Great Yarmouth historic quayside welcomes visitors on board for annual Maritime Festival fun

Around 30,000 people are expected to flock to the 19th annual Maritime Festival with its salty mix of family fun on the weekend of September 8 and 9.

There will be ships to board and see close-up, shanty music, and the smell of herring sizzling on the barbecue - as well as street theatre, children's activities, exhibitions and demonstrations.

This year there is a special focus on two centenaries - the impact on Great Yarmouth of the First World War 100 years after it ended, and the Suffragette movement.

This year's ships include:
• George Stephenson - a new steam ship built using recycled or salvaged materials.
• Triton - the world's largest motor-powered trimaran research vessel from Gardline
• MTB102 - historic motor torpedo boat
• Bernisse - 1953 Belgian minesweeper, originally called Spa
• Lydia Eva - the herring drifter now a floating museum featuring local fishing heritage

The event is staged by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area as part of its drive to attract visitors and spending to the area. It is run by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Festival chairman Aileen Mobbs said: "Great Yarmouth has links with the sea, shipping and fishing going back centuries but is still a busy port today. Our festival enables visitors to get up close and personal to our proud heritage as well as seeing modern vessels and learning about the coastal environment we all enjoy - either as residents or visitors."

GYTABIA chairman Gareth Brown added: "The Maritime Festival is one of the highlights of the year, with terrific atmosphere - and shows that Great Yarmouth has much more to offer above its popular seaside holiday attractions."

The action takes place on the South Quay from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Entry is free, but a donation of £2 per person is requested top help fund the event.

Find out more about the festival at www.maritime-festival.co.uk

Issued by Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area Ltd on 30/08/2018