Up to 30 tall ships will be sailing into the port of Blyth in Northumberland over the bank holiday as part of the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta. Watch a preview of the event here!

The Port of Blyth in Northumberland will come alive when it hosts the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta Blyth 2016 from 26-29 August.

Around 30 tall ships will be taking part in the four day festival. Up to 150,00 visitors are expected at the event daily.

The regatta coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Tall Ships Races, which are run by Sail Training International.

To mark the milestone, the event will end with a race from the Northumberland coast to Gothenburg, Sweden.

Visitors will have a chance to explore many of the tall ships taking part in the regatta.

These include a replica of the Russian frigate, Shtandart, the Norwegian sail training vessel, Christian Radich, and the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s Lord Nelson.

There will be an official opening and welcome ceremony on 26 August at 12pm.

The international crews will be taking part in a parade through the event village at 3pm on 27 August.

A Parade of Sail will take place on 29 August at 2pm, with a special music and film commission to wish the ships and their crew fair sail.

Other entertainment will include:

  • Northumberland Village. Through the four days, the Northumberland Village in Ridley Park will be the place to experience all the great things the county has to offer. Among those taking part will be Kielder Water & Forest Park, Hadrian’s Wall, Whitehouse Farm and Northumberland National Park. There will also be a chance to taste local food and drink.
  • Street theatre. As well as buskers performing around the site, there will be plenty of street entertainment during the four days to keep the children entertained. See the antics of Captain Jack Sparrow, Boom Bike and Band, Lobster a la carte, the Timid Vikings of Reknaestuff and the Cod Choir.
  • Music. There will be a mix of music on the three main states at Dun Cow Quay, South Beach and the traditional bandstand.

Event opening times:

Friday 26 August 10am-6pm
Saturday 27 August 10am-6pm
Sunday 28 August 10am-6pm
Monday 29 August 10am-6pm

The event is free. There will be no event parking in Blyth during the event, so visitors are advised to book a place on the park and ride.

For full details visit the event’s website.