Gloucester Tall Ships Festival to bring 'injection of joy' to city

Phoenix, which featured in the Ridley Scott film Napoleon, will be among the ships on show

Large crowds are set to enjoy the arrival of vessels from all over the world as Gloucester Tall Ships Festival returns this weekend.

The popular event is being held over the Bank Holiday from Saturday to Monday at the city's historic docks.

Ships will be the star attraction, alongside a music line-up featuring Nathan Evans, Brassienda and The Old Time Sailors.

It will be the first Tall Ships Festival held in Gloucester since 2022.

Creative director Robin Kemp said the bi-annual event is "about an injection of joy" amid the challenges brought along by the pandemic.

"In this market now it's incredibly challenging. You see events across the country and festivals really struggling with that cost base," he added.

"I think it's a real testament to the city council to be able to recognise how important an event like Tall Ships is in terms of place.

"Post-pandemic, all the challenges that we talk about, these moments where people come together collectively are more important than ever."

The Spirit of Falmouth arrived in Gloucestershire on Thursday

A new outdoor performance space, the Mariners Theatre, will host a programme of live street performances.

Other musical acts include "reimagined folk with bits of Bollywood" from Step Hop House, and Liverpool hip-hop orchestra The Incredible 11.

Gloucester Shanty Festival and Pirate Walk will run alongside Tall Ships, with plenty of fancy dress on show around the city centre to raise money for charity on Saturday.

More than 20 shanty acts will perform at ten venues across Gloucester, including Cafe Rene, The Tall Ship, and St Mary de Crypt.

The Pirate Walk will raise money for Severn Area Rescue Association

Jojo Roche, festival project manager, said the streets of Gloucester will be "alive with much merriment and madness".

"Welcoming back shanty crews from all over the country for a weekend of maritime fun will be amazing," she said.

Colin Brookes, owner of the SULA lightship at Gloucester Docks, said he was looking forward to the festival.

"We've got some pirate ships floating up and down a couple of times a day, shooting a few cannons off," he added.

"There's loads going on in the background, lots of music on, lots of activities for the kids, so plenty to keep everyone entertained."