Tall Ships sail away into sunset
IT was always going to be a huge event but, blessed with some scorching weather, the Tall Ships proved to be a massive attraction for Sunderland.
Throngs of people flocked to the seafront on Saturday as the ships departed for Denmark in glorious sunshine, rounding off a brilliant week for all involved.
There was a lot to see as 55 vessels docked on Wearside, but the ships weren’t the only spectacle. The Tall Ships also saw a vast array of entertainment being held throughout the city.
A great moment on Thursday saw shipmates from the boats being led by Hell’s Angels bikers for a massive lighthearted march through the city centre – complete with a troupe of stilt dancers – and then, on Friday night all eyes were on Wearmouth Bridge for an awe-inspiring high-wire walk across the River Wear by Cirque Bijou, which was followed by a spectacular firework display. And the five-day festival of ships, circus, music, including the Summer Streets Festival, theatre and entertainment drew to a memorable close on Saturday when the Tall Ships, from around the globe, took part in a Parade of Sail. The Parade – out of the port and along the coast – marked the vessels’ farewell to Sunderland as they headed out sea to start the first leg of the races, to Esbjerg.
Another parade saw costumed sailors bring a carnival of colour to Sunderland for the Tall Ships Festival’s crew parade.
There are around 1,200 sailors – mostly young people – in Wearside ahead of the first leg of the Tall Ships Race.
The sailors brought their sense of humour ahead of their departure to Denmark, with many opting to wear fancy dress as they marched from the Civic Centre to a prize-giving ceremony.
Many opted for costumes, with one team even dressing up as fish fingers as they danced through Sunderland to the sound of electro drummers.