its autumn festival season, which includes the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival (UBBIAF).

The season includes performances, festivals and events, and is a further step for the Irish city in establishing itself as a leisure and business tourist destination.

Annie McMullan, marketing and communications director for Visit Belfast, commented: “Belfast is a year-round destination of choice among both leisure and business travellers, whether local or from further afield, but autumn is a really special time to visit as the city comes alive with a vibrant and fun-filled calendar of world class entertainment, cultural highlights and fun ways to learn about the city’s history and heritage.”

UBBIAF (9 October-1 November) features internationally-renowned artists and events, including 134 events from 23 countries, 18 UK and Ireland premieres, nine Northern Ireland premieres, three Irish premieres and two world premieres.

Other festivals and events coming to Belfast in the autumn include: the Belfast Comedy Festival (23 September-4 October), the West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK (15-18 October), Cinemagic International Film Festival for Young People (9 October-4 November), Nine Nights (24 October), C.S. Lewis Festival (19-22 November) and Fleadh Feirste (28 November).

“TripAdvisor has named Belfast again this year as one of the Top 10 places to visit, which, thanks to great hospitality, shopping and world class attractions, promises a season that will be just as exciting with an abundance of festivals and special events,” McMullan continued. “We look forward to welcoming many new and repeat visitors to Belfast who I know will be delighted by the choice on offer.”