News
Arbroath Sea Fest
28 July 2012
With Arbroath Sea Fest less than two weeks away, preparations are about to begin to transform Arbroath Harbour into the venue for one of the most popular annual events along the east coast of Scotland.
This year’s Sea Fest, which is being held on August 4/5, has a 1940s’ theme. As Sea Fest weekend approaches, several historic fishing boats will soon be sailing into the harbour, including the historic vessel Sovereign, built in 1936.
Other vessels include Favourite and Rachel Douglas, which are very similar to the boats which fished out of Arbroath Harbour in the 1940s.
“These boats are among perhaps only ten survivors of their type and have been extensively restored to how they looked sixty years ago, when nearly all our harbours had a fleet of these seine or ring netters,” said Peter Weightman of North East Maritime Trust. “It’s great to return to the former fishing grounds of these old boats and to go to a port where they’re appreciated - and they’re certainly appreciated at Arbroath!”
In addition, there will be a Wartime Canteen, manned by Arbroath Abbey Timethemes members in World War 2 uniforms, and a display of 1940s’ vehicles and wartime artefacts, courtesy of Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club and Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre. And, just to ensure everyone’s ‘In The Mood’, Sellers Brothers Swing Seven will be playing big band hits from the 1940s, including a few Glen Millar numbers!
“In response to public demand, live music plays a big part in our entertainment programme this year,” said Marco Macari, chair of Arbroath Sea Fest Committee. “The LimeLight Company will open Sea Fest on Saturday, August 4, followed by sessions by Bygones, sea shanty specialists Kimber’s Men, Sellers Brothers Swing Seven, Lochnager, The Declaration Band and, at 4pm, the trade.
“On Sunday, we’ll have musical performances by Showcase The Street, the Sea Cadets Band, Arbroath Instrumental Band, Bygones, Kimber’s Men, Sellers Brothers Swing Seven and The Declaration Band, as well as a Corries tribute by Lochnagar.”
Gates open at 10am on Saturday, August 4 and 11am on Sunday, August 5, with the admission charge of £3 (children under the age of five free) including children’s activities such as free face painting, the chance to see birds of prey at close quarters and fascinating tales from the Blether Tay-gither story-tellers. Other highlights include the launch of the Arbroath Lifeboat at 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, freshly-smoked Arbroath Smokies and, as always, a great selection of stalls, demonstrations and funfair rides.
If you are planning on going along, don't miss out on the opportunity to enter your pictures from the day into our photo competition! http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/photo_entry.php
For more information about Arbroath Sea Fest 2012, visit www.arbroathseafest.co.uk.
