Gloucester Tall Ships Festival Friday 24 to Monday 27 May Gloucester Docks Latest Update – Tuesday 7 May
The Gloucester Tall Ships Festival will take place from 24th to 27th May at Gloucester Docks with a range of on and off water activities including live music, street entertainment, food and craft stalls, boat trips and family entertainment. Residents and visitors to Gloucester are promised a spectacular weekend with the return of the city’s multi-award winning Tall Ships Festival.
The five tall ships attending the festival this year are: Phoenix, Amazon, Belle Angele, Ruth and Matthew
Tall Ships arrival on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
Five tall ships will be attending the 2013 Festival and the event organisers are currently finalising arrival/departure dates/times for the ships on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. As this information becomes available it will be publicised.
Canal & River Trust is working with the event organisers to make the Ships passage along the canal as safe as possible and as part of the preparation process have identified a number of zones where a tall ship may find the navigation more onerous. These zones are generally on the approach to bridges and the outside of bends.
In view of this Canal & River Trust is asking boaters to take particular care where they moor along the canal and where possible, to avoid these areas. Boaters are also advised that the tall ships may cause a significant wash and should consider this when tying up.
Visitor Moorings (in the Dock)
All visitor moorings within the dock will be suspended from 12 noon on Thursday 23 May to 12 noon on Monday 27 May. A limited number of visitor moorings will be available on a strictly first come first served basis at a cost of £30 per boat for the three days (this includes two wristbands giving free entry to the tall ships and a festival guide). These will need to be booked in advance through the IWA Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch. Please email chris.tallships2013@gmail.com for further information.
Visitor Moorings (outside the Dock)
Visitor moorings outside the docks will be available on a first come first served basis. No booking will be required but please note there are a limited number. If you are planning to visit the Tall Ships event we strongly advise you call 01452 312143 (8am to 7pm) in advance to check availability
Tall Ships Procession into the docks – Friday 24 May
The Tall Ships will move from Roman Quay (just outside Gloucester Docks) into the Docks on Friday 24 May, between 12 noon and 1.30pm. Pedestrian access across St Anne’s and Llanthony Bridge will be restricted during this period.
The size, manoeuvrability and stopping distance of the tall ships means it is important that their passage is not obstructed, particularly on the approach to the bridges. Please ensure priority is given to the tall ships at all times and follow the advice of Canal & River Trust bridge-keepers who will be assisting with passage. If you have a VHS Radio please keep this switched on for regular updates. (Channel 74)
Boats moored between Roman Quay and Gloucester Docks are advised that the tall ships may cause a significant wash and should consider this when tying up. Please note the Sainsbury visitor moorings will be closed on Friday 24 May from 11am until 2.30pm while the Tall Ships move into Gloucester Docks.
Boat Travel through the docks
Please be aware that boat travel through the Docks during the Tall Ships Festival will be restricted as follows:
Friday 24 May – 8am to 11am, 2.30pm to 5pm
Saturday 25 May – 7am to 10am, 12pm to 1pm, 5pm to 7pm
Sunday 26 May – 7am to 10am, 12pm to 1pm, 5pm to 7pm
Monday 27 May – No restrictions in place at this time
Thank you for your help in advance and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
If you have any questions or require further information please call the Canal & River Trust on 07817 312718.
Enjoy the Tall Ships