25th-27th May sees the return of the Gloucester Tall Ships and Adventure Festival, something seen by many as the city’s signature event. It was first held in October 2007, in order to give Gloucester’s economy a boost following the awful flooding in the summer of that year. It was inspired by Chris Oldershaw, former Chief Executive of the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company, and is run by Marketing Gloucester.

It has taken place every two years since. Calls for it to be made an annual event have been resisted in order to keep the event fresh and maintain the excitement when it does take place. There is huge anticipation in the days running up to the festival and crowds line the canal side when the ships make their way towards the Docks basin.

Having them around the basin is quite a sight to behold

For many, it is a throwback to the times when tall vessels were regularly seen in the Docks, including for the filming of The Onedin Line in the 1970s. They still visit, mainly to be repaired at Tommi Nielsen’s dry dock, but having them all around the basin is quite a sight to behold.

Of course, the festival is made up of much more than just the ships and this year it has slightly changed its name to the Tall Ships and Adventure Festival to reflect some of the activities on offer. There will be a zip wire over the water, a wakeboarding competition and even Jet Suit displays.

A host of performances

It has also teamed up with the prestigious Water City Music to put on a host of performances featuring local schoolchildren on the Saturday.

Putting on all of this entertainment does come at a price (although the City Council is still putting £50,000 towards the cost). Tickets are £10 for adults, which are valid for the whole weekend and include access to the ships and free entry to the Waterways and Soldiers of Gloucestershire museums. Children under 12 are still free. You can buy your tickets at www.gloucestertallships.co.uk. It certainly promises to be a weekend full of activity, so hopefully I’ll see you there.