By Festival of the Sea returns to Grimsby this weekend!
Grimsby’s Festival of the Sea returns at a new location this weekend, bringing free entertainment and excitement for all the family.
The festival with something for everyone will take place in a new location – Heritage Square, between the river Freshney and Alexandra Dock.
Looking out onto the water, Festival of the Sea will host vibrant street theatre, dance, and live music alongside stalls offering delicious seafood and the chance to learn more about Grimsby’s heritage.
The event will once again dive into Grimsby’s future, present, and past relationship with the sea, with an additional programme of online activity in the lead up.
Produced by Grimsby-based events organisation The Culture House in partnership with one of the UK’s leading outdoor arts organisations, Walk the Plank, Festival of the Sea invites residents and visitors on a voyage of discovery, where they can enjoy live entertainment while taking part in hands-on activities, as well as joining walks, talks or even this year trying their hand a bit of paddleboarding.
The live programme includes Castaway by Highly Sprung, a stunning outdoor performance that explores the impact of today’s throwaway society on our waterways.
Slapstick mayhem will be underway in a show called The Wave, featuring buffoonish sailors that need help on their journey of incredible highs and sudden lows as they battle against the stormy seas and The Tide – telling stories of unknown land, new arrivals, boarded doors and a suitcase full of hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Keep a sharp eye out for three mermaids washed ashore and slightly on the crazy side, dancing in unison (despite their flippers) as well as a life-size octopus riding a tricycle accompanied by two “aquabatic” fish!
Enjoy uplifting world fusion music from Mambo Jambo and Celtarabia on the day, plus the unique sounds of Boom Bike Bourree – a joyous mix of Medieval dance music and hip hop beats.
There’s plenty for little ones on offer, from interactive storytelling with the Singing Mermaid and Under the Sea music workshops and the chance to get creative in the Make and Take tent, making seabird headdresses ready to take part in a Festival of the Sea procession the afternoon.
Heritage Walks suitable for families – taking in the haven, River Freshney and Alexandra Dock – will uncover how the port developed and why it moved further out from the old town.
Charlotte Bowen (The Culture House) festival co-director said: “We made a splash in 2021 with the first Festival of the Sea, produced under challenging pandemic conditions but with amazing feedback and 95% of the audience stating that the event made them feel proud of where they live.
Festival co-director Liz Pugh (Walk the Plank) added: “We’re delighted that we can bring the focus of the festival to a new location by the water this summer – we want the Festival to create more impact across the town now we don’t have to deal with lockdown! We will use the newly regenerated town centre space by the river, and we’re planning projects that reach into local schools, and illuminate the marine life of the port.”
Cllr Tom Furneaux, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “It’s great to have this festival back taking place across Grimsby town centre for people to enjoy, free of charge this summer. The Festival of the Sea has events taking place throughout the day around the waterfront between the river Freshney and Alexandra Dock, and is supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England, . The event is part of the Grimsby Creates programme which has enabled Grimsby’s creativity to shine and celebrate our proud heritage in a variety of free and fun ways!”
Visit the Festival of the Sea website now at www.festivaloftheseagrimsby.co.uk and follow the social media channels @festivalofsea on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with all programme announcements.
Festival of the Sea is produced by Walk the Plank and The Culture House, and is supported by Grimsby Creates, Ørsted, DFDS, and Arts Council England.
