River Festival Liverpool returns to the city from 1-2nd June and this year boasts a bumper fleet of ships!
The River Mersey will be brought to life over the weekend with a chance to see rare, historical sea-faring vessels and experience a packed-schedule of live music and performance, much of which will take place live on board these iconic ships.
The Royal Albert Dock will play host to three Ship Stages dedicated to showcasing Indian, African and Irish live music and performances. The team from Africa Oyé, will take over tall ship ‘Maybe’ with vibrant steel drums as well as acrobatics and circus routines from acts such as ‘African Eagles.’
On the Indian stage, leading arts organisation Milapfest, will showcase the creative and spiritual connection between the UK and India with classical performances and the rousing sounds of the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band and the Bombay Baja Brass Band aboard ‘The Pelican’. The Irish stage will also get feet tapping on the deck of Tall Ship ‘La Malouine’ with shanty singers, the George Ferguson Dance School, Irish band The Druids and many more.
Other sailing marvels to get up close to include ‘The Brian Boru,’ a beautiful wooden hulled, traditionally built and riffed gaff ketch named after the last High King of Ireland, along with Dutch sailing barge ‘Volharding’ and the award-winning 60-feet schooner ‘Adventure Wales,’ a ship that has circumnavigated the world, won First in Class in the famous Round the Island Race; and raced in numerous transatlantic activities and Tall Ships races.
Historic Tall Ship ‘Zebu’ will be opening its deck for visitors and will host mast climbing demonstrations by trained volunteers and Lancashire’s famous ‘Nobby Boats’ will sail along the Mersey and allow people to climb on board.
The International Canoe Polo Tournament will also return to the Princes Dock and The Northern Boat Show will return to Salthouse Dock for its 5th year, as part of the festival, giving visitors the chance to explore ways to get on the water – from sailing and cruising to kayaking.
With something nautical for the whole family the waterfront will be brought to life over the two days with story-telling, pop choirs, music workshops, street theatre and dancing showcases, and it’s all free!
To find out everything happening at River Festival Liverpool both on and off the water visit: www.theriverfestival.co.uk, or follow River Festival Liverpool on Facebook and Instagram and @riverfestlpool on Twitter #RiverFestival
