Looking forward to the Belfast Spring Fair

There is no surer sign that spring has arrived in Belfast than the colourful explosion of flowers, festivities and fun that is the Spring Fair.

The beautiful setting of Malone House and the magnificent parkland of Barnett Demesne play host to this eagerly-anticipated event every year and this year's fair, on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of April, promises to be the best yet.

This year, the Belfast Activity Centre at Barnett Demesne celebrates its 21st birthday at 3pm each day, and the atmosphere promises to be positively buzzing as visitors enjoy the various activities available year-round in the centre, such as high-rope walks and artificial caving.

Outside, the more active visitors to the fair will be trying their hands at maypole dancing and enjoying the spring trail around the park and spectacular grounds of Malone House.

The fair is a great place to learn about gardening, with workshops and classes taking place on the subjects of growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home and in the garden. There will be plenty for children to learn too, including the opportunity to make a collage garden.

Other activities include a sing-along workshop, an environmental maze, chainsaw sculpturing and arts and crafts. Tractor enthusiasts will be treated to a display of vintage machines, while ornithologists will enjoy seeing birds of prey in action.

The spring flower show is always one of the fair's major attractions, with hundreds of species, blooms, bouquets and displays gathered together to create a beautiful floral extravaganza.

If you can't make it to the Spring Fair this year, there's no shortage of florists in Belfast. For the fastest flower delivery Belfast has to offer, visit Interflora online and order your flowers for delivery anywhere in the city.

Barnett Demesne is already starting to put on a show with its natural flower displays that appear around this time of year. A walk through the park there makes for a wonderful day out, with the arboretum, daffodil garden and scenic views all starting to show their spring colours.

If you miss the Spring Fair, take a trip to Barnett Demesne on a quieter day and you'll have a good chance of spotting rabbits, badgers, wildflowers and even – if you're really lucky – red squirrels.

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