The 2011 Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival
The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the town's calendar. This year the sun shone once again on our vibrant Maritime Festival which took place on 10th and 11th September over the length of South Quay, delighting visitors for a whole weekend by bringing together our maritime past, present and future.
Tall Ships at the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival
The 2011 Maritime Festival encompassed a riot of colour, tall ships, supply vessels, masts and flags! We were delighted to welcome two tall ships into town: The Oosterschelde, a stunning 3 masted topsail schooner from Rotterdam in The Netherlands which attracted huge numbers of festival goers, some of whom were able to enjoy a fabulous sailing trip in her and others who went aboard and were amazed at her beauty, both above and below decks and The JST Lord Nelson, one of only two tall ships in the world especially designed for people with disabilities, which visitors were also able to go aboard and explore. Find out more about the visiting tall ships and other outstanding displays of ship engineering which were present at the Maritime Festival.
Shanty Music at the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival
Every year the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival plays host to an abundance of live shanty music and sea shanty songs. This year was no exception! The weekend burst into life with live shanty singing bands from all over the UK and Europe delivering captivating tales of old sea songs. The intricate sounds of traditional folk music literally had visitors dancing in the aisles at the main stage. Find out more about the extremely talented array of shanty music and folk musicians who played at the festival.
Demonstrators & Exhibitions at Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival
Marquees were set up all along the historic South Quay for the Maritime Festival. Visitors were able to take their time browsing all the maritime related craft and charity stalls picking up some truly unique gift ideas. Festival goers were also able to learn about and try their hand at some traditional maritime skills at the demonstration stands.
Street entertainment, face-painting, superb children's activities and the chance to go aboard the ships moored along the quay meant that the 2011 Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival was once again an event not to be missed.
Next year's Maritime Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd September 2012, so make a note in your diary and we look forward to seeing you there!
