Sails unfurl for Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival
FLAGS, masts, sails and hardy seamen will be lining the harbour in Tarbert next weekend for the annual Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival.
A flotilla of traditionally crafted boats will fill the marina for the weekend, having sailed in to Tarbert from all over the UK. Take a stroll along the pontoons to admire their finery and read about their history, before heading to the recreation area for refreshments, traditional crafts and a bit of fun.
The fleet of boats will arrive in Tarbert on the afternoon of Friday July 14 and moor up for the weekend at the pontoons. At 8pm that evening, the stage will be set for local musicians, bands and choirs to perform in the marquee.
From 10am onwards on Saturday morning, July 15, the pontoons will be open to the pub- lic and will offer a good chance to get up close to the traditional boats and perhaps learn a bit more about the origins of each vessel.
Woodwork and traction engine demonstrations will take place throughout the day, while a selection of stalls in and around the marquee will also open.
The infamous ‘greasy pole’ competition gets underway at Jake’s Quay at 11am and poses a great challenge to any daredevils out there.
The Anchor Hotel’s Seabed Restaurant will be preparing and serving delicious food just outside the marquee from 7pm, which means anyone going to the community ceilidh in the evening can grab a quick bite to eat beforehand. The ceilidh kicks off at 8pm in the marquee and all crews, villagers and visitors are encouraged to take the floor for a bit of dancing.
The schedule for Sunday morning is a little more subdued as crews will gather at the Tarbert Hotel for a prize-giving ceremony with their breakfast.
In the afternoon, the boats will set sail for home, leaving Tarbert Harbour for the sail past on Loch Fyne.