Titans of the sea set sail for popular festival
WHEN the tall ships enter Gloucester Docks it’s a sight to behold, attracting thousands of people to the city to watch their majestic arrival.
This year should be no exception, when the historic vessels sail into the waterway for the Tall Ships Festival, which takes place this weekend, starting tomorrow.
It also means road and bridge closures during the event, with all restrictions in place from 8am to 7pm on each day of the festival.
Llanthony Road will be closed from Southgate Street to Llanthony Bridge all three days, while all bridges in the area will be operational in the lead-up to and during the festival, and delays are possible.
Six celebrated ships are expected to attend the festival this year, providing a breathtaking backdrop to a brimming schedule of fun and entertainment.
The twin-masted French brigantine La Malouine will be joined by Anny of Charlestown, built in Denmark in 1930. Also confirmed is the three-mast lugger Grayhound, former fishing vessel the Klevia, the elegant schooner Vilma and the 1907 Bridgwater-built TS Irene, which appeared in the Johnny Depp blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean.
There will be a non-stop programme of events, including performances, puppet shows and shanty bands. Anchored in the heart of the city at the Quays, the Orchard Square Stage, Victoria Dock Stage and the Mariner’s Square and Victoria Dock performance areas will be home to some of Gloucestershire’s finest performers, musicians and DJs.
There will also be a children’s entertainment area, playing host to pirate puppet shows, maritime arts and crafts and cardboard ship-making workshops, led by Hugh Thomas, of My Future My Choice.
Live music comes tomorrow from the likes of Luke Philbrick and Solid Gone, with their innovative roots, blues and skiffle music, which draws on traditional gospel and folk influences, as well as Loctup Together, a close harmony duo.
Over at the Mariner’s Square performance area, get ready to witness the swashbuckling pirate puppet show from Captain Barnacle – a oneman pirate pantomime show featuring comedy, music, puppets and mayhem. Causing a ruckus around Victoria Dock performance area, you’re sure to run into the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow getting into all kinds of mischief and sword fights with his fellow pirates.
Festival-goers can also expect performances from High and Dry Shanty, Cotswolds Male Voice Choir, HMS Victory Joogleberry, Tightrope Pirates, The Harry Browns of Bristol, The Rusty Tubs, The Royal Marines Association Brass Quartet and Acrobatic Sailer – all set to bring the Platinum Jubilee celebrations to a close on Sunday.
Gloucester city councillor, Andrew Lewis, said: “We can’t wait to be back at the iconic Gloucester Quays among the crowds and families who have waited just as long as we have for the return of the festival. We have a fantastic entertainment programme lined up, which will delight crowds of all ages. With pirates, puppets and live music set among the tall ships, it’s going to be brilliant.”
There will also be boat trips, canoe and paddle boarding sessions, aquatic jet packs, rescue demos and sea cadets in an aquatic tug of war.
The event is free to attend. People keen to explore these titans of the sea in more detail can buy a £5 boarding pass, which grants access to the ships.