Docks ahoy! Gloucester Tall Ships Festival sails again in 2024

The long-awaited Gloucester Tall Ships Festival will make a magnificent return to the historic Gloucester Docks in 2024, promising a revamped and vibrant experience for visitors over the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend, from Saturday 25th May to Monday 27th May.

The festival, which has been curated by a new creative team from Gloucester City Council and Gloucester BID, is set to celebrate the global connectivity of the city through captivating sights, sounds, and smells from across the globe. While the iconic tall ships will take centre stage, this year’s focus expands to include live music, immersive performances, and a deep dive into the adventures that have taken place in the Docks across its nearly 200-year history.

The festival will offer a distinct programme of entertainment across the three days. From a Rock the Dock extravaganza on Saturday, Family Fun Day on Sunday, and traditional Shanty Lovers’ Day on Monday, each day promises a unique atmosphere for those wanting to celebrate the Bank Holiday Weekend in style. 

The festival will come together each day with a themed ‘Daily Ceilidh’, inviting everyone to join in an hour of mass dancing and singing.

The full music lineup will be announced in February.

Among the confirmed tall ships are Phoenix, which recently featured in Ridley Scott’s blockbuster Napoleon, Grayhound will be returning from the Caribbean with exotic cargo, Spirit of Falmouth, which will be sailed to Gloucester by retired Armed Forces veterans, along with Irene, which has featured in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Tickets for the festival will go on sale on Thursday 25th January at 10am. Attendees can choose between Sea Legs tickets, permitting access to the festival site and onboard the famous tall ships, or a Land Lubbers ticket, for those who would like to access the festival site, but not board the ships.

Robin Kemp, Creative Director, shared his excitement, stating, “The Docks have such a rich and extraordinary history that when we started to plan the Festival this year, it was obvious we needed to celebrate the fusion of ideas and cultures that have come through this glorious location over the last 200 years.

That sense of joy and discovery has guided us as we take a fresh look at the Tall Ships Festival. I’m excited to announce the music and performance lineup next month, which is the festival’s biggest and best yet, and audiences will get a taste of just how much fun this weekend is going to be!”

Ticket prices for Gloucester Tall Ships Festival range from £8 - £19, and can be purchased from the Tall Ships website from 10am on Thursday 25th January. Tickets for children under 5 are FREE.

Sea Legs tickets, which permit entry onboard the Tall Ships, are strictly limited and are expected to sell out quickly. Visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. 

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