AVA Festival opens on Friday at Titanic Slipways in Belfast.

The two-day event runs from 13:00 to 23:00 BST each day and features 80 artists.

Founder Sarah McBriar said the festival began twelve years ago as a one-day event with two stages and about 1,500 attendees.

It now includes five stages and expects 10,000 visitors daily, with attendees travelling from Japan and Australia.

A free programme of talks and workshops on music, culture and creativity takes place on Thursday at the MAC in Belfast.

Entry is restricted to those aged 18 and over. Attendees must present valid photographic ID such as a passport, driving licence or Yoti CitizenCard. Student and resident ticket holders must also show appropriate proof.

Pre-15:00 BST ticket holders must arrive before that time or face a surcharge. Last entry is at 19:00 BST and re-entry is not permitted.

The site is cashless. No on-site parking is available, though an official taxi point operates. Access is possible by foot, bus or train from the city centre.

Food and drink options include a West African restaurant.